Almost always, once you leave the store with your shiny new Apple device, it’s worth less than you paid, at least after the 14-day return period has passed. Also, bulk purchases would probably result in lower costs than retail purchases.
Our biggest reseller says neither is true, and he sells bulk lots of the iPhone 16 for above retail.
BStock describes itself as the largest wholesaler of overstocked products and returns. The company is currently selling iPhone 16 models to bulk buyers for 1.5% over retail prices.According to Apple, the price premium was last seen with the iPhone 12.
Apple iPhone 16s sells for more than retail
Several iPhone 16 models are available for immediate pickup today at Apple stores, but some configurations have longer wait times. Worldwide, some countries require immediate delivery because the delay is too long.
Second, import taxes make retail prices in many countries higher than in the US. Although technically used phones may attract lower duties, even if they are sold unopened on day one. Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern regions demand these.
Thirdly, the same applies domestically. Wholesale transactions are tax-free in all 50 states, so buying in bulk and paying a small premium can be cheaper for a business than paying retail and paying sales tax.
To obtain early stock, some resellers are willing to pay full retail or more. The reason for this is that they can make more money with ancillary services, such as insurance and phone plans, than they can taking a loss on hardware sales.
Apple’s older iPhone models are still selling well today
Moreover, B-Stock notes that the iPhone 12 is still selling well today despite this effect.
Due to the similarities in functionality and form factor between the iPhone 12 and the generations that followed, used prices for the iPhone 12 can be found for a good price.
Despite this, the iPhone 13 and its Pro Max model remain the top sellers on the used market.
Despite the iPhone 16 launch, B-Stock reports that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is still selling for up to 74% of its original retail price when purchased in bulk.
