What to do when my new iphone 5 came damaged, is missing pieces, and apple won't help me?!

Question

I am EXTREMELY disappointed in Apple. I preordered my iPhone 5 as soon as it was available, but did not receive it in the mail until yesterday. I excitedly met the UPS man and ran inside to open my new phone. Upon opening the package, I found that my iPhone is damaged (with dings on the front/side - and it is a white/silver iPhone, not black), the SIM card is missing, AND the earbud/mic/remote is missing!! I spent who knows how long on the phone with Apple customer service, only for them to tell me that my best option is to go to an Apple store and they'll switch it out for me. I was told that they will hold an iPhone identical to mine so that it is ready to go when I get there. I called both of the Apple stores "near" me (both an hour away) and neither would hold a phone for me - so I called later in the day when I was actually able to make it to a store, and they were out of stock. I was told that I should make an appointment with a Genius - but then I would have to come back later to get a phone. Like I said, this is not a short drive for me. I was then told that I could go online after 10 p.m. and reserve a phone, without paying, and pick it up in the store. It seems that is not the case. I have to either open a new account or see if my AT&T account is eligible for an upgrade - which it isn't, because I used that when I originally ordered the phone. So now I'm stuck with a damaged phone with missing pieces that I can't use, and I can't seem to get anybody to easily help me get a new one. I'm about to just call and ask for a full refund and go buy the Galaxy S3 that my parents love so much. They asked me what was so great about the iPhone 5... and I really don't know what to say.
Now what do I do? I'm tired of dealing with people over the phone who won't help me. And the Apple Retail stores aren't being very helpful themselves. Ugh!!!

Answer 1

Nice try! Take a hike.