I personally also mulled over the fact that Apple could have either DRASTICALLY underestimated demand, or is intentionally keeping supply low as some sort of reputation enhancing stunt.
A few things that have led me to the conclusion of actual demand underestimation are as follows:
1. Apple's 10 million iPhones' sales goal
2. Blackberry Bold upcoming release (most significant I think)
From the reviews of the Blackberry Bold that i have come across so far, it seems that the Bold is set to be a direct competitor with the iPhone. People have hailed it for its "bold" beautiful look as well as its capabilities. Capabilities such as WiFi, and some sort of integration with iTunes have not been seen together in a Blackberry before.
The release of the Blackberry Bold has not been specifically known, however, it has been known that it is set for release in late summer. With this potential "iPhone killer" set to release shortly after initial iPhone 3G release, why would you intentionally control supply?
Wouldn't the goal be: Get as many iPhone's in the hands of this type of phone user before the Bold is released? Sure, there is an issue of keeping up the exclusivity that associated with iXXXXXX product, but in this situation there seems to be a rather large risk.
I am currently on the "7 – 10 day" wait list prescribed by my local AT&T;store. I ordered my phone 7/15. Be assured, I have contemplated canceling that order and waiting for the Blackberry Bold. Who knows, if the wait gets any longer I might be able to walk right into the store and purchase a Bold on the spot.
Conclusion – if the supply "problem" was not intentional, there may be some serious strategy problems on Apple's side. If the Bold was in the Apple store the day I was forced to order an iPhone, I would have bought the Bold.
I personally also mulled over the fact that Apple could have either DRASTICALLY underestimated demand, or is intentionally keeping supply low as some sort of reputation enhancing stunt.
A few things that have led me to the conclusion of actual demand underestimation are as follows:
1. Apple's 10 million iPhones' sales goal
2. Blackberry Bold upcoming release (most significant I think)
From the reviews of the Blackberry Bold that i have come across so far, it seems that the Bold is set to be a direct competitor with the iPhone. People have hailed it for its "bold" beautiful look as well as its capabilities. Capabilities such as WiFi, and some sort of integration with iTunes have not been seen together in a Blackberry before.
The release of the Blackberry Bold has not been specifically known, however, it has been known that it is set for release in late summer. With this potential "iPhone killer" set to release shortly after initial iPhone 3G release, why would you intentionally control supply?
Wouldn't the goal be: Get as many iPhone's in the hands of this type of phone user before the Bold is released? Sure, there is an issue of keeping up the exclusivity that associated with iXXXXXX product, but in this situation there seems to be a rather large risk.
I am currently on the "7 – 10 day" wait list prescribed by my local AT&T;store. I ordered my phone 7/15. Be assured, I have contemplated canceling that order and waiting for the Blackberry Bold. Who knows, if the wait gets any longer I might be able to walk right into the store and purchase a Bold on the spot.
Conclusion – if the supply "problem" was not intentional, there may be some serious strategy problems on Apple's side. If the Bold was in the Apple store the day I was forced to order an iPhone, I would have bought the Bold.
BC