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Want to check out the iPhone at an Apple Store? It's going to cost you $5. |
xkiran
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 60
From: Karlskrona, Sweden
PM |
Given the huge success of the Apple iPhone, it’s not surprise that throngs of windows shoppers have hit their local Apple Store to get a chance to play with the almost iconic device.
What is surprising is Apple’s newest move to help curb the incredible crowds that have started to inundate Apple Stores.
Following a successful pilot program in Canoga Park, California, Apple Stores across the nation may start to institute a $5 “cover charge” for iPhone window shoppers.
Vince Sciopiano, vice president for Apple’s retail stores, said that, “Part of the move was to limit crowds to keep the stores safe, but also we wanted to keep the right kind of people in the stores. By ‘right kind of people’ I mean true Apple customers with money, willing to pay just to look at our newest wares.”
Shoppers would buy a $5 badge that would track the customer’s movements throughout the Apple Store. Upon purchasing an item, the $5 entrance fee would be deducted from the purchase price.
However, Mr. Sciopiano’s statement that Apple wants to limit entry into their stores to people “with money, willing to pay just to look a” Apple products seems a bit elitist. Sciopiano asserts, “That’s exactly the case.”
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umerhayat
Joined: Feb 27, 2005
Posts: 285
From: Pakistan
PM |
Thats insane
This message was posted from a W810i |
below24
Joined: Jul 16, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: London
PM, WWW
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I played with one last night in london and that was free...
Apple are really taking the michael with this.
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xkiran
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 60
From: Karlskrona, Sweden
PM |
On 2007-07-24 17:03:38, below24 wrote:
I played with one last night in london and that was free...
Apple are really taking the michael with this.
This has been started now just in US, and I guess it will soon be followed by the Apple stores around the world.
Sounds insane, but I guess this is how they can filter the Genuine customers. |
Jools
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
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Apple Stores are one of the few (only?) computer/gadget stores where all the products they sell are 'live' and can be played with. And all the computers have free internet too.
When was the last time you went into Dixons, Currys, PC World or whatever and could actually use one of the computers in there? They all have rolling demos on them and password protected screensavers.
A few mobile phone retailers have a few 'live' phones now, but nowhere near all of them.
Everytime I go into my local Apple Store, I have to fight my way through dozens of teenagers (usually girls) all on MySpace or checking their Hotmail. I bet none of them have any intention of buying a computer, but they don't mind hogging the free internet connection!
In this respect, compared with other retailers, I think Apple are remarkably generous with allowing people to use the stuff for free...
I can just imagine how packed the Apple Stores will be here once the iPhone is out.
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Posted: 2007-07-24 16:36
