Apple Care Plus

I understand Apple has limited the purchase of Apple Care Plus to within the first 30 days of purchase. However for online orders, does the "purchase" start when the order is placed or when the iPad is shipped/received?

I ask because my order was placed March 12, but is not expected to arrive until April 12. If I do not want to purchase in advance, am I SOL?

Source: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1347635&goto=newpost

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