iPhone 5 Now Available In Bermuda: $1399
[Updated] The iPhone 5 is now available in Bermuda, a few days after being released by Apple. Audio Visual Electronics brought in a few, and as of this writing a salesperson told Bernews they only have one remaining, however they expect to have more available for sale this coming Friday [Sept 28]. The phones will be available in both black or white at a cost of $1399.
Audio Visual said: “We received a small order yesterday primarily for testing and promotional purposes and have a few handsets in stock for sale. We have more handsets shipping out to us today and should have them by Friday. We are selling them for $1399 and that includes a 90 day local warranty as well as the Apple factory warranty.
“The issue we face now is that the iPhone 5 uses a ‘nano sim’ which is smaller than either the traditional sim card or a micro sim. Apparently, none of the carriers have stock of the nano sim but it is possible to cut a regular sim to work in the iPhone 5. We have a tool in transit to accomplish this and expect to receive it in a day or two.”
News reports said Apple has sold out of its latest smartphone, with more than 5 million iPhone 5 sales in the three days after it hit stores around the world.
Update 1.56pm: CellOne said they will also have the iPhone 5 in their stores shortly, and they “currently have an adaptor to accommodate the need for a Nano SIM for those who have already purchased the device and is looking to activate today.”
Update Sept 27 10.01am: Digicel Bermuda said they encourage customers who are interested in obtaining a local nano SIM for the iPhone 5 to visit a Digicel retail store, where agents will be happy to facilitate the process.
Category: All, Business, News, technology
I certainly hope the people who chose to spend this much money on a phone are able to put food on the table for their children. But as I write, I am thinking “anyone with a brain in their head would purchase this phone overseas for much less,” so anyone who buys it here may not be the sharpest tack in the box.
Ahh well, the cycle continues.
(and before the hate mail pours in, companies aren’t the ones buying these phones individually, they are given a bulk discount – they buys them overseas as well).
Or order unlocked version from US pay for shipping and duty and still get it here for under $1000
In other news, Apple is selling the iPhone 5 in America unlocked from $649! Audio Visual, shame on you! Such a damn rip off! And anyone who buys this phone for that price needs a smack!
Apple is sold out of the iPhone 5 in America as are their retail partners such as AT&T and Bestbuy. News stories paint a similar situation in Canada with Future Shop having supply issues. Unless you preordered the iPhone 5 a couple of weeks ago then it will be unlikely that you will be able to get it anytime soon. Preorders in the USA are limited to two per customer and are sold at $649 plus applicable sales tax. I doubt they ship outside of the USA so you would either need to travel to the states to pick it up or have someone send it to you through Fedex and pay the additional 25% customs duty.
That still doesn’t justify the 100% markup.
exactly!
apple doesnt cover the iphone in bda so why advertise a full 1year warranty when its only applicable in the US? and is it a 3month repair warranty? if it is it voids the apple one. come on ppl 1399 is a rip off but thats a usual trend for this company,all there products have always been way overpriced, eg the original ipad! 1299 for a 16gb when it got launched, 100% markup in this econemy is ridiculus. ppl should wait for the first revision of the iphone 5, all apple products have issues at launch hence the weeks of annoying updates and recalls.
It is not a rip off. You have choices and options. No one puts a gun to your head and makes you buy form Audio Visusal . Somthing is only worth what someone is willing to pay.
Well hey, if you can get it for that cheap then go for it people! More power to you. You forget that audio visual is a business that has employees to pay. Expences to cover. And they have to make a profit! You people also forget that they are the only ones bringing these phones to the island. Supply and demand people. With a low supply, there becomes a bigger demand. Bigger demand, higher price!
Econ 101. yeahhh buddy
That’s a lot of money I don’t like I Phones anyway so I’m good
Just wait people get this phone a year later Apple will have an IPhone 6
Ill pass
Maybe a 5s then the 6 in 6months later…
$1300 for a cell phone? A fc#kin cell phone!!!!!!!
They aren’t just cell phones anymore……they r mini computers now essentially. But either way, 1400 for them is just ludacris!!!! I’ll stick to my Nokia.
Bermudian…the $649 in the States is the RETAIL price, and has the retailers overheads built into the sales price to include “expenses to cover and profit”. So in effect Audio Visual are then doubling the actual retail price, to make a huge profit….
An iPad 4G or even a low-end Macbook from Amazon would cost less from Amazon via ZipX landed! That is WAY TOO MUCH mark-up on the landed cost of the iPhone. That’s not supply and demand, that’s insulting our intelligence!
MR PERRY , WITH ALL DUE RESPECT…UNLESS YOU ARE AN AUTHORIZED APPLE DEALER YOU ARE FORCED TO PAY FULL RETAIL PRICES FOR APPLE PRODUCTS WHEN BUYING FROM A RESELLER AS APPLE WILL NOT ALLOW THEIR PRODUCTS TO BE DISCOUNTED. THEY ARE SOLD IN LIMITED STORES AND THE PRICE FOR A UNLOCKED PHONE IS THE SAME IN THE APPLE STORE, BEST BUY,OR WHEREVER. THE WORLDWIDE UNLOCKED VERSIONS (THAT WORK ON EVERY NETWORK EVERYWHERE AT 4G)ARE ALSO MORE EXPENSIVE THAN AT&T OR VERIZON VERSIONS AS WELL. MANY LOCAL RESELLERS ALSO RELY ON SOMEONE IN THE USA TO PURCHASE THEM FROM A APPLE STORE WHICH USUALLY MEANS ABOUT 7% SALES TAX MUST BE PAID AS WELL. THESE “SHOPPERS”ALSO DO NOT WORK FOR FREE AND OFTEN ADD 5-10% OR A SET DOLLAR VALUE FOR SHOPPING ON YOUR BEHALF. THEN ADD 22.25% DUTY, + WHARFAGE + THF FEES + BILL OF ENTRY FEE + FED EX, FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE ON BDA TO US DOLLARS, EXCHANGE TAX ETC + WIRE TRANSFER FEE, AND IT ADDS UP FAST. THEN ADD IN FOR WAGES, INSURANCE, PAYROLL TAX , SOCIAL INSURANCE, ELECTRICITY, RENT, MAINTENANCE, ELECTRICITY ,PENSION, THEFT, DAMAGED GOODS, WARRANTY AND PROFIT….
ITS LIKE PEOPLE THAT DO MAINTENANCE – THE PRICE TO INSTALL TILE HERE IN BDA IS 2*3 TIMES THAT OF THE US AND THERE IS NO DUTY, SHIPPING , WHARFAGE, THF FEES, ELECTRICITY ETC… ON A PERSONS TIME. YOU GET THE PICTURE DONT YOU
But if I or a friend are in the States anyway at some point, why don’t we just buy it for $649 unlocked, pay the tax and duty and end up with a total cost to me of $950? I could then even walk into Audio Visual and give them $200 cash just for the hell of it and I’d still be $250 better off.
I get what you’re saying about overheads, but locals have a choice, and as such local retailers have to understand that their mark up has to be reasonable. E.g. If these guys sold it for say $1,100 they might sell 100 units at $150 profit per unit for a total profit of $15,000. By asking for $1,399 they will insult most Bermudians and likely only sell 20 units for a profit of just $9,000. You tell me which makes better business sense.
I say profit, but what I really mean is contribution margin. Sunk costs, like overheads, still have to come out before you reach the true profit. But as I said above, I’d rather have a $15,000 contribution margin than a $9,000 one.
Right now, you CANNOT walk into an Apple store & purchase an unlocked iPhone 5.
Only the Verizon version is currently unlocked.
A/V is providing a service by somehow obtaining unlocked iPhone 5s, for which I am sure they paid a premium.
There are NO discounts or bulk buy deals on the new iPhone.
Yes. they are asking a lot, but I can guarantee thew will sell out.
No one NEEDS the new iPhone, but those who want one will pay almost any price to get one.
$1400?!! Puhleeeese! Unless the phone gets up and drives my car to work for me and sits at my desk all day, I’ll pass.
You just dont understand the benefits of apple products. If you did own one – you would understand and one understand the need to have the best!
A phone that cost more than my monthly car payment? I refuse!
You don’t need it you choose to have and its never the best as you cannot predict failure that can happen at any time – proven too many times.
lmaoooooooooo at Mixitup! I totally agree!!
If anyone is interested… I’m selling pints of blood so that I can buy the new iphone 5.
LMAO!
Get it faster and sell a kidney!
I have a $100.00 phone and it does what it needs to do fine. Just it seems unreal to have such a expensive device to make a call or receive a call. But that’s me I don’t do the IN THNIGS. I keep it basic and it has worked all these years. Love the phone and what it could do just find it unnecessary to spend over the top for a phone. To the ones that need it enjoy it is a great device.
@ Update 1.56 PM: Adapter or a SIM cutter?
The price of these phones are extremely escalated because they know the Údians will buy them. Cell Phones are a world-wide obsession and many will find creative excuses as to why they MUST have the latest one.
I like the newest things as well but I will not pay $1399. That’s ridiculous.
I don’t even have a cell phone.
Why should I pay the cost, pay a monthly fee and more if I go over.
Everyone has one. It’s a door away, a car away, a speeding bike away.
I have a land line.
If I can’t get to it I sure as hell can’t get to cell phone.
Technoligy; the ruination of mankind.
lets see what the carriers price in Bermuda turns out to be….in the US the ipnone 4 is now free…the 4s is $99 and the iphone 5 is $299 with a contract…..cellone is asking $799 for the iphone 4…joke
I’m so glad, and content with my very popular brand cellphone purchased just a few years ago @ $9 (NINE DOLLARS) while competing cellphone companies had promotions, remember then anyone? I refuse to pay that much for a product that changes after 3 months. I’m planning for my family’s future, not trying to sabatoge it during these challenging economic times.
Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses cause the Joneses are broke!!
lol
wowzers!!
Got mine for 150pound BDA is a rip off
you got yours with what a 2 year contract???? You might pay 150 today but with your contract how much will it cost you???
no contract its pay as you go,top up 20 pound a month i get unlimited tex,unlimited internet and 1000 free minutes to any uk phone,like i said bermuda is a rip off
That’s F#*$ing Hilarious!
Reminds me of their advertising for the S3 on Emoo.
Audio/Visual “Get the new Samsung S3. THE CHEAPEST ON ISLAND!!”
I emailed them and asked for the price, $5 less than CellOne.
WAY TO GO AUDIO/VISUAL! It won’t be long ’til you go out of business too!
Sad thing is people actually entertain them. They’ll make their quota easily.
Is that with contract? That’s absolutely ridiculous.
FOR A PHONE!!!!??? OH hell no!!! I went phone shopping this weekend and left with nothing. I will stick to my second hand piece of crap that barely works! NO WAY! the prices are ridiculous and this is tearing the butt right out of it!
That Apple will stay on the shelf until it go rotten .
where can i go away to get an iphone 5 and bring it back bermuda
I was looking for Apple TV. So I called iClick and they happily gave me a price of $179.00 over the phone.
Then one Friday afternoon I found myself outside Gateway, so I went in.
“How much is Apple TV?” “$229.00″ he says.
“Well iClick is selling it for $179.00″ I said. “Can you match it?” He barely looks up from the counter; “Nope”
So I walked the few hundred yards to iClick and bought it.
Ya think I’ll go back to Gateway anytime soon?
And Red Laser sells them for $149. I agree, Gateway is a rip off for retail products, it’s always considerably cheaper just around the corner, Bermudians just need to do a little research.
Yup, Red Laser is the best in prices and service in the island – Guaranteed!
Don’t take my word for it – Check them out!
You should have called AF Smith or Redlaser. $149.95 and $145 for the Apple TV respectively. Gateway must be completely out of touch with the market here.
We sell the Apple TV plus an installation service for the $229.00 price.
Our price is currently $189.00 for the Apple TV on its own. The price varies slightly each shipment and depends on volumes shipped. We have higher rents so we have to charge more than Red Lazer, but we compliment the purchase with an optional installation service, which no one else offers to my knowledge. I hope that clears up some of the confusion.
Gateway just make up prices how are they still in business ?
iPh#cking decline!
I prefer to buy in Bermuda, as much as I possibly can. But as with ALL of today”s electronics, they’re obsolete as soon as they leave the factory! In about six months, Apple will have another iPhone, that will trump the iPhone 5. But for $1400.00, I will my four year old, obsolete BlackBerry Torch, until it stops functioning!
Pssst! I’d rather keep food on the table!!
Power to those who can afford one!!!
I will sell someone an iphone 5 unlocked (ordered it weeks ago thats how i have it) still in box 32gb for 1100. comment with your email!
they are selling 16gb for 1400!! mine is 32 and cheaper. still in box untouched and unlocked
Just another example of rip-off Bermuda!!
For those who can not see the forest through the trees. Lets state the obvious for a second. 1. If you purchase from Apple there is a month waiting list. 2. Only TWO per customer. 3. The 16g phone unlocked is $700 including sales tax. Now lets take into consideration fedex bill, 25% duty and the fact that the 5 phones could not have come from apple as previously stated you can only buy 2. So to buy the phones from a third party who doesn’t work for charity, they must have put some sort of mark up on the phones. (the price is going up people) I also seem to remember when the simple motorola Razor was $1200 island wide when it first came out. In closing I commend Audio Visual for taking the chance in obtaining these brand new phones on the hope that they might sell and giving the chance to Bermudians to buy such a hot commodity. We live in Bermuda were a loaf of bread is five times the American price. Keep it real folks.
You can buy a plane ticket to NY for the day and purchase the phone for $700 $1,400. the waiting list is for when you get the phone shipped to you. You can setup a reservation for next day pickup.
http://www.apple.com/retail/iphone/
Maybe someone should get a contract with Apple to get better pricing cause if they buy in bulk i am sure Apple is not giving them the phones at retail price.
Really??? I was tempted to comment on the article sooner; however, reading all the comments by the “experts” over the last 24 hours has been very entertaining.
First of all Apple does not distribute it’s products through traditional wholesale channels but instead sells directly to the public through it’s Apple stores, carrier partners such as AT&T and a group of tightly controlled authorized Apple re-sellers. The price of the iPhone is set by Apple at $649 plus sales tax…period. There is no “bulk discount or wholesale price” on the iPhone. Anyone who buys it any cheaper than this is doing so by signing a two year contract with a monetary penalty for early cancellation.
Now, let me give you an education on “gray market goods” like the iPhone 5 and how they end up in countries where Apple products like this aren’t available through official Apple channels and probably won’t be for months!
A large percentage of the people that you see lined up outside the Apple stores in the USA are not buying the iPhone 5 for themselves. They are entrepreneurs called “runners” who are going from store to store buying their allotted two iPhones per purchase at $649 plus sales tax. They are working for a middleman who is like a “ticket scalper” that has a string of these runners under him who are paid $75-$100 for each phone that they collect. The middleman then adds on his own $75-$100 markup and sells his product to electronics wholesalers who service overseas markets where the iPhone 5 is unavailable. The electronics wholesaler again marks up the product another $75-$100 per phone and sells them to retailers in countries like Bermuda. Once the local retailer purchases the product they must pay upfront costs such as shipping & handling, Customs Duty and foreign currency purchase tax etc before getting the item into their stores for sale.
So now that you know all about “gray market goods” and how these products get into the hands of local retailers and their customers within days of being released and sold out in the USA, you do the math. As you can see the cost of landing these items in Bermuda is nowhere near the $649 that they are advertised for in the USA!
A phone is supposed to be an instrument for convenience to TALK on and be in contact with people. A computer is something that you use at home or at work. An iphone 5 is something braggarts will buy who do not have their priorities straight and need to show off to make themselves feel important. Put the money away for your kids’ college!
The fact is that a phone like the iPhone is the future of computing. A personal computer in the palm of your hand that can be used anywhere. I don’t own one yet, but I know that it is inevitable that in near future I will. As for the price, $1400 is expensive but nobody is forcing anyone to buy one. It is a personal choice.
You want a real laugh?
I was online checking to see if any of the local Apple Dealers are getting the iPhone 5 and was shocked to see that Computer City is selling the old iPhone 4s for $1375/$1575 and iClick was selling the 4s for $1149/$1299! If anyone would have the cheapest prices i would think it should be an Apple Dealer…I called Audio Visual and they sell their iPhone 4s for $895/$1049/$1199! I am sure that when the Apple dealers finally get the iPhone 5 Audio Visual’s price will be the same or better.
I’m just wondering if Audio Visual is holding a weapon up to you and making you buy the iPhone 5. If you don’t want to pay the price then DON’T BUY IT!! It’s a simple announcement FFS. The price is high but there are people who can afford it. More power to them, I’m happy with the software update thanks
Carefully look At these for $1300 your getting the bottom end 16 gig phone and why are all of there phones in opened boxes?