Whenever a new iPhone comes out, they run out pretty quickly. When I was working at Vodafone, and the 4S was just announced, there was a 4 month waiting period. If you're that desperate for one, you'll just have to check all the shops, or online.

Call surrounding apple stores. Verizon stores. AT&T stores.

Ask if they have the effing phone in stock before you go.

You: Yes, hello. Does your store currently have the Apple iPhone 5 in stock? How much is it? Ah, I see. The price is rather steep, as I am a type-writer repairman. Yes, we are a dying breed. Anyhow, may I reserve one unit of the phone in question? Yes you say? Also, would it cheaper if I wave a gun in your face? Oh, it isn't? Oh well. Okay, what if I set up a plan with your network? Oh, it is? Well, thank you. I will have to do that. My last name is Bob. I will be coming by at 2 in the morning to check out and most definitely buy your merchandise. Please reserve one for me, I'll even give you my many cats as a gift. You don't want them? Your loss.

It should sound something like that.

Can you talk your parents into buying an Android phone?

highfive

@Gargron Well said.

Just buy galaxy s 3. Dont be an idiot.

The Nexus 4 is also a very nice option.

@Gargron yes this.

Samsung Galaxy's are in stock everywhere, have so much stuff iPhones don't have, Android market place has so many free independent apps, GOOGLE FUCKING MAPS, bigger screens, better cameras, etc.

One of my friends is switching from the iPhone 4S to an Andriod because of how much hassle her iPhone gives her.

I'm with @Gargron on this one. My reason is that I have an Android phone (Motorola Maxx) & this phone literally is my bestfriend. I'm in college and the Android consist of many apps that do benefit me.

Besides I heard that the new iPhone has been causing people a lot trouble. But ultimately it's your decision.

Wow guys, the reading comprehension in this thread is really bad, I'll say. It's not about options, it's about "MY PARENTS IS ASKING ME FOR ONE!". And it's not like I haven't tried to talk to them about the wonders of Android.

You see, my parents are business people. For business people, usability and practicality comes second to SWAG. I know this because THEY BOTH ALREADY HAVE ANDROIDS (Two Galaxy Note 2 in fact) which aren't as much pain in the arse to get as an iPhone.

That is also why they're asking me to buy ONE. They only want it to show off and so they can 'use' it inbetween each other. You might think it's stupid, but in the business world, an iPhone 5 can make A LOT of difference in the amount of income we can bring in.

I personally use the newly released Droid Maxx HD and I really don't need an iPhone as much as Apple needs to market the iPhone. It's just that, my parents do and it's their livelihood. And their livelihood is also mine so it's also my problem.

@SENsei

Alright, my locale is unfortunately, The Bay Area, aka hipster capital of the world. I haven't tried much outside of the Apple store but I will try to call the three providers that carry the iPhone. I'm just afraid that some models are factory-locked though which might make the jailbreaking a little tricky.

And I can buy online but my parents really want them ASAP. I just tried buying from the Verizon website but I'm really crossing my fingers on whether it'd work or not. I guess I'll have more info by tomorrow.

@eterno Most phone providers offer next day delivery on new phones (at least in the UK) and I thought Blackberry was the business weapons of choice? I hope it dies out, Crapberry's are even worse than the iPhone.

Try electronic stores like Best Buy and Radio Shack too...

I lost it at business people, d-doushio forgive me.

It is pretty tasteless to say "Just get this other phone instead" when someone is specifically asked to get one particular phone by an outside authority, regardless of your feelings on the matter. Things don't really work that way when it's not a matter of personal preference.

When it's apple I think it's an exception, y'know.

Can you talk your parents into buying an Android phone?

Can you?

I wasn't trying to be rude or anything, I just wanted to know if there were options. Now I know that there aren't.

I have an iPhone 5, and I like it :O

In Canada, it's supposedly easier to get one...I got mine the day it came out without having to line up, but that was through a phone company. From what I hear, getting one in America is way harder. I would say to keep phoning around apple stores close to you, phone companies, and if it isn't in, either ask to see if they can put one on hold for you for the next shipment that comes in, wait, or just order it online. I highly doubt there will be some kind of magical way to just get one as the phone is still comparatively new, so wait time for a phone that is generally quite popular should be expected.

@SENsei Please stop attacking my posts all the time, thanks.

@Ashkachan: Please stop asking for it all the time, thanks.

Well, just gone back from verizon and guess what? It didn't work out :(

If I want to buy an iPhone 5, it seems I'll have to pay an additional $400 OR give up my current number for an iPhone that I will never use.

My best bet would be to buy one directly from an Apple Store and buy it without a contract. So that's the tricky part: finding an Apple store that has a surplus for an iPhone.

But Apple store is weird. I ask the guy at the door and they say they got one in stock but when I get to the counter, they say "No, we're out.". Ask another blue shirt and he'll tell me to come back the next day. Really, how could a store be so inconsistent with their own stock?