CIRP: most US users do not buy iPhone directly from Apple's official store

CTOnews.com, December 12 (Xinhua)-- New data released by CIRP analysts provide interesting information on where most American consumers actually buy iPhone phones. While many people may think that Apple's Apple Store Store is the place where most iPhone is bought, this is not the case.

CTOnews.com learned that data show that carrier stores, including brick-and-mortar stores and online stores, account for most of iPhone phone sales in the United States. Apple's Apple Store store is the second-largest place for people to buy iPhone, while third-party retailer Best Buy accounts for an even smaller percentage of sales.

Mobile operator stores and online stores: 67%

Apple Apple Store: 24%

Other: 5%

Best Buy 4%

This "other" category includes third-party retailers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, as well as independent retailers.

More than 75 per cent of iPhone sales in the US come from "outside Apple's retail sector" and should be seen as "Apple's weak spot", according to CIRP analysts.

"more than 75 per cent of US iPhone sales are outside Apple's retail sector, which is a weak spot for Apple. When customers choose their new iPhone-- model, storage capacity, and even color-an event that for most consumers happens every two or three years or more, most sales are managed by carrier salespeople or handled on carriers' websites, all of which are not under Apple's careful control.

Of course, carrier salespeople or websites will guide customers to buy accessories and extend warranties, although they may not give priority to Apple products as Apple does. "

The media pointed out that the data was surprising for several different reasons. First of all, many people think that the proportion of sales in Apple retail stores and Apple online stores will be high.

One of the reasons why US operators are so popular may be that buyers think they have to interact with operators to transfer services to the new iPhone, so they simplify the process by buying directly from operators.

Operators are also more active in advertising the new iPhone, especially in terms of promotions. While Apple usually offers the same promotions, operators have other ways to target potential iPhone buyers via email and text messages.