Thursday, June 28, 2007

Capitalism At Work: iWait for iPhone

Ah the free market system. Craigslist has a series of ads for people who will stand in line in order to purchase iPhones for others, according to Information Week.

Controlling supply to build this hype and get the media to cover the long lines waiting for the iPhone (just as has been done for the Xbox, Wii and other game consoles) is a great marketing strategy. Apple has mastered the art of making its brand a status symbol, and consumers are only too willing to literally kill for the right to buy something (as happened with the consoles) before others.

People have been manipulated to believe that this want has become a need, when everyone paying through the nose already has a working cell phone.

This is capitalism at its best, and avariciousness at its worst. It amazes me that people feel compelled to spend significant sums and hours just to be one of the first thousands to buy something that will be readily available in the weeks to come. Clever marketing preys on this weakness.

Posted By John Gartner at 01:23 PM
Permanent Link: Capitalism At Work: iWait for iPhone | Comments (1)

(1) Comments on Capitalism At Work: iWait for iPhone

I also won't be standing in line anytime soon for an iPhone. First, I was so disappointed in my service when I was with AT&T Wireless several years ago that I fear signing up with them again, particularly with the $175 early termination fee. I also read an article from Gartner IT today explaining the long list of reasons the iPhone should not be used for businesses. While early adopters and some market segments will rush to get their iPhones, I'm holding out to see the sales numbers over time.

Comments by Susan Gunelius : Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 11:23 PM

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