New policy aims to thwart iPhone scalpers

In order to stop scalpers, Apple China implemented a new policy limiting each customer to one iPhone 4 per day, and customers must book online in advance, according to the new purchasing process released on its official website on the evening of Oct. 7.

In addition, customers are required to show their resident identity cards or passports of the People's Republic of China when purchasing the iPhone 4.

Apple's iPhone 4 has been highly praised by the vast numbers of Apple fans since it was introduced to the Chinese mainland market. A number of scalpers took this opportunity to buy large quantities of the phone and as a result, the phone was sold out in various retail stores during the Golden Week of the Chinese National Day holidays.

Reporters used the online booking system for the iPhone 4 and successfully booked one on the evening of Oct. 7. Reporters found that the booked delivery time was accurate to half an hour through using the booking system.

However, when reporters tried again to book online around 10 a.m. on Oct. 8, they found that the booking results showed "no available bookings" on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 in the Apple retail store located in Xidan Joy City. The system also reminded reporters to try again the next day. Meanwhile, the official Apple website also reminded customers that "as the number of reservations is large, we can only help you to purchase at the booking time you have confirmed."

Apple's iPhone 4 was introduced to the Chinese mainland on Sept. 25 and the company adopted multiple sales channels simultaneously. Apple retail restores sold bare mobile phones of the iPhone 4 priced at 4,999 yuan for the 16GB version and 5,999 yuan for the 32GB version. The contract version from China Unicom was also available at China Unicom authorized business halls and at Suning Appliance stores.

The booking method was also adopted when the ample supply of China Unicom iPhone 4s were sold out and unable to meet the needs of customers. Customers then needed to make appointments at the China Unicom business halls or authorized iPhone stores in Suning Appliance stores.

By People's Daily Online