There are some disturbing reports circling around the country stating that some AT&T salespeople in corporate-owned stores are flat out refusing to show customers the iPhone. MacDailyNews reported that “One pair of customers, “business-owning adults in our mid-30s,” on two separate occasions in two different AT&T stores, asked AT&T employees point-blank, “If we have $600 in cash and want to walk out with an iPhone, will you bring one out for us to see?” Both times, the customers said the AT&T employees refused to do so.”

whether that is true, what is the reason? Isn’t AT&T and their employees just as excited about the iPhone as we are? The reply may lie in the commission process. In the end, the guy at the local AT&T store is a salesperson: one who earns a living on commissions.

The problem is, the iPhone is activated by the user in their own homes, not at the hands of the “experienced” salesperson at the store. AT&T has assured their employees that despite the change in activation process, they will still reward commissions for iPhone sales but other reports say that really isn’t happening.

ITWire suggests that it may plus be iPhone competitors like RIM, Nokia, and Motorola, offering more incentives than Apple for the sales staff. Again, whether these reports are exact and that is a widespread issue, how is that affecting sales of the iPhone. Remember, Apple retail stores, although spread out, are not everywhere. For many citizens, the AT&T store is the only acceptable destination to see and purchase the iPhone.

From my experience in the line with my new buddies at the AT&T corporate store in Franklin, MA, those guys were just as excited as we were to touch, pop quiz, and fiddle with the iPhone.

Does anyone else have any experience with AT&T employees not making it easy to buy the iPhone?

Original post by Chris