Anyone else notice the glaring shortage of 16 GB 3G to the 32 and 64 yesterday?

[iSingandiDance]

I was second in line at the Apple Store and I noticed that there were maybe ten 16 GB while there were well over thirty of the 32 and 64 GB iPad 3G.

Anyone else notice this? It sort of makes sense since most everyone in line were going for the 32 or 64 GB. I did feel some kind of bad for those late early adopters in the back of the line who wanted the 16.

 

[Bytor65]

I was second in line and I noticed that there were maybe ten 16 GB while there were well over thirty of the 32 and 64 GB iPad 3G.

Anyone else notice this? It sort of makes sense since most everyone in line were going for the 32 or 64 GB. I did feel some kind of bad for those late early adopters in the back of the line.

I remember some polling that showed for 3G almost no one wanted a 16G model, so they are probably building to perceived demand.

 

[gillybean]

Yeah I bet there were less 16gb than 64gb to start with because previous polling had showed that most people wanted 64gb.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Yes, the store I was out sold out almost immediately. I'm a bit more cynical.

First, I don't recall seeing any scientifically conducted surveys indicated there was a demand skew towards the 32 or 64GB models. Please provide a link to back that up.

Next, we do know that Apple makes more profit from the 32 and 64GB models, especially the 32GB. I think Apple intentionally short produced the 16GBs in order to up sell anxious buyers.

Its purely anecdotal but when they announced the 16GBs were sold out yesterday some people around me let out a sigh, but did not get out of line. They just sucked up the fact they were in for another $100.

 

[AJayAgliolio]

The Best Buy I went to didn't have any 16 GB's at all... just five 32 GB's and ten 64 GB's...

 

[gillybean]

First, I don't recall seeing any scientifically conducted surveys indicated there was a demand skew towards the 32 or 64GB models. Please provide a link to back that up.

Don't remember the links to them, but a number of web polls a month ago showed that the most popular models would be 16 gig Wifi and 64 gig 3g. It's very possible that Apple did some internal study and found the same thing and adjusted production accordingly. Or maybe, like you said, they made more 64 gig ones for launch day because they know that people are willing to buy it if the 16 gig is sold out.

 

[PrisonerOfDoom]

Yes, the Apple store I went to had far less 16GB models than 32GB & 64GB models.

 

[iArch]

When it comes to trying to predict what models will sell in what quantities in their retail stores, Apple can simply use online preorders as a gauge. Rest assured, there's some sort of method to the madness.

 

[cybervex]

When it comes to trying to predict what models will sell in what quantities in their retail stores, Apple can simply use online preorders as a gauge. Rest assured, there's some sort of method to the madness.

True. I presume it was an intentional shortage as it was only the less expensive models that were short.

Someone who invested many hours in line is more likely to buy a more expensive model than wait for what they intended to buy to be restocked or delivered.

 

[NateEssex]

Yes, the Apple store I went to had far less 16GB models than 32GB & 64GB models.

Ditto in NJ...

16G sold fast..

 

[Stealthipad]

I like that everyone is so cynical. In this thread they act like Apple is cheating them and in other threads people talk about how they area going to "get over" on Apple! LOL

 

[Julien]

Yeah I bet there were less 16gb than 64gb to start with because previous polling had showed that most people wanted 64gb.

...also because the 16GB is a loss leader or at least a lower profit to offer a great entry price point and get warm bodies interested. Kink of like a Corvette's base price is $48930. Just try and find one with that sticker price on it.

 

[cybervex]

I like that everyone is so cynical. In this thread they act like Apple is cheating them and in other threads people talk about how they area going to "get over" on Apple! LOL

Just to be clear, I am not cynical of Apple. This is the way business is done. Everything is about maximizing profit. Just like a recall is determined by whether or not it is cheaper than lawsuit payouts.