Apple's (AAPL) iPhone 4S Release in China a Mess...
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Price: $313.39 +0.88%
Overall Analyst Rating:
SELL (= Flat)
Dividend Yield: 0.4%
Revenue Growth %: +15.8%
Overall Analyst Rating:
SELL (= Flat)
Dividend Yield: 0.4%
Revenue Growth %: +15.8%
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Here's one way to cut down on piracy and counterfeit goods in China: release products in a timely manner.
According to reports Thursday and Friday, patient customers waiting hours for the release of Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone 4S got irate when the main Apple store in Beijing said it would not open. One customer threw eggs at the store as a show of aggravation.
While Apple cancelled deliveries at five other locations in China following the incident, the iPhone 4S is still available through authorized resellers and carriers, such as China Unicom (NYSE: CHU).
A shorter delay in the release between product launches in the U.S. and Europe, and then China, would cut down on fake goods hitting the Chinese market. One analyst from Canalys said Chinese customers don't want to wait, and Apple launching devices in China sooner would avoid having customers feel like they're already late to the game.
Another analyst from Beijing-based Marbridge Consulting said Apple might also consider selling devices through online sales. He cited Chinese smartphone firm Xiaomi, which sold its first device solely online, garnering thousands of orders in the process.
But Apple is no Xiaomi. Apple fanboys or girls generally aren't going to want to wait for the privilege. Part of the lining-up process is also about networking and sharing with like-minded people, which is why launches in the U.S. have become an event for many. Loyal Apple devotees can talk about the new device, share apps, and network while waiting for the latest and greatest to debut.
The entire event will likely prove a lessen for Apple. Primarily, the company should focus on anticipating demand and meeting it accordingly. Otherwise, investing in and passing out thousands of Nerf balls might not be a bad decision either.
Apple shares are currently indicated to open slightly higher Friday morning.
According to reports Thursday and Friday, patient customers waiting hours for the release of Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone 4S got irate when the main Apple store in Beijing said it would not open. One customer threw eggs at the store as a show of aggravation.
While Apple cancelled deliveries at five other locations in China following the incident, the iPhone 4S is still available through authorized resellers and carriers, such as China Unicom (NYSE: CHU).
A shorter delay in the release between product launches in the U.S. and Europe, and then China, would cut down on fake goods hitting the Chinese market. One analyst from Canalys said Chinese customers don't want to wait, and Apple launching devices in China sooner would avoid having customers feel like they're already late to the game.
Another analyst from Beijing-based Marbridge Consulting said Apple might also consider selling devices through online sales. He cited Chinese smartphone firm Xiaomi, which sold its first device solely online, garnering thousands of orders in the process.
But Apple is no Xiaomi. Apple fanboys or girls generally aren't going to want to wait for the privilege. Part of the lining-up process is also about networking and sharing with like-minded people, which is why launches in the U.S. have become an event for many. Loyal Apple devotees can talk about the new device, share apps, and network while waiting for the latest and greatest to debut.
The entire event will likely prove a lessen for Apple. Primarily, the company should focus on anticipating demand and meeting it accordingly. Otherwise, investing in and passing out thousands of Nerf balls might not be a bad decision either.
Apple shares are currently indicated to open slightly higher Friday morning.
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