Josh Ong
The recently opened Apple Store in Hong Kong is expected to see crushing demand when the iPhone 4S goes on sale there on at 7 a.m. local time on Nov. 11. Preorders for the device sold out within just 10 minutes of availability last Friday, serving as an early indication that the handset will be a hit in the region.
According to M.I.C. Gadget, customers began waiting in line Tuesday at noon. Witnesses alleged that a group of professional queuers believed to be in the employ of a gray market iPhone reseller threatened the customers and attempted to cut in line. The police eventually arrived to resolve the issue, but the scalpers quickly returned after the officers left. The scalpers reportedly receive $500 HKD ($64) to wait in line for their bosses.
The publication also noted that the number of queuers outside the Hong Kong IFC Apple Store number "a lot more" than those outside the flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York. A separate report noted that, due to "poor air ventilation," a woman had an epileptic seizure while waiting in line.
Police reportedly began blocking the footbridge where customers were waiting. Scalpers and consumers alike were encouraged to go home, resulting in a game of "hide and seek" between officers and the 'professionals.'
As of Thursday, the line appears to have resumed along the footbridge, but with stricter enforcement this time. Videos have emerged of security officials managing a lengthy queue along the footbridge that appeared to number in the thousands.
The iPhone 4S arrived in the U.S. and several other countries on Oct. 14. Sales of the device reached a record 4 million units in the first weekend. Apple has pushed to bring its fastest international rollout ever for the iPhone 4S According to one analyst, stores in the U.S. continue to experience daily stock-outs.
Apple remains confident it will set an all-time record with sales of the iPhone 4S this quarter. UBS analyst Maynard Um predicts the company could sell as many as 42.5 million units worldwide during the period.
Bon Adamson
Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
AppleInsider Staff
Amber Neely
36 Comments
'Surreal' does not do justice to the scene outside now. I posted some pics here on my blog:
http://penguinsix.com/2011/11/10/mas...prior-to-sale/
1000s of people are in line. There are holding 'pens' where groups of 20 have been segregated out by police and security officials in an attempt to bring order to the lines but 100s more are bunched together waiting to get into the pen (that's what the video shows).
The people in line will make about $100 USD per phone when the resell them in Mongkok and in Mainland China. There are almost no 'fanboys' in line--it's primarily low income 'mules' working for the resellers, and folks out to make a quick profit. I even saw some women bring their small children into the line.
The people in line will make about $100 USD per phone when the resell them in Mongkok and in Mainland China. There are almost no 'fanboys' in line--it's primarily low income 'mules' working for the resellers, and folks out to make a quick profit. I even saw some women bring their small children into the line.
Hmm. My auntie from HK is coming to visit this weekend. Maybe we can load up on iPhones and make a few bucks?
PS - Is that macaroni with "luncheon meat" that the little girl is eating? Classic!
Keep in mind, there's absolutely no reason for someone who is not a scalper or mule to wait in line. Delivery through carriers is five days. Delivery though the online Apple Store is five days. Only scalpers who need to pay cash and who need it 'now' would think it's worth it to wait and endure the queue. The rest of us get a nice subsidy and we just wait a few more days.
Don't bother trying to make money, especially if you're from the US and/or have to pay sales taxes. (nobody wants US phones, don't ask me how I know) HK has no sales tax, and the current going rate in Mong Kok is just over 100 USD profit. I suspect that once the phones are released tomorrow, that profit will drop to 50 USD or less. I think apple has managed their supply chain much better this go-around and lots of these scalpers are wasting their time.
Keep in mind, there's absolutely no reason for someone who is not a scalper or mule to wait in line. Delivery through carriers is five days. Delivery though the online Apple Store is five days. Only scalpers who need to pay cash and who need it 'now' would think it's worth it to wait and endure the queue. The rest of us get a nice subsidy and we just wait a few more days.
You have no idea what you are talking about - this is Asia not the US. Apple Hong Kong sold out online in 10 minutes and you haven't been able to order one since. They can not possibly keep up with demand in Hong Kong as most of the phones will go to the mainland where it hasn't launched yet. This is the historic pattern for this region, shortages that last for months.