Most producers supply demo devices to distributors free of charge, while Apple has historically forced distributors to buy the demo devices they wish to use. (image: LG Uplus Corp.)
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Apple Inc. has been accused of pressuring distributors to buy demo devices ahead of the release of the company’s new iPad Pro via the nation’s three major telecommunications providers.
According to the Korea Mobile Distributors Association, most producers supply demo devices to distributors free of charge, while Apple has historically forced distributors to buy the demo devices they wish to use.
The association stated that if distributors refused to buy the demo devices, they would not be able to sell them, which is why distributors are forced to “spend significantly to pay for the demo devices.”
Distributors complained that they are unable to be sell the devices as they pile up in inventory because demo devices can only be sold for one year after their “demonstration.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
