How to Scalp an iPhone

By eHow Electronics Editor

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The Apple iPhone is literally changing the landscape of cell phones as we know them. Sleek, sophisticated and with a keyless interface, they are the smart phone of tomorrow. As each iPhone hits the market, the frenzy to have the latest only builds. Here's how to scalp an iPhone.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Wait in line for the new release of the next generation iPhone. The very first iPhone had people lining up outside the Apple store in New York 5 full days before its release. The whole reason you can scalp an iPhone is supply and demand. To make some quick cash, you're going to have to wait outside. Take some time to figure out which stores will be less crowded (usually outside the cities).

Step2

Purchase the iPhone. The Apple stores limited the buyers to two phones per person. Make sure you have the adequate funds (cash or credit card) and buy the maximum amount of phones you are allowed. If there is a phone that has more memory, purchase that one, since it will be more valuable to your buyer.

Step3

Offer the phone to the people who are still waiting in line. At the first iPhone release, the lines continued to extend to over 1,000 people. You have no advertising charges or additional legwork if you can sell it directly to the people in line. And best of all, you know they want one. Make sure you are paid in cash and start your price high, but let people know you are willing to barter. It costs you nothing to ask, and you could unload your merchandise in 20 minutes without the headaches associated with shipping.

Step4

List your iPhones on an online auction site. Ebay's front page was dedicated to the iPhone the day of its release. While supply ultimately overwhelmed demand, the first iPhones went for close to triple the price in the store. Snap a picture of the iPhone, including the receipt and a picture, so that the consumer knows it's unique. Then list the item for as short a time as possible. (Remember, you want to strike while the fever is still hot.) Sit back and wait until your auction expires.

Step5

Ship the Apple iPhone to the buyer. Be sure to ship it quickly and insure the item up to the price the buyer paid. Also, make sure the iPhone is well-packaged.

Tips & Warnings

To increase the profits of your scalp, get friends and family to stand in line with you. It will pass the time and give you more products to sell.
If your scalp is unsuccessful, make sure you return the iPhone to the Apple store quickly. Do not open the package, or they will charge a restocking fee and adhere to their return timeline (14 days on the first iPhone.)