iPhone 3GS Inventory in Hong Kong

iPhone3GSThis morning 3 HK, the official Apple carrier partner, began selling iPhone 3GS in Hong Kong.

At the same time Apple Online Store Hong Kong began selling versions without carrier-contracts at a price of HKD5388.00 and HKD6288 respectively.

Now (16;00) Apple has changed their estimate shipping duration from “24 hours” to “5 – 7 business days” for both models of the iPhone 3GS, which is an indication that the iPhone is sold out at their online store.

Similar reports are also coming in from various 3 HK store outlets throughout Hong Kong.

Although, we do not know how many units of either channels had sold but we can be sure that it was at latest more than 5. I bought mine from the Apple Online Store and I have heard from others also done the same. My order is still showing a delivery date of this coming Monday. I presume that means my order was prior to Apple Online Store Hong Kong selling out.

This further means that the likelihood for Authorized Apple Resellers to receive enough quantities to sell through their stores within next week is slim.

Apple Asia Sent Out iPhone 3GS Marketing Email

Just received the following email from Apple Asia. This was sent to several of my email addresses I have registered with Apple, including my MobileMe email address.

There are no further information as to pricing or whether this pending availability is only through 3 HK, Apple’s official carrier partner in Hong Kong.

I am hoping that since the email is from Apple Asia, it will mean that the iPhone 3GS will be available at the same time through Apple Online Store Hong Kong.

There are currently rumors in Hong Kong stating that the Friday launch is exclusive to 3 HK for a fix period; this may be as long as the wait non-3 HK customers (or want to be customers) had to wait for the iPhone 3G last year.

Marketing Email from Apple Asia

Inventory of iPhone 3G Worldwide

Apparently the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 3G will only be available to the selected few, at least in Hong Kong.

Yesterday, O2 began announced that their pre-orders for the iPhone 3G had been filled and ask interested customer to return to their web site on July 10th to find information on new inventory and next availability.

Similar situation in Hong Kong with Apple’s partner carrier, “3”. I have inside sources informs me that their initial inventory of 500 Apple iPhone 3G had already been sold out 2 weeks ago. There was no limits placed on the number of phones each person were allow to purchase. Therefore, some of the selected few were able to purchase a dozen iPhone 3G, while the rest of us, under privileged in the eyes of Li Ka Shing’s mobile carrier “3”, will not be able to get an iPhone 3G on Friday, July 11th, even if I am willing to change carrier and choose one of the high tariff plans offered. Of course, I am not, so I am not too concern.

For the rest who are already a 3 customer or willing to switch carriers, I think this is very unfair and Apple HK should have been managed the situation better. Although, this sort of insiders privilege is a common occurrence in Hong Kong, Apple HK should have imposed a maximum purchase quantity so that as many individuals can share the Apple experience and privilege of owning an iPhone 3G on July 11th.