Japanese Apple Stores Again Selling Annual 'Lucky Bags' on January 2

[MacRumors]

During the new year in Japan, retailers often offer a Fukubukuro, or "mystery bag," which is a grab bag filled with a random assortment of products sold at a steep discount.

Apple has participated in this tradition for quite some time, and will once again be offering its "Lucky Bag" in several different Apple Retail Stores across Japan on January 2.

Lucky Bags, which Apple will sell this year for 36,000 yen, or $345, usually contain items like iPods, headphones, and t-shirts. A few fortunate folks, however, have received big-ticket items in past years, like iPads or MacBook Airs, which have made Lucky Bags ultra popular in Japan.

Apple's grab bags are sold as is, and returns are not accepted unless a product is defective. Still, the bags have been quick sellers on previous occasions, with many people lining up the night before to get their hands on a bag.

As with past years, Apple's Lucky Bag promotion is limited to Japanese customers, though other countries, like China, may see the same traditional Apple Store sales during the new year.

Article Link: Japanese Apple Stores Again Selling Annual 'Lucky Bags' on January 2

 

[mrbrown]

As long as it contains enough stuff in it to make up the cost, I'd be game (if I lived in Japan)!

 

[DeepIn2U]

Sweet

we really need to have this in N. America

 

[BenTrovato]

It's a like a lottery with higher odds... seems interesting!

 

[KPOM]

It's a like a lottery with higher odds... seems interesting!

It's like going into the store to buy FCP X and walking out with an iPhone to boot.

 

[Snowshiro]

As long as it contains enough stuff in it to make up the cost, I'd be game (if I lived in Japan)!

Really? Personally, I've never really liked these bags. They're often just an excuse for retailers to get rid of a load of old stock that they haven't been able to sell, on the premise that the value of the contents is higher than the ticket price. But normally these bags cost a lot less than the Apple version, so it's not such a big deal if it contains crap. 36,000 yen is a crazy amount to risk on getting a load of stuff that you may not even be able to use just because there's a tiny tiny change of getting something cool like a MacBook Air. In the past they've often had things like iPhone accessories, docks and other stuff which is worthless if you don't own the relevant device.

 

[iCore24]

Wow, I would buy a lot, sell the stuff I don't want and keep the good stuff for a discount!

 

[inaneframe]

Really? Personally, I've never really liked these bags. They're often just an excuse for retailers to get rid of a load of old stock that they haven't been able to sell, on the premise that the value of the contents is higher than the ticket price. But normally these bags cost a lot less than the Apple version, so it's not such a big deal if it contains crap. 36,000 yen is a crazy amount to risk on getting a load of stuff that you may not even be able to use just because there's a tiny tiny change of getting something cool like a MacBook Air. In the past they've often had things like iPhone accessories, docks and other stuff which is worthless if you don't own the relevant device.

Are you living in Japan?

 

[Djlild7hina]

Aw bummer... the year i'm finally in japan i'll be going to the mountains. I don't know if I'd risk that much money on the lucky bag though.

 

[windowpain]

The bags are better if you are with a group of people who all buy them.
That way you can swap with each other things you might not need/want.

Some shops are better value than others (many other retailers in Japan offer them) but I think generally speaking Apple's are worth the gamble.

There will probably be 2-3 times the value of stuff inside. And some people get really lucky!

 

[quietstormSD]

Yeah I probably wouldn't buy it, if I get a bunch of iPhone 5 or 5S accessories it won't do me any good. If I want an accessory I'd by it off amazon or something

 

[N64]

Only in Japan... and I mean this in a good way. Sounds awesome as long as there isn't some high chance of ending up with 50 USB cables.

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A few fortunate folks, however, have received big-ticket items in past years, like iPads or MacBook Airs, which have made Lucky Bags ultra popular in Japan.​

Can't you tell from the outside if a Lucky Bag contains a MacBook Air? Or a 2012 Mac Pro XD​

 

[Hastings101]

I think it sounds fun but that price is a little scary. Probably something I'd try once just for kicks and then never do again

 

[Solomani]

we really need to have this in N. America

It will never happen in America because the lawsuits and greedy lawyers will ruin it. The minute someone gets a grab bag and feels disappointed with its contents, the lawyers will come to their rescue.

 

[MacDav]

Seriously? Buying one of these bags is the true definition of Apple Fanboism. Your'e happy with whatever you get because it's made by Apple? Please...
I wouldn't spend my hard earned cash on the chance I might get something that I want. I know exactly what I want and that's what I'll buy. Talk about dumb.

 

[Jeff3f]

Is there a web site somewhere where folks have posted their apple store lucky bag contents? I'm curious!

 

[Solomani]

Can't you tell from the outside if a Lucky Bag contains a MacBook Air? Or a 2012 Mac Pro XD

You can't tell just by looking at the bag alone. They can easily put a voucher in that bag that entitles you to a MacBook Air.

 

[Ihatefall]

they are familar with Japanese

Are you living in Japan?

Snowshiro is right, I think they rarely work out in the customers favor. My guess is that they have at least lived in Japan and know some Japanese shiro means white so "snow white".

I am willing to bet that Apple dumps their less than prefect items in there. (boxes with dents, or a unit that has been scratched, etc.)

I am American and this is my second time living in Japan, first time working for a Japanese company and we do all sorts of stuff with our 'damaged' items. Although, keep in mind what most Japanese considered damaged, most Americans would not. (Loose threads on a tee shirt seem aren't simply cut off as they are in the states, nope, off to the damage box with you later to be sold at a loss.)

So it could also be a way to get rid of their less than perfect stock.

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Is there a web site somewhere where folks have posted their apple store lucky bag contents? I'm curious!

There is a website: It's called google....

you can click the link below or google it yourself.
Try apple福袋
or apple fukubukuro

https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=a...4AQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1266&bih=819#imgdii=_

 

[Brandon263]

Japanese Apple Stores Again Selling Annual 'Lucky Bags' on January 2

I doubt Apple is intentionally selling defective goods to customers.

Snowshiro is right, I think they rarely work out in the customers favor. My guess is that they have at least lived in Japan and know some Japanese shiro means white so "snow white".



I am willing to bet that Apple dumps their less than prefect items in there. (boxes with dents, or a unit that has been scratched, etc.)



I am American and this is my second time living in Japan, first time working for a Japanese company and we do all sorts of stuff with our 'damaged' items. Although, keep in mind what most Japanese considered damaged, most Americans would not. (Loose threads on a tee shirt seem aren't simply cut off as they are in the states, nope, off to the damage box with you later to be sold at a loss.)



So it could also be a way to get rid of their less than perfect stock.

----------





There is a website: It's called google....



you can click the link below or google it yourself.

Try apple

or apple fukubukuro



https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=a...4AQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1266&bih=819#imgdii=_

 

[windowpain]

Seriously? Buying one of these bags is the true definition of Apple Fanboism. Your'e happy with whatever you get because it's made by Apple? Please...
I wouldn't spend my hard earned cash on the chance I might get something that I want. I know exactly what I want and that's what I'll buy. Talk about dumb.

These 'lucky bags' are used by a great many retailers in Japan, and not just apple. They are very popular, and general speaking the items inside are worth more than what you pay for the bag. Sometimes a lot lot more.

Its a bit of fun, and many people especially teenagers like to spend their new year money (a custom to give money to younger relatives) on a bag full of goodies.

What is dumb about it? No dumber than buying lotto tickets or scratch cards.

 

[Ihatefall]

I doubt Apple is intentionally selling defective goods to customers.

I didn't say defective, I said less than prefect.... Japanese customers will not go for a box that has a slightly banged corner for example. If the plastic on the magic mouse case is scratched.... most Japanese customers will not buy it at full price. I have heard it said many times, if it passes Japanese quality control, it will pass in the rest of the world. This is not to say I don't agree with them, if I am spending $1500 USD on a computer... I want it to be prefect too.

Japan doesn't really have "open box specials", either.

 

[Brandon263]

If Apple sold "less than perfect" goods as Lucky Bags, people would definitely find out (Apple customers, especially in Japan, are picky) and complain about this -- loudly. The more plausible explanation is that Apple's thinking behind selling the bags is to get marginal gain by including items that are not as popular with customers in the bags. Marketing may also be another motive considering the huge numbers of people who line up for the bags.

I didn't say defective, I said less than prefect.... Japanese customers will not go for a box that has a slightly banged corner for example. If the plastic on the magic mouse case is scratched.... most Japanese customers will not buy it at full price. I have heard it said many times, if it passes Japanese quality control, it will pass in the rest of the world. This is not to say I don't agree with them, if I am spending $1500 USD on a computer... I want it to be prefect too.



Japan doesn't really have "open box specials", either.

 

[japanime]

Really? Personally, I've never really liked these bags. They're often just an excuse for retailers to get rid of a load of old stock that they haven't been able to sell, on the premise that the value of the contents is higher than the ticket price. But normally these bags cost a lot less than the Apple version, so it's not such a big deal if it contains crap. 36,000 yen is a crazy amount to risk on getting a load of stuff that you may not even be able to use just because there's a tiny tiny change of getting something cool like a MacBook Air. In the past they've often had things like iPhone accessories, docks and other stuff which is worthless if you don't own the relevant device.

Agreed. Plus, the lines at the Apple Stores (at least the ones in Tokyo) have always been super-long for these bags. Not worth it, in my opinion.

Once again, I'll be staying at home and drinking amazake instead.

 

[MacDav]

These 'lucky bags' are used by a great many retailers in Japan, and not just apple. They are very popular, and general speaking the items inside are worth more than what you pay for the bag. Sometimes a lot lot more.

Its a bit of fun, and many people especially teenagers like to spend their new year money (a custom to give money to younger relatives) on a bag full of goodies.

What is dumb about it? No dumber than buying lotto tickets or scratch cards.

You are exactly right. It is no dumber than buying lotto tickets or scratch cards, and that is about as dumb as you can get.

 

[Helloagain]

Really? Personally, I've never really liked these bags. They're often just an excuse for retailers to get rid of a load of old stock that they haven't been able to sell, on the premise that the value of the contents is higher than the ticket price. But normally these bags cost a lot less than the Apple version, so it's not such a big deal if it contains crap. 36,000 yen is a crazy amount to risk on getting a load of stuff that you may not even be able to use just because there's a tiny tiny change of getting something cool like a MacBook Air. In the past they've often had things like iPhone accessories, docks and other stuff which is worthless if you don't own the relevant device.

If you ever get a chance.... you should try checking out an Apple store in person. They are an impressive retail environment. The 1st thing you will notice is that they do NOT have outdated old stock laying around.
They are the epitome of a corporate practice called "just in time" inventory. They don't order vast amounts of junk that they can't sell.