3G iPhone $199 - Why the missing asterick will costs you more
Released on: July 6, 2008, 8:48 pm
Press Release Author: Roy Milton
Industry: Advertising
Press Release Summary: The published price being advertised all over for the new apple iphone 3G is $199.what they are not telling you is that price is only for new ATT customers and those current ATT customers who happen to be eligible for an equipment upgrade (according to ATT, upgrade eligibility is "generally" determined by the amount of time remaining on a current contract).
Press Release Body: Like many consumers I was relieved. even excited at the unveiling of the $199 3G iPhone during Steve Jobs keynote address at the WWDC conference in San Francisco. I thought to myself, "Apple and AT&T must really want as many people as possible to be able to afford the iPhone, so they cut the price in half!" Not exactly. As a long-time (5+ years) AT&T customer, it wasn't until I began researching the details of the 3G iPhones plan that I realized how I had been bamboozled. I was shocked! The $199 3G 8gb iPhone only applies to new AT&T customers or "qualified customers"! If you are a current customer of AT&T, beware!!! That $199 8g iPhone will actually cost you $399. plus the increase in data plan if you're in the middle of your contract. WAIT, isn't that the same price as last years phone? You bet! As a current customer, if you're not "eligible for an equipment upgrade" at that time, $399 is your actual cost for an "early upgrade." Yes, you heard me right, $200 more. AT&T's marketing ploy is to get as many new customer converts on the higher monthly data plan. Don't worry current customers, you're not a concern. Sorry. It's not about you.
When I asked if AT&T had a customer loyalty program for long-time customers, this was their response:
"Dear Mr. Milton,
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail the new AT&T regarding your [service in question]. I am happy to help you with your inquiry.
I apologize for any misunderstanding about the iPhone pricing. Unfortunately, we are unable to modify the pricing on the 3G iPhone. You will have the option to purchase the 8GB model for $399 or the 16GB for $499. To get the $199 or $299 pricing, you will have to upgrade on 11/8/2008. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Mr. Milton, you have many choices regarding wireless service providers. We appreciate your loyalty and that you have been an AT&T customer for many years.
We encourage you to visit our web site often to view current and previous monthly statements, make payments and to shop for new product and service offerings. Thank you for choosing AT&T!
Sincerely,
Victor Salas AT&T Online Customer Care Professional"
The advertising for the new 3G iPhone has been extremely misleading. When Steve Jobs announced the price of the 3G iPhone during his keynote address, there was a big $199 on the screen behind him, instead he should have had an asterick next to the price! That would have at least been closer to the truth.
As a customer, whose account is in good standing each month, and who uses other AT&T services, why should I be penalized an additional $200 for wanting to purchase a 3G iPhone? Isn't it Steve Jobs' goal to make the iPhone a worldwide device and in as many consumers hands as possible? If so, this is surely not the path to victory! AT&T would actually make more money with the higher data plan accompanied with the 3G iPhone if they did not penalize their current customers who are willing to commit an additional 2 year contract more easily. Don't bite the hand that pays your bills AT&T! Penalizing current customers who are not "upgrade eligible" an extra $200 vs. new customers is simply unacceptable.
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