Just a thought, why no engravings?

[ApfelKuchen]

Free engraving is a "buy from us instead of them" option. Considering the relatively high importance of Apple maintaining good relations with its "carrier partners," perhaps Apple doesn't want to compete too aggressively?

 

[JPack]

Free engraving is a "buy from us instead of them" option. Considering the relatively high importance of Apple maintaining good relations with its "carrier partners," perhaps Apple doesn't want to compete too aggressively?

If that were the case, iPads with cellular would be ineligible for engraving. Besides, carriers are in the game for the service revenue. The devices aren't money makers for anyone except Apple.

The fact that Apple charges $0 for engraving and asks $45 for a silicone iPhone case tells me engraving is clearly a front end marketing tactic intended to reduce returns and drive gift sales for iPod/iPad. Apple could easily charge $20 for engraving if they felt iPod/iPad sales were strong or engraving slowed manufacturing.

 

[joeblow7777]

If that were the case, iPads with cellular would be ineligible engraving. Besides, carriers are in the game for the service revenue. The devices aren't money makers for anyone except Apple.

The fact that Apple charges $0 for engraving and asks $45 for a silicone iPhone case tells me engraving is clearly a front end marketing tactic intended to reduce returns and drive gift sales. Apple could easily charge $20 for engraving if they felt it had no effect on sales or slowed manufacturing.

That's a really good point. And it's harder to gift a phone because of carriers and contacts etc. So that may be a part of the reason why they don't feel the need to offer engravings.

 

[Applejuiced]

Engrave my phone?
What is it a wedding band that I will keep forever?
I will use the iPhone for a year or so and then sell it or trade it in for a newer phone.