With the popularity of the iPhone 4S in Hong Kong, many people have become unauthorized resellers of Apple’s latest offering. Naturally, the prices go up when buying from these profit-conscious individuals, putting regular customers at a disadvantage.
To address this concern, buying an iPhone 4S in Hong Kong will no longer be on a first-come first-served basis.
Apple has introduced its own system, which requires an individual to go to a specific website if they are interested in buying one and fill up a form with personal data such as their ID number.
How the New Reservation System Works
There are specific hours when such reservations may be made, and those lucky enough to be picked will be given a reservation slot and other details for the pickup. In this lottery-style system, everybody gets an equal chance, unlike the previous system which was subject to abuse by those who want to make a quick profit from the popularity of the iPhone 4S.
This new system is designed to curb the activities of unauthorized resellers who buy in bulk and sell at inflated prices. By requiring personal identification and limiting the number of units per person, Apple aims to ensure that genuine customers have a fair chance to purchase the device at the standard retail price.
Impact on the Market and Customer Experience
The introduction of this reservation system has had a significant impact on the market dynamics in Hong Kong. Regular customers now have a more structured and fair opportunity to buy the iPhone 4S without having to compete with resellers. This move has been largely welcomed by the public, as it reduces the stress and uncertainty associated with purchasing high-demand products.
Moreover, this system also helps Apple maintain its brand integrity and customer satisfaction. By ensuring that the iPhone 4S reaches genuine users rather than profiteers, Apple can better control the user experience and gather more accurate feedback on their products.
Additionally, this approach could serve as a model for other high-demand product launches in the future. Companies facing similar issues with unauthorized reselling might adopt similar strategies to protect their customers and brand reputation.
Via: itproportal
Apple has now announced the iPhone 5, have a look at our article on the difference between the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 to see all about the new iPhone 5.
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