Why is iphone priced at 31k in india?
August 20, 2008
Finally iPhone has come in India, the price is 31k for 8G and 36k for 16 G, which is almost more than three times the actual cost. What is the reason behind this? The manufacturing cost inclusive of all the profits comes up tp 400$ which is around 16k INR. Are they charging us for the 3G iphone or 3G license? Will explore the reason behind this.
This the confirmation letter i got from a Service Provider.They are asking me to pay the actual price, i.e 10k as advance to get the iphone.
Hello Bala,
Thank you for registering for your Apple iPhone 3G™ with us.
We are delighted to announce that the iPhone 3G will be available in India from August 22, 2008
It will be available in 8GB & 16GB models, priced at Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 respectively.Be the first to get the iPhone
We have received a large number of registrations. As there are limited stocks, make sure that you get yours first, by paying an advance of Rs 10,000 to confirm your booking.
Get an appointment now. No queues for you.
Once you pay the advance, we will immediately give you an appointment date and time, starting August 22 when you can come and experience a full demonstration and collect your iPhone, all ready to use with your contacts and settings, by paying the balance amount.
Inflation ? lol
August 20, 2008 at 5:11 am
Kick them off…those mongrels think that they can sell us anything for a price of their wish??
Just kick em off and show Apple that Indians are not fools or idiots to purchase an overpriced device. Even Vodafone suxxxx…
August 20, 2008 at 8:42 am
lol is this the price people expected
haha
August 20, 2008 at 10:34 am
Yes guys, airtel has called me with the price. 31K for the 8GB!!! (with a booking amount of 5K). 36K for the 16GB
Can you believe it.?? Well i’ve parked my dreams for the time being. More than the price, i think its the feeling that you are being cheated which is keeping me away…
August 20, 2008 at 2:35 pm
This pricing is ridiculous. Lets boycott it. Ofcourse its too unrealistic. Indians are the only one left to be cheated? I am not going to buy it either. No wonder they dint disclose th eprice earlier. Probably the booking campaign was more for negotiating deal with Apple.
August 21, 2008 at 4:31 am
HI Bala – I read an article today on Economic times. As you said it is priced at $199 in western countries that is close to Rs.8000 only. But the reasoning behind this price is because of the difference in post telecom service. It seems there you have lock in period for subscription with the telecom provider close to one year. And, also it seems usage of telecom service is very high relatively to India. Thus, they recover the cost of phone through these kind of strategic partners.
And, also interestingly for techie dudes like you there is another article today in the same paper. Since there is enormous price difference it seems black market for US model is going to flourish because the hackers say it is easy to crack I phone code. A claim which the Operators and service providers are denying!! I am eagerly waiting for the outcome and future of this product in India
.. BTW i am keen on buying this model if it comes down 
)
August 23, 2008 at 6:40 am
I read somewhere that The actual high price in India is coz there is no special data plans for this phone like how other countries have. Service providers in India have said they dont want to share revenue with Apple for the data plan but sell the phone for good price and make the customers free from a fixed plan.
August 23, 2008 at 8:10 am
Hi, why iphone try other mobiles with the same features are about to 10k-16k. the mobile service providers are not ready for 3g. from this phone you cannont share mp3 and images trough bluetooth