I first went to the ATT store on the 12th to order a new iphone / service.  The rep assured me he would set aside the three phones I needed from their next shipment (he guessed under 7 days - around wednesday) and call us when they came in, until then we were issued temporary sony ericssons. 
I started to get suspicious pretty quick after reading about direct fulfillment since that was definately not what I had done. 
I called the store on the Wednesday the rep predicted a new shipment in and had my fears confirmed.  Some "policy had changed" and although they had received two additional shipments of phones in none had been set aside.  I would have to come in and order new phones from direct fulfillment. 
Where is the communication?

I placed an order for three phones on the 16th and was told they would arrive in 7-10 days.  On day 12 the eight gigabyte version arrived and ATT called us to come get it.  Unfortunately, by the time we got down there some system malfunction prevented them from giving us the phone.  Again, where was the communication?

I am now waiting for the two remaining 16 gig iphones to arrive, but seeing how I'm numbers 5 and 6 in the queue and the drought of shipments from ATT over the last two days I doubt the phones will arrive before the week is up.

I wish the ATT management did a better job at keeping their staff informed.

Day 13 or 18 when I first thought I ordered the phones.