In March and July of 2,008, Mobile Telephone Marketing, one of my blogs, reported on iPhone owners dumping first and 3G generation iPhones on eBay Worldwide.
Here’s an update as of June 1, 2009 in anticipation of the iPhone version 3 software release in June with the possibility of a new Apple iPhone handset as well.
First, readers are probably already aware of iPhone shortages in Apple’s supply chain (Best Buy and all). The secrecy surrounding the release of Palm’s Pre on June 6th adds to the anxiety levels at Apple, while Palm execs, despite their claim of a superior product, are probably pacing back-and-forth at Corporate.
All figures below are based on a search of eBay Worldwide. Total first 3G iPhones for sale are lower than the actual number, since some sellers’ listings are for iPhone lots.
iPhone Listings on eBay Worldwide
- 4,069 (First & 3G versions) -New = 891 -Refurbs = 74
-Used = 1,638
-Not specified = 602
- 2,613 (3G version) -New = 628 -Refurbs = 41
-Used = 748
-Not specified = 395
-Unlocked = 626
-16GB = 635
-8GB = 646
As a comparison to other smartphones currently listed on eBay Worldwide, here are the numbers for RIM’s BlackBerry’s (all models), HTC and Nokia (50%-60% qualifying as “smartphones”):
BlackBerry’s
- 11,812 -New = 3,062 -Refurbs = 1,030
-Used = 6,544
-Not Specified = 1, 920
Nokia
- Total = 8,731
HTC
- Total = 2,860
The eBay Worldwide listings are only indicative of a trend. Since my initial number crunching last year, iPhone distribution, due to unlocking and product popularity, has spread worldwide. Therefore, worldwide sales of unlocked new and used iPhones is undoubtedly much higher than the numbers reported here.
However, I’ve never observed one mobile phone with over 4,000 simultaneous listings on eBay. In the past, before touchscreen smartphones, a mobile phone’s listings on eBay would rise to approximately 500-700 units max, then drop as handset manufacturers released new products.
Now, smartphone manufacturers, spurred to action by the iPhone’s success, are releasing a torrent of new models,furiously opening application stores that compete with Apple’s. while the major players are
Like other industries, smartphone manufacturers and app developers realize the monetary advantages of the smartphone after-market for each phone, representing a significant revenue stream.
