When cell phone providers release new phones, there is often an option to pre-order the phone. However, some providers only offer the pre-order option to new subscribers, even if existing clients qualify for hardware upgrades.
In my gut, this seems like a bad decision. You should keep your existing customer base happy, no? Then again, acquiring new customers is always good.
So, assuming there is not an infinite amount of stock available, which option makes more financial sense for the cell phone company?
It takes a lot for a person to leave a company - especially in the cell phone world with 2-yr contracts and high cancellation fees. Someone who is looking for a new company has already decided to leave, though, and they’re up for grabs.
Cell phone companies in particular seem to subscribe to the minimalist school of customer service - it’s not about keeping them happy, it’s about providing just enough to keep them from leaving.
Ordinary phone companies too. Bell Canada keeps trying to get me back, but would not lift a finger to keep me and they still appear to have no idea why I left. (It never occurred to them, when they took a week to replace a broken wire to my house to offer me a “loaner” cell phone. I had no cell phone at the time, although I do now.