tl;dr don't wipe your device until new one is in hand
Apple Store Employee: Do you want to wipe your old iPad while you wait for them to bring out the new one?
Me: Nah, I'll wait...just in case.
[they bring out the battery replacement iPad]
[it is the wrong color even though I'm sure the correct color was on the order]
Me: *takes intact old iPad home to wait for the right color to be ordered*
re: tl;dr don't wipe your device until new one is in hand
@kyellgold ugh, yeah wish that had been clarified for sure.