Rogers Reservation System: the latest devices without the lineups

By: RogersHeather

September 30th, 2011 a 11:47am

You’ve seen it before: overnight camp-outs, lines miles long, people anxiously awaiting the availability of the next big device. For those of you who just don’t have time to wait in line, but still want to get your hands on the latest gear, you can reserve a device online through the new Rogers Reservation System.

Here’s how:

The Rogers Reservation System helps existing postpaid Rogers wireless customers secure a place “in line” for select devices without having to visit a store or call us.

All you have to do is go to Rogers.com and sign up for a MyRogers account. Next, login to your account, click the “Device Reservation” button and follow the instructions to select your device. We will email you regularly with updates on your place in line and you can check your status in real time through your MyRogers account. When your device is ready, we’ll ship it to the store of your choice and let you know when it’s arrived.

You can often reserve a device before it goes on sale to the general public. In some cases, devices may be available through the reservation system days after they are announced by the manufacturer.

A $40 (+ taxes) refundable reservation fee will be applied to hold the device. It will be credited back to your account when the device ships from our warehouse to the store. You can cancel your reservation at any time and your $40 fee will be credited back to your account.

We’ve recently enhanced our hardware upgrade program to give you more flexibility to upgrade to the latest devices any time. Our early upgrade promotion allows you the added freedom to upgrade your device as early as six months into your existing contract term.

This early upgrade offer applies to our entire lineup and replaces special device specific hardware upgrade offers we’ve had in the past. Even if you’re not eligible for an upgrade, you can still reserve devices through the Rogers Reservation System.

That’s it. Just a few simple steps and no lineups or waiting on hold.

Which Rogers’ device are you upgrading to next?

Heather Agnew is a regular contributor to RedBoard

Rating: 2.6/5 (50 votes cast)

Categories:

Customer experience, How-To, Products

Tags:

device reservation, devices, Early upgrade, eligibility, hardware upgrade program, HUP, lineups, MyRogers, phone, Rogers Reservation System, smartphone, tablet, Wireless

224 Comments

Ryan Waddell says: September 30th, 2011 a 11:51am

This is brilliant. I’ve long waited for something like this, and I’m *totally* going to use it the next time I upgrade. :)
- RogersHeather says: September 30th, 2011 a 12:25pm
  
  Thanks for your feedback Ryan!
Paul says: September 30th, 2011 a 12:09pm

Will the new iPhone (Announcement on Oct. 4th, 2011) be able to be reserved?
fady makar says: September 30th, 2011 a 1:11pm

so how do i know once a specific phone that ive been waiting for has been added to the reservation list?
can i request to be updated once reservation system includes a specific phone for example?
- Rogers_Chris says: September 30th, 2011 a 4:36pm
  
  Hi Fady,
  
  We currently don’t have a notification system, but it’s a great idea. Keep an eye on @RogersBuzz and we’ll post notifications when a new phone has been added to the reservation system.
RogersHeather says: September 30th, 2011 a 2:07pm

Hey Paul – we’re excited to tune into the Apple conference next week too, but we don’t have any details to share at this time.
PK says: September 30th, 2011 a 11:50pm

You should change the registration page to make it clear that the reservation fee is refunded once the reserved phone has been shipped to the store! It’s clear how it works once you click on the question mark, but I’m sure that some people will be confused and won’t use this service if they think it’s going to cost them $40.
Daniel C says: October 1st, 2011 a 1:09pm

I am sure I’m eligible for the HUP, as I have’t upgraded in over two years. Is it possible to initiate a HUP to reserve the upcoming Galaxy S2 LTE right now or do I have to wait for the phone to be released?
- RogersMelanie says: October 6th, 2011 a 2:11pm
  
  You can reserve the device now at rogers.com/LTE. This will ensure you have a device at launch. As for HUP, as reserving is just to keep the handset available, there is no pricing details or options. You’ll need to speak to a rep about your eligibility when you go in store to pick up your reserved device.
Chad says: October 1st, 2011 a 2:57pm

Okay, the only phone that people *ever* line up for is the iPhone. Really, when has anyone ever lined up for an Android or even a Blackberry? So, really this is an iPhone reservation service.

Historically, while Rogers has always been very fair with their iPhone upgrade rules, they have been equally poor about providing reasonable notice of what to expect. If I recall correctly, Rogers didn’t confirm pricing/upgrade rules for the iPhone 4 until the DAY BEFORE the iPhone 4 launched, despite many people asking on this here forum.

Hopefully Rogers will be able to tell us, for certain, whether or not our reservation of an iPhone 5 guarantees us a handset on launch day, or just puts us in a queue to get one when Apple gets around to shipping the next batch, after the first batch sells out in stores on launch day.
- Delz says: October 1st, 2011 a 6:19pm
  
  Though no one has “lined up” for another phone, I wouldn’t call it an iPhone reservation service. I reserved my HTC Evo 3D through here and was 75th on the list.
  
  Another non-iPhone device worth reserving on here will be the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE. Those will be in high demand, especially since the LTE rollout has already begun.
  - Paul says: October 7th, 2011 a 1:40pm
    
    The demand isn’t exactly the same.
    
    I reserved my iPhone 4S this morning at 6:03, 3 minutes after reservations opened, and I was 150th.. There is demand there for other devices to be sure, but it’s nowhere near the demand for iPhone. Sorry.
    
    Also, more importantly, to Chad’s comment – yes.. Rogers – please don’t play this game with us every year. Last year we were leaving to go lineup for an iPhone and Rogers still hadn’t announced it’s ACTUAL upgrade plans and costs.
    
    It’s terrible customer service to keep us in the dark every year, and then come in at the 11th hour. As Chad mentioned, your offers have been very reasonable, and I’m happy for this.
    
    The current state – not far from last year before the late announcement – the average iPhone 4 owner would need to pay a $320-360 fee for an early upgrade, then 199-399 depending on their device.
    
    Rogers, please take note. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
    
    I can get an unlocked device from apple for $649-849. We are extending our contract for an additional 36 months – committing to spend an average of $100 per month for this 36 month contract. Currently, you are “rewarding” this $3600 dollar commitment with a subsidy of approximately $100.
    
    Regardless of what the offering ends up being, Rogers, please step up and notify your customers of what it will be. Customer service reps are telling customers on the phone that Rogers will likely be making a special offer as has been made in the past. Don’t leave us guessing until the 11th hour. Eventually, even the most loyal customer tires of this approach.
    
    Thanks.
- Ryan Waddell says: October 3rd, 2011 a 11:40am
  
  People were lined up for the Captivate when it launched last year. Stores were overrun with phone calls from people asking about stock. Most Rogers stores had signs in the door saying whether or not they had stock. So yeah, it’s not just the iPhone that gets that kind of launch demand.
- Shane-Michael says: October 4th, 2011 a 12:59pm
  
  I lined up for my Sony Ericsson Arc – so to say it’s just Apple products that cause a line-up is a little ignorant.
  - huxley says: October 10th, 2011 a 3:12pm
    
    Lining up in front of the counter doesn’t count.
apk says: October 1st, 2011 a 4:02pm

Glad to see Rogers is staying on top of this.
Mike says: October 3rd, 2011 a 12:40pm

I was number 68 on the waiting list for the HTC Evo 3d when I stopped into a Rogers store and was told that they have 5 on the shelf that had been sitting there for about a week. Not impressed.
- RogersMelanie says: October 3rd, 2011 a 6:36pm
  
  Hey Mike,
  
  Devices are allocated to stores as well as the RRS. This to ensure that those who wish to reserve devices are guaranteed a device should their local stores sell out of inventory before the customer is able to get in to purchase. I’m glad to hear that you were able to get your HTC Evo 3D and in future, remember that you can always pick up a device in store if there is available inventory before your reserved unit is shipped and cancel the reservation. The reservation fee will automatically be reversed.
  - Mike says: October 4th, 2011 a 11:27am
    
    Hi Melanie,
    
    In my opinion, someone who is going to use this service is probably doing so because they want to be “the first one on the block” not the guy you’ll get around to, time and stock permitting.
    
    I received several email stating that I was number 75, then 73, then 70, etc. Maybe those messages should have stated that my local store (which I had to choose when reserving) already had stock on the shelf?
    - Steve says: October 7th, 2011 a 3:58am
      
      Thanks Mike, I was pumped to use this service, but now knowing how they “Reserve” phones, I’m not going to use this service.
      
      If you’re on “Reserve” for your selected store, they shouldn’t be allowed to sell your “Reserved” phone.
      
      That’s like calling a restaurant and reserving a table but getting there and saying sorry we’re full. We didn’t reserve you a table here where you specifically called for, that would be silly… We did however save a spot for you at our warehouse of tables.
      
      “Reservation Fail”
      - RogersMelanie says: October 7th, 2011 a 9:12am
        
        To clarify, the reservation list is nationwide and devices are allocated specifically for the reservation list. Store inventory is separate and has no barring on reservation shipments.
    - Allayna says: October 13th, 2011 a 1:33pm
      
      How would you propose that be done though?
      
      I worked in retail for over 4 years – as an example we open at 10am, we can have a lineup to the door by 11:30am. Depending on how many people are working, there can be 3 new activations for the same phone within 15 minutes. There would be NO way to update the inventory levels correctly, and in time to relay our inventory levels accurately to customers.
      My question is – if someone wants their device that badly, why wouldn’t you call the store closest to you before reserving it?
Qaz says: October 3rd, 2011 a 4:01pm

Yep great idea, something customers have been wanting for years, glad to see it finally gets implemented.

Obvious to speculate on the timing when the new iphone is about to be released, this will be a huge test to see how well this system works. If it does work and work well this could be a real game changer for Rogers.

Good luck, you’ll need it.
Frank says: October 3rd, 2011 a 10:22pm

So… if the reservation fee is refunded when the device is shipped to the store, why does Rogers charge it in the first place? There’s no reason your customers should be providing you interest-free loans just to provide a service you should have been providing all along.
- RogersMelanie says: October 4th, 2011 a 11:44am
  
  Hi Frank,
  
  This fully refundable fee was added to make sure that only committed customers take a space on the list to ensure the quickest delivery of devices possible.
- Shane-Michael says: October 4th, 2011 a 1:03pm
  
  I actually agree with this fee – it limits the amount of people who won’t “follow through” with their reservation.
Roland says: October 4th, 2011 a 5:13pm

I already reserved 2 devices for 2 accounts, but it would be great knowing when the devices will be available. At least some updates.

One of my phones is trashed :S I don’t want to buy temporary one. I just want to get the reserved ones
Mathieu says: October 4th, 2011 a 7:42pm

I called Rogers today after Apple’s announcement but the service rep I spoke with had no idea when the iPhone 4S would be added to the reservation system (and he went on to tell me that “no one at Rogers knows” when I asked if he could transfer me to someone else/another department who would know.

Has anyone had better luck finding out when the 4S will be added to the online reservation system? …don’t feel like staying up till midnight on Thursday hitting refresh every two minutes if I don’t have to…
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 2:43pm
  
  Hi Mathieu,
  
  It will be on the Rogers Reservation System this Friday, October 7, 2011.
  - Martin says: October 5th, 2011 a 3:05pm
    
    Chris,
    When do you anticipate having pricing available
  - Mathieu says: October 5th, 2011 a 7:25pm
    
    Hi Chris,
    
    Thank you for the prompt reply.
    
    My follow-up question is at what time (EST) will the system go live? I read that Apple is doing pre-orders on their own website starting at 12:01am PST and I was wondering what time Rogers will be starting?
    
    Thanks!
    Mathieu
    - Rogers_Chris says: October 6th, 2011 a 5:45pm
      
      Hi Mathieu,
      
      It will be in the Rogers Reservation System at 6 a.m. EST on Friday morning.
brock says: October 4th, 2011 a 10:29pm

i have one account with 2 cell numbers, mine and my wifes. Its is not a family plan. Can I reserve a new iphone 4s for each of us? I do not have twitter, is there any other way I can be notified to when the iphone 4s is added to the reservation list under my rogers account? Thanks
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 3:08pm
  
  Hi brock,
  
  It will be on the Rogers Reservation System on Friday.
aj says: October 4th, 2011 a 11:19pm

is there any updates on the iphone 4S’s availability for reservation?

thanks
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 2:45pm
  
  Hi aj,
  
  It will be on the Rogers Reservation System this Friday, October 7, 2011.
Mimi says: October 5th, 2011 a 2:06am

Will the iPhone 4S be added to the list on Oct. 7?
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 2:49pm
  
  Yes it will, Mimi.
Brent says: October 5th, 2011 a 8:14am

Is this available for Small Business customers?
- Kalson says: October 6th, 2011 a 1:37pm
  
  I asked the same question and they deleted it and didn’t bother answering you.
  
  It’s a Yes or No answer. I wish they would take some time to answer their customers.
Ken says: October 5th, 2011 a 9:13am

Hey there, Will i be able to reserve the iPhone 4S through this system? Thanks.
Sanchez says: October 5th, 2011 a 9:14am

Will the iPhone 4S be made available on the reservation system? If so, when? I’m only seeing the following options:

- Blackberry
- LTE Mobile Internet
- LTE Smartphone
- LTE Tablet
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 2:52pm
  
  Hello Sanchez,
  
  It will be there on Friday, October 7, 2011.
  - Mario Bianco says: October 6th, 2011 a 9:33am
    
    What time Easten on Friday will it be added to the res list?
    - Rogers_Chris says: October 6th, 2011 a 5:18pm
      
      Hi Mario – 6 a.m. EST
      - mario says: October 6th, 2011 a 10:12pm
        
        thanks for the response
      - Andre says: October 7th, 2011 a 6:47am
        
        Service not available whet at 6:47
      - RogersMelanie says: October 7th, 2011 a 9:17am
        
        Were you able to get through?
      - Andre says: October 7th, 2011 a 12:40pm
        
        Yes, I gest was because of surge of traffic this mornig. I did reserve mine. Thanks for the follow up
Dave says: October 5th, 2011 a 10:25am

Are you guys goin to offer pre orders for the Iphone 4S through my Rogers? If so will it be soon since the phone is due out next week.
- Rogers_Chris says: October 5th, 2011 a 3:05pm
  
  We sure will, Dave. Check back on Friday, October 7, 2011.