A rant about the lack of preorders for iPhone 5s

This really isn't about why there are no preorders. Color me indifferent, but I do not care why they decided not to do preorders.

I care that Apple skipped out on them for the 5s entirely.

I refuse to stand in line to buy this phone when I have been a loyal customer who has owned every version of their iPhone product.

It's a slap in the face to the regulars. Like I wanna take a day off (or worse, attempt to get any work done in line) to buy a phone on launch day.

And buy them? I do. 64gb, AppleCare+. Hell. I even figure I'll give their case a try.

I know there are plenty of people here on MacRumors like me. We all represent a steady revenue stream.

And, by refusing preorders, Apple just told everyone that repeat customers just don't matter much.

I'll buy a phone. When I can order one.

I really have zero interest in Android. But, damn. Really, Apple?

tardman91 said:

I'll bet they have manufacturing problems that are keeping the yields down. For a while the 5S might be pretty scarce. Just wait until it's in stock or available to order online. It's not the end of the world.

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I agree. As I said, I'll still order one and wait to get it later.

I just find their lack of proper planning kind of ridiculous.

I have enjoyed preorder day for awhile now. Way to kick a fun little tradition in the ass, Apple.

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CAWjr said:

Is waiting a week or two to let the crowds die down going to kill you? Doubt it. If you don't want to wait in line, just wait a few weeks...then walk in & get one with no waiting.

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Nah.

My rant is more about the principle of the matter.

rockyroad55 said:

K. Time to wait.

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I can wait. That really wasn't my point.

The "I have the latest iPhone" thing kinda lost its luster for me circa 2008.

jbachandouris said:

My only concern for waiting is re-sale value of my present 5. I also have a 64GB with AppleCare+ and most likely will be getting a case as well.

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Yeah. See, this is another consideration.

I usually hand down my iPhones. There are 5 of us here with iPhones.

I got tired of selling them back with the 3GS.

I had considered it with my 5 because my husband has a black 5 in 32gb and none of our kids need a 64gb phone.

Bah.

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thelookingglass said:

There have been reports that Apple is trying to encourage people to buy phones through their stores. How do you know that you won't be able to waltz into an Apple store on the 20th and pick up whichever model you want? Just wait and see.

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True true. I may just do that.

I really hate Apple store lines. The only times I've stood in them were for the original iPad and to buy a laptop years ago on a tax holiday.

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user-name-here said:

Then you are going to get your iPhone later than the rest of us.

If you want it that bad go pay someone to stand in line for you, otherwise you can wait like everyone else.

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It isn't a big deal. I had the original on launch day (and didn't even stand in a line), 3G and 3S a few weeks after they launched, and every model since on launch day.

Which is where the whole "treat your loyal customers right" thing came from.

Hell, I had 2 of the iPhone 4. A black, then a white.

Apple does not need to hold me captive in their stores to encourage my loyalty.

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FrankieG889D said:

I honestly think there won't be a problem just walking in and getting one whenever that day...

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I would not count on that. It's a wildcard.

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I appreciate you all allowing me to vent. Macrumors is full of the best sort of people!

mantan said:

At this point why should Apple give a rip about 'loyal customers'. You're in the bag. You're going to buy this the first week no matter what. Apple has already counted that sale and logged that revenue.

At this point it's about feeding the monster, which means trying to find ways to expand the customer base/revenue pie. To that end new markets/customers are much more coveted than the diehards they know will always buy their latest release.

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And... I care about this why?

Don't get me wrong. I do get why they do what they do. But, since I don't work there or own stock? Doesn't make much difference to me.

Yanno, I am just venting. It's not a huge deal.

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Chupa Chupa said:

Right, you don't care why they decided not to do preorders, even if there might be a legit reason because you, loyal Apple user, are entitled to what you want wen you want it. :roll eyes:

The funny thing is that last year when they did have a brief pre-order people were moaning because Apple didn't make enough available. A few years before that they only launched in the U.S.to ensure plenty of pre-order and launch day phones so then the rest of the world got upset. So Apple really can't win here no matter what they do.

If you don't want to waste time in line, don't. I don't blame you. Order online and you'll get it in a week or two. You'll survive. It's a phone. Or just try going in a couple hours before closing on launch day. The lines will probably haved died down by then but probably will have many phones still in stock.

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Why can't I find it annoying?

I don't feel entitled to anything. An explanation would be refreshing, though.

If their supply is low? Why not say so?

I don't need a new iPhone. On launch day or any other day.

And, is that not the point?

People with disposable income who will upgrade yearly because they can afford it are not customers worth alienating, when you think about it.

I love many things about Apple. I have zero interest in any Android-based phone. Do they want to encourage people to consider alternatives?

You'd think someone with as much Apple gear as I own would be a huge Apple apologist. I'm not.

I find it irritating. So, I was just griping about it. It's not a huge deal, in the grand scheme.

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harcosparky said:

Won't affect me at all.

I'll continue to use my iPhone 4 until Apple brings out something worth owning that is completive with other phones on the market.

Give me an iPhone with a useable screen size and I'm in!

IF I was forced to buy a new phone today it might be a Windows 8 phone because I do not like Android OS.

But so long as my iPhone 4 continues working .... I'll stick with it.

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Ummm. Ok?

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jason2811 said:

Who says you have to leave work or wait in line? Go on the internet and purchase the phone on the 20th online and wait til it's shipped to you.

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You could be right. I could even try a store later, if I feel like tolerating the mall. That's how I bought the original.

gloryunited said:

I feel for you, OP.

Over here in Hong Kong, we have to wait for not weeks but months even, because of the reselling to Mainland China (crazy shortage + crazily rich people there).

Apple gave us the (in)famous lottery thing here that we nicknamed "iDraw". No walk-in purchases on launch day, so no lines. Instead, we have to "reserve" for a purchase ahead of the launch day and those who get lucky will get permission to buy the next day (and 99% of them immediately resell to China anyway).

That's why we, the regulars the repeat customers, hate it too.

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Ugh.

I hope China has better luck and more supply this year.

I'd wait awhile for you all to get your turn with good supply on launch day!

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Che Castro said:

First world problems

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You realize that's just a crappy putdown, don't you? I live in the First World. When I move to Somalia, I'll scribble everyone a note to gripe about my mud hut.

paulbennett95 said:

All I got out of this thread is that you have an unjustified sense of entitlement.

Order online, wait on line, or don't buy it launch day.

Really...

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I dunno where you got that from. I just find it annoying. So, I was griping about it.

I'm well aware of my ordering options. Have you not ever found something irritating?

It's not a huge thing, in the grand scheme of things. I know that.