June 15th, 2007
Only AT&T corporate stores to carry iPhone
A friend at a third-party AT&T/Cingular-only authorized franchise store with 15+ locations has confirmed that they will not be permitted to carry iPhone.
Apparently there’s a legal issue regarding the relationship between Apple, AT&T/Cingular and the corporately-owned (versus the franchised) stores.
Apple is not allowing any discounts on iPhone because of anti-competitive laws. Because the franchised stores didn’t want to guarantee that they won’t discount, Apple is blocking them from selling iPhone.
This particular authorized franchisee will have a kiosk set up to direct people to the AT&T Web site if interested. They will also be offering steep discounts on phones like the new RAZR, giving people a more cost-effective option and capitalizing on the extra foot traffic that iPhone is expected to generate.
If you’re in the market for an iPhone and aren’t near an Apple store or AT&T/Cingular corporate store, you’re only option is to order online.
I’ve also been told that sales reps have been threatened with termination if they’re found holding iPhones for “potential” customers. If there’s a paying customer standing there, the phone must be made available
I’m also hearing that each AT&T/Cingular corporate store is receiving 300 iPhones.
Jason D. O'Grady is the editor of PowerPage.org, which has been publishing daily mobile technology news since December 1995. For disclosures on Jason's industry affiliations, click here or to view Jason's full profile click here.
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