We all know the iPhone requires a 2-year at&t contract. And an at&t contract mandates a credit check + approval.
If you don't have a solid, established credit history, with a fair to high score, you will either be denied a subscription or required to provide a hefty up-front deposit.
This immediately prohibits any teenager from going and buying the iPhone themselves. (Ouch, big youth market Apple likes.)
This also immediately prohibits any relative/friend/significant other from purchasing an iPhone as a gift for their loved one during the frantic Holiday season, a graduation, birthday, etc. unless they feel comfortable putting down their Social Security # and footing the monthly bill that will be sent their way for the next 2 years. (Ouch, big Seasonal market Apple likes.)
It will be interesting to see how this new dynamic affects sales numbers and ability for people to actually walk out the door with the product since there are unique circumstances and requisites to purchasing this device which do not surround traditional iPods.
If you don't have a solid, established credit history, with a fair to high score, you will either be denied a subscription or required to provide a hefty up-front deposit.
This immediately prohibits any teenager from going and buying the iPhone themselves. (Ouch, big youth market Apple likes.)
This also immediately prohibits any relative/friend/significant other from purchasing an iPhone as a gift for their loved one during the frantic Holiday season, a graduation, birthday, etc. unless they feel comfortable putting down their Social Security # and footing the monthly bill that will be sent their way for the next 2 years. (Ouch, big Seasonal market Apple likes.)
It will be interesting to see how this new dynamic affects sales numbers and ability for people to actually walk out the door with the product since there are unique circumstances and requisites to purchasing this device which do not surround traditional iPods.
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