Apple says you’ve had enough iPhones
Way to act like my dad, Apple. So just because other people have been buying iPhones for the purpose of unlocking them and reselling them, I get punished? According to the AP, Apple has imposed a limit of two iPhones per customer, and isn’t allowing customers to pay with cash (or, according to other sources, with Apple Gift Cards). Previous to the policy change, which occurred last Thursday, customers were allowed to buy up to five iPhones in whatever way they wished.
It’s kind of an odd move, when you think about, making it harder for people to buy your product. But it appears that the unlocking contingent has Apple seriously worried—is it purely about the money they might lose out on from the deal, or are they worried about upsetting AT&T? There also remains the question of what happens when a legitimate unlocked iPhone goes on sale in France at the end of next month. We expect the price premium to be considerable, and I’d guess that similar sales limits might be enforced.
[Image via Bloomberg]
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Comments (6)
Is it legal to offer a product for sale not but NOT accept cash in exchange?
Posted by Wondercow![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://iphone.macworld.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 29, 2007 7:48 PM
I think from what I have seen in the past that stores/companies have the right to set their policies/guidelines. What is the worst someone could do? Complain? Write the BBB? Boycott Apple? I don't think they care as they can justify their actions of saving THEIR company a lot of money that they could potentially lose. The Cell Phone market is new to them so its better to be safe than sorry for now. If someone was exploiting my product, I would want to slow it or stop the action completely.
Posted by MIke | October 29, 2007 10:25 PM
Just a thought...if cash is legal tender to trade for goods, how can apple or at&at or whoever demand that you pay by credit or debit card. Thats against the law. Federal Law.
Posted by hbear | October 30, 2007 5:05 AM
Actually, if you disclose in *advance* that you will not accept cash for a transaction it is legal (see Condrest v. Nichols)
Posted by Jon Mickers | October 30, 2007 6:21 PM
Disclose in "Advance"... I would think that all everyone or almost everyone would be doing this then. Can you put the full citation up so I can look it up. Something like this has the potential to devalue the US currency market and retail markets if many other retailers decide to state that "You have to pay with credit card or debit card so we can track what you are doing with your new property...if you purchesed it out right" I smell a huge "class action" and federal intervention on the horizon....everyone get your helmets and goggles on the crap is going to fly.
Basicly what is being said is..."The U.S. Dollar means crap to us he fact that it states LEGAL TENDER on it means absolutely nothing because we can do whatever we want and be pushed around by a lame telephone company. Hey I have a broken down couch can I trade that for an iPhone??
Posted by hbear | November 1, 2007 4:20 AM
What if you were to get a "Green Card", a prepaid visa or mastercard. Then you can get as many as you'd like, I would say.
Posted by Jamie | November 22, 2007 12:07 PM