[AMA] I Am Camping Outside The Apple Store For 17 Days

LProng on 17/09/2015 - 10:07
Last edited 23/09/2015 - 09:35

(2 days to go edit)

The Charity auctions are now live!
Check out all the items (including a 6s and 6s Plus) here -
http://charitybid.com.au/club?id=12011

Hello!

My name is Lindsay Handmer, and yes, I am a little crazy.

Ask me anything about my camp out, or me, or what exactly I am doing out here.

8 days to go!

A little backstory -

I am out here promoting mysparetech.com.au - a brand new website that I hope will make it easier to buy and sell second hand phones, laptops and more to a tech focused community.

I started the website as a side project, when I was unhappy with my other options to sell tech gear. In particular, I aim to continually improve the website and experience based on user feedback - already I have made numerous changes and upgrades in response to suggestions.

The website is currently free to list items, but there will be a small fee introduced down the track.

I am also supporting Mission Australia, with a personal fundraiser through GoFundRaise.

With my (coveted) first in line position, I will be buying an iPhone 6s to auction off for charity, supporting Mission Australia.

The website Finder.com.au has also come on board and is sponsoring a 6s Plus to auction off at the same time.

Right now my website is super new, and is still dominated by my test listings.
I have a special offer (bribe) for OzBargain users - post a listing (free!) and send me your user name through OzBargain or the website contact form and I will set you up with a special membership that gives your account permanent free listings.

When I need a short break, I have been using a website called Airtasker, where you can post up jobs you need done. Through Airtasker I have a range of people I can pay to come mind the chair while I grab lunch etc.

Special thanks to Telstra - especially the 400 George St store - who have charged my electronics while I am out here. And brought me coffee!

Handy links that cover the backstory.

The fundraising page
http://makingadifference.gofundraise.com.au/page/iphonecampo…

My Spare Tech
http://mysparetech.com.au/

My facebook page chronicling the camp out.
https://www.facebook.com/mysparetech

Twitter
https://twitter.com/mysparetech

Finder
www.finder.com.au

Airtasker
https://www.airtasker.com

A great article from Gizmodo
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/09/some-guy-is-already-campin…

An excellent video from Pedestrian TV (apologies for the plumbers crack in there…)
https://pedestrian.tv/news/arts-and-culture/watch-sydney-dud…

One thing to note -

Ii have been a bit enthusiastic about talking about Mission Australia.

I don't speak for Mission Australia in any way and nor do I represent them.

They are not part of the fundraiser - it's totally personal.

The fundraiser is through a third party website and I don't control any of the donations.

The charity auctions will also be done through a third party website as well.

I have spoken to Mission Australia about my personal fundraiser and they have not (as of yet) raised any concerns.

Introduce Yourself

closed Comments

  • barginsarelife on 17/09/2015 - 10:17
    +43

    Lol

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:18

      Haha, I appreciate your enthusiasm! But I care, and Mission Australia cares!

      • barginsarelife on 17/09/2015 - 10:20

        Ha, does the value of the iPhone go up for getting one of the first?

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:22
          +2

          Maybe! While it is the exact same iPhone, the media coverage helps!

    • Karlos101 on 18/09/2015 - 07:31

      Up you go.

    • YellowDieselGolf on 18/09/2015 - 14:06
      +10

      Seventeen days? Hey man, I don't wanna rain on your parade, but I'm not gonna last seventeen hours.

      • dd22qq on 18/09/2015 - 21:04
        +9

        You secure that shit, Hudson.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2015 - 01:26
        +6

        This little girl survived longer than that with no weapons and no training.

      • Questor on 20/09/2015 - 00:56
        +1

        They mostly come out at night, mostly

  • pinkhandbag on 17/09/2015 - 10:18
    +4

    How do you shower or go to the toilet ? (serious question)

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:22
      +18

      There is a 24 hour Maccas toilet right next door, which is handy. It has seem some atrocities in it's life though so I try and mix it up by visiting various public toilets around the area.

      For showers, I have a short term membership at a local gym. I am not a gym kinda guy, but I go a bit stir crazy sitting down all day so going for a swim or using the bikes helps burn off some energy. Plus showers!

      While I am away from my chair, I get a variety of people to mind it for me.

      • pinkhandbag on 17/09/2015 - 10:23
        +2

        Great reply and use of available resources. good luck!

      • cannedhams on 18/09/2015 - 11:06
        +6

        Maybe try fitting a catheter or something.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/09/2015 - 11:40
          +20

          Are you taking the piss?

        • Mik on 19/09/2015 - 08:38

          @Ninjastud:
          No, that's the catheter's job

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 10:20
    +2

    Good luck with your fundraising for Mission Australia.

    Are you earning money during your camping time? I'm trying to figure out how you have the funds to camp out in front of a shop for two weeks.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:26
      +5

      Thanks mate!

      I am actually a freelance tech journalist, so I am writing, working and getting paid while out here!

      I did schedule some of my work to free up this time period though - the lead up to the camp out was hectic.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 10:38
        +1

        Thank you.

        That explains why you were able to figure out the time management issues as well as the financial side. I read the Gizmodo article last night but I haven't had the time to read the other links above. Thanks for explaining things.

        I always wanted to be a writer but didn't have enough time to make it financially viable. The closest I come to writing these days is making comments on Ozbargain and other web sites about how to save money on grocery shopping.

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:50

          Yeah it is a tough gig in many ways - I got lucky and got into working for PC PowerPlay magazine after I left Uni. That gave me enough contacts to eventually go freelance.

          I am not sure what the future of it all holds though - in part why I am trying to start a business!

  • QuickToThePointless on 17/09/2015 - 10:20
    +26

    Is this spam for your business wrapped in charitable notions and apple fandom , or vice versa?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:30
      +9

      Why not both? (in terms of the AMA, I was invited to do it)

      But in all seriousness, I am out here lining up to promote myself and my business. I don't want anyone to think otherwise.

      The media attention tends to focus on the charity side of things and I probably come off as a better person than I am.

      But I do feel good about supporting Mission Australia. They love it too, so it is win win.

      In terms of Apple fandom - I don't own any Apple devices and won't be buying anything for myself. I feel kinda bad about that.

      • QuickToThePointless on 17/09/2015 - 10:37

        Good for you champ, hard to knock a charitable excercise.

        dont feel to bad for apple, they dont need any charity

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:48

          I feel bad for whoever will be the first true passionate iPhone buyer in the line.

          People (myself included in the past) scoff at the whole lining up thing.

          But it has actually been loads of fun so far - and that is before anyone else is out here! I totally respect people who will line up for the fun of it, and have a few things planned to make it even more fun :)

          When I first got here I reached out to Apple (instore and through their PR) to see if we could do something on the launch day to make sure my first in line attention didn't detract from the fun for other fans, but they (have yet) to respond.

      • inherentchoice on 17/09/2015 - 11:51
        +1

        Isn't it technically illegal to camp there? What if the authorities try to move you on? And since you may profit from it, what if you could be charged with profiting from the proceeds of a crime? What if donors to your fundraising could be guilty of supporting a crime?

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:39

          Yes - I could be moved on. I have checked with the council and the police though, and they have no plans to move me on.

          If they do ask me to leave, of course I will.

          That would probably only increase the publicity!

          I am not sure about the further potential legal issues, but the Mission Australia legal team have not contacted me with any worries.

          On my first night, I had just set up my tent. It's bright green and kinda stands out. And a police car pulls up right in front of me and I think I am going to get moved on for sure.

          Then they hop out and go into Macdonalds, without a second glance in my direction.

        • djones145 on 17/09/2015 - 12:45

          @Prong:
          they usually don't move people lining up for apple, although I remember when they first opened, a hobo actually lined up for a free shirt LOLZ
          you might want to move to the other side of the door, people usually line up on that size and snake over towards king and York street!

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:51

          @djones145:

          Here is my reply to the line situation from below. It's complex!

          On my first day, 7 different Apple store employees told me the same thing and asked me to move.

          I explained I set up where I did because otherwise I would block the very small section of path behind the bus stop.

          That appeared to cause great stress. To the point I was told that the council had asked me to set up on the other side, for safety reasons.

          I contacted the council right away and they confirmed that I should stay where I was.

          I joked with the Apple store staff that we had to fight the power and the line could go whichever way it wanted. I don't think they saw the funny side.

          But I am not trying to make this difficult. Come launch morning all my camp out gear will be packed up and gone. I can stand wherever. I don't think anyone will dispute the evidence of who has been out here the longest.

          I reached out to Apple (instore and via their PR) to discuss matters such as what I could do help make it all go smoothly, including launch morning.

          I have not been able to get a response. Which is their right of course.

          But maybe it is time to fight the power and form a new line direction ;)

  • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 10:21

    Huh, I think what you are doing is very clever, you get media coverage (free advertisement), I'd assume you are labelling the expenses from this as an advertisement expense or something similar.
    At least, it's not just "I want to grab my iPhone earlier than anyone else therefore I've taken 17 days off from my work and decided to line up".

    Just out of curiousity, if you are going to sell iPhone 6s as a part of charity, does that mean you will grab another one in near future?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:34
      +1

      Thanks! When I first thought of the idea to promote myself through the Apple hype, I thought I was so original.

      But it turns out people have done it every year for ages.

      So I just did it longer!

      It was my fiancee who suggested I also support charity, which was a great idea.

      I have not discussed with my accountant exactly what is and is not a business expense when camping outside an Apple store!
      It's actually pretty low cost out here.

      In terms of becoming an Apple user? I am hanging out for the next Nexus phone ;)

      • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 10:37

        :P You shouldn't really admit to not being an Apple user like that, media might use it against you or something (heh).

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:41

          Ahh, it's pretty obvious with my Dell laptop on my lap most of the day.

          The media actually seem to love that part. I think the charity aspect helps negate any potential bad reactions.

  • neil on 17/09/2015 - 10:22

    I just realized I spelled your first name incorrectly at least 3 times. I've now fixed it. As someone who always gets my name spelled wrong, I empathize. Do you find this happening a lot to you and if so, does it affect you as a freelance writer?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:37

      Yeah I have seen all the variations of spelling. But I do a lot of communication through email which makes it easier.

      Sometimes people assume I am female based on the name. I get a good reaction when we meet in person or talk on the phone.

      Ultimately though it does not really impact me a freelancer.

  • QuickToThePointless on 17/09/2015 - 10:22

    Did you take annual leave from your full time job to do this, or are you deferring this semester from your studies, or "other"?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 10:40

      Other. I am a freelance tech journo, so working while here!
      (though I have also been studying part time to get my teachers qualifications, which is deferred for this semester).

      Between earning money, working on the website, keeping up with social media, talking to people who drop by, and the general upkeep of living on the side of the road, I think I am working harder now than ever before.

      It's fun though, and being exhausted each night helps me sleep through the bus noise. The opal card tap on / off noise will forever haunt my dreams though.

  • pyramid on 17/09/2015 - 10:55

    Who looks after your chair or place when u go for washroom or shower? Or you have someone who stays there if u go away.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 11:13

      I have a big range of people helping out. Friends and family in the city stop by all the time.

      For longer breaks (like going to the gym), I have been using airtasker.com and paying people to mind my gear.

      I have also built up a bit of a network of people who live in and around the city, who I can pay to help out if needed.

      • pyramid on 17/09/2015 - 11:35

        Thanks. Are you the first one in queue or there are few others ahead of you? Also do you see people have started queuing up behind you for ihphone?

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:31
          +1

          First in line!! No one else is out here yet.

          I have been here for 9 days…. From before the phone was even announced.

          17 days total, 8 more to go.

          I don't think anyone else will queue more than a few days in advance at most.

          My fiancee will come stay on the weekend, and on and off next week (school teacher in the holidays).

  • 2jzzzz on 17/09/2015 - 11:42
    +4

    Don't drop it straight out of the box like that other crazy last launch day.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 11:48
      +2

      I contemplated doing just that because it would be hilarious!

      Kinda ruins the charity auction…

      Maybe I can get a fake iPhone 6s from eBay and drop that…

    • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 15:15
      +5

      Well actually, given that it's an iPhone dropping it might make it better.

      • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:10
        +1

        Ok, I will do my best!

  • inherentchoice on 17/09/2015 - 11:44
    +2

    How are you charging your devices while camping out?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 11:56
      +4

      Good question!

      I have a Dell XPS 13 which lasts 10 hours+ on a charge.
      I also have the Dell Power Companion which almost doubles that (it's a external battery).
      Then I have a Comsol 20,000 mAh power bank that can charge via USB, or 19v for the laptop.
      I also have a another 10,000 mAh USB only power bank.

      Apple can't charge my non Apple devices, so the Telstra shop across the road is helping me out.
      They have actually been super helpful and have even brought my charged power banks across to me a few times!

      They actually have a whole charging station in there, with pin coded little lockers with USB ports.
      You can leave a phone (if a customer) and it can safely charge.

      So I just keep swapping over my various power banks to keep them all charged up.

      I could actually go a few days, but I do it each day to make sure I am full of electrons!

  • akastyl13 on 17/09/2015 - 12:28

    Would you accept to go second if someone offers you 10,000$ for the first spot in the lane?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:32
      +9

      Yep! I would then donate it to the fundraiser!

  • Meajus on 17/09/2015 - 12:31

    What happened to your glorious beard? I imagine you could have hidden several iPhones in it

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:34
      +2

      Haha, it was time for a change (back at the start of the year).

      It would certainly have complemented my look out here - not to mention the iPhone smuggling capabilities.

      • Meajus on 17/09/2015 - 13:54
        +1

        Maybe you can grow it back in time.

        When you get the iPhone, you should name it Sywofp. I bet Siri can't pronounce that

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 19:03

          Haha, but I don't know how to pronounce sywofp, so couldn't say if Siri has it right or wrong!

  • djones145 on 17/09/2015 - 12:36

    ur the guy lining up outside Sydney one right?

    u know the line usually starts on the other side, on the rebel side of the door….
    cause it usually snakes around king and York street

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:48
      +1

      That is me!

      On my first day, 7 different Apple store employees told me the same thing and asked me to move.

      I explained I set up where I did because otherwise I would block the very small section of path behind the bus stop.

      That appeared to cause great stress. To the point I was told that the council had asked me to set up on the other side, for safety reasons.

      I contacted the council right away and they confirmed that I should stay where I was.

      I joked with the Apple store staff that we had to fight the power and the line could go whichever way it wanted. I don't think they saw the funny side.

      But I am not trying to make this difficult. Come launch morning all my camp out gear will be packed up and gone. I can stand wherever. I don't think anyone will dispute the evidence of who has been out here the longest.

      I reached out to Apple (instore and via their PR) to discuss matters such as what I could do help make it all go smoothly, including launch morning.

      I have not been able to get a response. Which is their right of course.

      But maybe it is time to fight the power and form a new line direction ;)

      • djones145 on 17/09/2015 - 12:51

        lol okies

        yeah I think people usually start to camp out around 1 week out, so you might have some friends to chat with (usually those mobile repair companies)

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 12:51

          Yeah hanging out for some company! My fiancee is a teacher so will be on holidays from Sat and will come hang out too :)

  • frostman on 17/09/2015 - 13:49
    +4

    I was unhappy with my other options to sell tech gear

    Have you tried GumTree? it's free.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 18:59
      +1

      Ok, it took me a while to get to this, what with my hectic roadside life these days.
      This reply is copy pasted below too, for a similar question. Apologies if that is not the best way to answer it.

      I like to describe my website as like Gumtree but worse ;)

      The aim is to reduce scams and time wasting and actively implement new features based on user feedback and suggestions. I want a website that can grow with the users - and at a rapid rate. I have already made changes and introduced features based on excellent user feedback.

      But yes, it remains to be seen if it will be successful. I like to think so. But it is a small niche appeal.

      eBay and Gumtree are great websites and I use both of them almost every day. I don't think I am competition to either, or even if successful, a blip on their radar.

      But on both sites I have had poor user experiences and had a bit of a complain to myself or whoever would listen.

      So I thought, instead of complaining, can I do something better? I am not sure if I can, but I will try!

      My big issue with eBay is the fees. IMO, they are re-positioning themselves as a big online store, and are not too worried about the little individual sellers.

      Final value fee's are 9.9% of the sold price, including postage.

      eBay has a massive user base, so I appreciate they can charge what they want, but I feel that taking 9.9% of what I pay the post man is a bit much.

      For occasionally selling electronics, I think 9.9% is a lot. That's $150 if selling a top spec iPhone 6s Plus!

      IMO classified ads are both better, and worse, at $19.99.

      Ultimately I feel that for my tech selling use, eBay is not what I want.

      I sure do like buying stuff there though!

      Then Gumtree.
      I love Gumtree. Maybe more than eBay. It's a sad day when I don't browse Gumtree. I really want a hovercraft…

      But selling tech on Gumtree has been a frustrating experience for me.

      I have not had issues with scams as such.

      But I have found that selling tech can be a very time consuming experience.

      Gumtree has a very diverse user base and not everyone there knows what they want, or how much it is worth.
      In my experience, it can take a lot of effort to find the real buyers and actually sell something.
      I also feel like since it is free, people treat it differently.

      Of course my website is also currently free, but I plan to introduce a small fee. Partly to act as a filter for those who are less 'serious' about their tech.

      A lot of other people have had the same experiences with selling tech. So I think there is room for improvement.

  • frostman on 17/09/2015 - 13:55

    Also, I still don't understand what setting up a site to tell Tech Gear has to do with camping outside Apple?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 14:39
      +1

      The short answer is publicity.

      The longer answer is still publicity, but with some vague tie ins?

      Which has certainly worked. The story got picked up around the world and I have had heaps of traffic. How much of that traffic (so far, little) turns into users remains to be seen.

      So for slightly more on that front, with more waffle, read on.

      So I essentially wanted my own Gumtree, focused on tech. I have no idea if it will be successful or not, and this is my first time doing anything like this. It should be interesting to see! (I will come back to your other question and answer why).

      I felt I needed a critical mass of users for it to become viable and not just taper off and disappear.

      I am no marketing guru, but I know that Apple launches get heaps of press. I thought I was all original with a plan to hijack some of that press, but it turns out many others have already done it.

      So I figured - I can do it longer! My fiancee suggested also supporting charity, which I agreed was a great idea.
      Both for press (which it has been) plus for actually helping people.

      Originally I was going to limit the site to phones only. They are one of the few high value items that people buy and sell very often, that also hold their value well. There is a big second hand market - and I don't think it is that well catered for.

      So a place to buy and sell second hand phones - why not a phone launch to promote it? All those people who are upgrading will need to sell their old phones somewhere!

      In the end I decided to include all tech, which I think makes for a more robust market (if it becomes popular).

      One important aspect is that the story has been picked up by a few tech sites, which are the user base I want to target.

      • Fobsessive on 19/09/2015 - 22:08

        Excellent idea!

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 14:04
    +1

    Would you accept a suspicious taco with questionable guacamole? Coincidentally, your next door Maccas toilet is shut for "extensive cleaning".

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 14:26

      Suspicious taco while the closest toilet is out of action? I can't see what could go wrong!

      If you are making a legit offer, than thanks - but I just grabbed lunch. Do come say hi if you are in the area though.

      I suspect it had something to do with what I saw in the last night (not shown, what was smeared around)

      https://www.facebook.com/mysparetech/photos/a.74160985261769…

      Lucky the gym (Fitness First, who have been awesome) has nice toilets.

  • spychiatrist on 17/09/2015 - 14:31

    At the moment no one else has lined up but you? Don't you think you lined up too soon? What will you say to the first person who lines up behind you?

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 14:44
      +2

      Yep, just me. I will be all hey, can you mind my spot while I go pee?
      Second in line may be my fiancee coming to hang out next week! Depends how early others get down here.

      I definitely lined up too soon - I was aiming for around 12 days, not 17.

      Based on past launches, I thought the phone would go on sale 10 days or so after the announcement. It was 16.

      Whoops. It actually messed me up with a work trip I was meant to do next week.

      But I think it actually made a big difference for the publicity I have gotten - everyone liked that i would be out here for a comically long time…

  • frostman on 17/09/2015 - 14:39

    Hold on hold on hold on… so to summarize your drivel in a few points.

    • You are trying to promote your own business (website to sell and buy gadgets)
    • You are supporting Mission AU via a Fundraiser by buying a new iPhone 6S and sending the auction proceeds to the fund
    • You are also promoting Airtasker as an outsourced task business (possibly mates of yours)

    You're better off donating $900 to Mission Australia and claiming back a tax deduction than cause pedestrian inconvenience in an already cluttered corner opposite Apple. You will also save the Telstra people time from being your personal slaves and really save everyone else the hassle of seeing another hobo on the street.

    • mooboy on 17/09/2015 - 15:09
      +11

      You must be a lot of fun at parties.

    • xyron on 17/09/2015 - 16:37
      +1

      But then he wouldn't get the publicity for his new tech sales website, which is really the entire point (not criticising the OP for that).

      When reading about this site my first thought was "ugh, why do we need another Gumtree but for tech stuff?" then I remembered - Gumtree is horrible for buying and selling tech. As a buyer, you are constantly faced with classic scams from people selling phones that they then claim on insurance (and get IMEI blocked), or selling stolen phones in general. Other tech products are listed with crazy prices because sellers don't know what their stuff is worth.

      And as a seller, there is the constant barrage of scam buyers and lowball offers.

      If the OP's site can somehow remove these vestiges from his site, and gets enough publicity out there about it, he might have a decent shot. The most crucial thing is to take advantage of network economics - which he has already made a good start on through this promotional campaign!

      • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 16:54

        Thanks mate - exactly this.

        I don't know if it will be a success, or more importantly, if I can make it a success. But I will try!

        And to me, the important part is having a website that will focus on adding (or removing) features that the users want, or need.

        I have a huge list of features to be implemented - especially regarding things like scams etc.

        But I think it is easy to go too complex, especially for launch.
        So I have tried to have the bare underlying functionality (you know, sell, buy) and will build up from there.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 16:45
      +1

      Yep - this is the launch of my website and yes I am out here promoting myself.

      Yep - fundraiser through a third party site for anyone who wants to donate. I don't want to pressure anyone to donate, or not. And yep, a new iPhone 6s will be auctioned and the money added to the fund / given direct to Mission Australia.

      Kinda - I am not affiliated with Airtasker. I had read about them when researching other iPhone launches and planned to use it to get help minding my chair when needed. I placed up an ad and they got in contact with me, and came down to say hi. They brought some stickers and a tshirt- bit small - and edited my ad for me to help it be more successful. They were the first people to get in touch, and my first person filling in while I went to the toilet! I am pretty grateful for how nice they were (I was all alone in the big city and all that) and I think it is a cool service.
      Airtasker has also been critical to my success (and sanity) out here so it gets a mention whenever anyone asks how I go pee.

      The other one is Finder. These guys are supporting me and the charity auction by buying an iPhone 6s to auction off. They are keen to promote Mobile Phone Finder - which lets people compare mobile phone plans to find the best one. I wear their t-shirt, and tell people what they do. Mission Australia wins.
      They are also just really nice people. They have come hung out, brought me food, coffee, minded my chair etc etc. They also camped out for an Apple launch in the past so can relate.

      And look, I understand why you don't support this. I am still getting my head around if I think it is a good idea or not, and I am the one doing it.
      But no one has to support my plan, or donate to Mission Australia.

      In terms of time to money - there are probably thousands of better options to support charity.
      But I am also promoting myself (which no one has to support either) and it remains to be seen if it was a good idea or not.
      With the fundraising, hopefully successful charity auctions and general raising of awareness, I think Mission Australia will do better than me donating directly.

      The Telstra guys and girls brought my batteries across on their own - plus just to say hi. I don't they are too stressed by it.

      Taking up excess space on the street is a real concern though. I try and minimise things but I do disrupt the flow, which sucks.

      You know, aside from going home, any suggestions on ways I can help make up for that?

      • centrelink on 18/09/2015 - 20:28

        How do you think your launch will effect your website traffic? Did you also provide something else that will give customers the incentive to purchase from your website? I would say just get the phone and then slam it onto the ground as hard as you can.

  • Gina Rinehart on 17/09/2015 - 15:48
    -1

    I don't know why people still bother lining up for iPhones.. Are we really not over it yet? OP, are you really that hyped over a new phone or is this literally just for your business/charity combo?

    • ilikeradiohead on 17/09/2015 - 15:54
      +3

      Have you read any of the other replies? He said he not an Apple fanboy, it's mainly for the publicity/charity angle.

      • frostman on 17/09/2015 - 16:08

        90% publicity for his business, 10% charity

        Ask him if he would like to volunteer at the Red Cross for 17 days for Charitable work?

        • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 16:15

          But in all seriousness, I am out here lining up to promote myself and my business. I don't want anyone to think otherwise.

          The media attention tends to focus on the charity side of things and I probably come off as a better person than I am.

          But I do feel good about supporting Mission Australia. They love it too, so it is win win.

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/211645#comment-3055113

          At least that's what he said?

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:09
          +3

          It's 100% for publicity - I can't really separate the two. Time spend on each angle of promotion feeds back into the other.

          And no, I would not volunteer at Red Cross for 17 days of charitable work, nor have I suggest I would.

          That is not who I am and nor is it something I could fit into what I see as my life and my goals. And that sucks, but it is the reality. I hope one day that will be different.

          The passion that drove me to be out here is because of my business. If it wasn't for my business, I would not be camping out here.

          At first, I felt like I was just using the charity angle to make my story better. Taking advantage of it. And I really didn't like that (but was doing it anyway…)

          Talking to Mission Australia in person made me feel a whole lot better about it. They love that I am fundraising for them. They understand I am doing it for my own reasons and have said they want to support me too.

          Because at the end of the day, they get something out of it as well. And I do feel good about that.

        • frostman on 17/09/2015 - 21:24
          +4

          @Prong: I like your honesty +1

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 16:50
    +1

    Seeking to co-opt Mission Australia, who do not appear to be an active party to this, in order to promote yourself and your business, really is quite contemptible.

    Of course the main benefactor will be Apple, as you're contributing to the ludicrous manufactured hype that surrounds these things. One wonders if they are a party to this.

    And what does Mission Australia get? - proceeds from a single lousy phone auction? Why not just go and work for them for a day?

    Absolutely no respect from me…and nor is it even vaguely interesting.

    And a little advice on Marketing: it needs to be short, hard-hitting - not the tedious waffle in your post, and since.

    OK, now i'm feeling a little better.

    • neil on 17/09/2015 - 17:05
      +1

      And what does Mission Australia get?

      So far $1,032 + whatever the iPhone(s) sell for. You do realize that many corporations + businesses run promotions which not only promote the company but give to the charity? If he hadn't done it, the charity would have $1000+ less donations.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 17:17
        +2

        I realise plenty of stuff, including:

        1. We're still talking peanuts.
        2. No one seems to have asked Mission Australia if they support this. For example, have they given permission to use their logo?

        But there are a couple of things i don't understand, including:

        1. Why OB seems remarkably keen to promote this.
        2. What role, if any, Apple is playing.
        3. Whether any other benefits are being transferred as part of this scheme.
        • neil on 17/09/2015 - 17:21
          +4

          Why OB seems remarkably keen to promote this.

          Obviously it's a conspiracy between Apple & OzBargain to counteract all of the cheap Android phone deals here. Don't tell anyone.

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:34
          +1

          1) Yep - I am not changing the world here and they are countless others who have done way more. I am just the one getting the media attention.
          2) This is a personal fundraiser and I don't represent Mission Australia. I have spoke to them before and then after the start of the camp out to air all my concerns, as well as address any of theirs. So far we are on the same page, but as pointed out to me, I need to be careful about speaking for them.

          I specifically did the fundraiser through a third party too, as I want to be totally on the level (and not in control) of how the funds are handled. The fundraiser page does not have my website name or info on there, if people want to support it without supporting my website.

          1) I am promoting my new website. It's barely a week old and may or may not be a success. I want it to be a success. I want to be rich and famous and buy a really big yacht. Also I got invited to do this AMA.
          2) Apple's role is getting their launch hijacked. They have not supported me, or asked me to leave. They have not replied to my inquiries. Thinking about it, probably specifically to avoid this sort of issue.
          3) The only official transaction (so far) is Finder agreeing to buy a second phone to auction, and me wearing their shirt and explaining who they are. As for fringe benefits, Telstra is charging my gear, Airtasker helped me find helpers and Fitness First gave me a trial at their gym. I am personally paying a variety of people for help, such as chair minding.

          I am trying to be as transparent as possible about this, so feel free to ask any questions to clarify.

      • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:21

        Exactly, business and charity work together a lot. This is a little different, but I (and Mission Australia) still think it is a win.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 17:36
          +3

          You keep speaking for Mission Australia.
          That can only get you into trouble…

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:42

          @steamtrain:

          Good point - thanks, I will be very careful with this.

          I don't speak for Mission Australia in any way and nor do I represent them.

          They are not part of the fundraiser - it's totally personal.

          The fundraiser is through a third party website and I don't control any of the donations.

          The charity auctions will also be done through a third party website.

          I can say though, I have spoken to Mission Australia about my personal fundraiser and they have not (as of yet) raised any concerns.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 17:54

          Well their marketing division will be reading this.

          Mission Australia, you can create your own profile and comment on this thread if you wish.

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:55

          @steamtrain:

          Yep - I will also get in touch with them. I should have done so before the AMA to check what they were ok with me saying.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 18:03

          You speak quite well - let's hope it's all sorted out.

          If they do in fact support what you are doing, then it's certainly not for me to second-guess them.

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 18:11

          @steamtrain:

          They minded my chair while I ran to the toilet! That is my favourite support.

          But yep, I am going to be re-visiting this. But I have talked with them extensively and they have visited and given me a shirt (a little small! fits my fiancee better) and pamphlets.

          Tomorrow I will have the charity auction plan finalised, so will make sure to check about that too.

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 17:19

      I had the same concerns when I started all of this.

      I am hoping to raise $5000 for Mission Australia, with two phones for auction plus the fundraiser.
      I also have some other sponsors on board in a variety of ways, so hopefully it will be more.
      I also hope to do more with them in the future - this whole thing has changed the way I see charities and fundraising.

      This is a personal fundraiser, so I don't represent or speak for Mission Australia.
      But I have spoken with them extensively about it and they have visited me in line.

      The alternative is Mission Australia not getting any money. And they don't want that!

      My long waffly posts are not about marketing as such - or if they are I am pretty bad at it.

      I like talking to people, explaining my story and intentions and getting feedback - of all types.

  • plasmoske on 17/09/2015 - 17:32
    -4

    So mysparetech is like gumtree except it's for tech stuff and with even more scams?

    Yeah… no thanks.

    And I don't see how it's going to be successful.

    Ebay/gumtree has more exposure.

    If I was going to sell my phone, I'd sell it on ebay (where I know I can sell it easily) or gumtree if I wanted to sell it to someone locally/in person/for cash.

    There's nothing unique about your website. It may get popular for a week or so (because some website may report about it) and that'll be it.

    • John on 17/09/2015 - 18:25
      +9

      Has he offended you in some way mate?

      Has his website been caught scamming people?

      Has he hurt anyone by trying to get media attention?

      Did he try to force the website to you?

      Has he woken you up in the morning because he tried to get you to use his website?

      Did he mistakenly camp outside your toilet instead of Apple store?

      Are you having a pre-menstrual cramp?

      If not.. Then leave the dude alone. He's trying to start a legitimate business and does not need people like you to tell him off.

      • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 18:57

        Thanks mate, I appreciate the support.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2015 - 18:57
        -1

        Are you having a pre-menstrual cramp?

        Is that you Donald?

        Oh dear…

    • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 18:57

      I like to describe it as like Gumtree but worse.

      The aim is to reduce scams and time wasting and actively implement new features based on user feedback and suggestions. I want a website that can grow with the users - and at a rapid rate. I have already made changes and introduced features based on excellent user feedback.

      But yes, it remains to be seen if it will be successful. I like to think so. But it is a small niche appeal.

      eBay and Gumtree are great websites and I use both of them almost every day. I don't think I am competition to either, or even if successful, a blip on their radar.

      But on both sites I have had poor user experiences and had a bit of a complain to myself or whoever would listen.

      So I thought, instead of complaining, can I do something better? I am not sure if I can, but I will try!

      My big issue with eBay is the fees. IMO, they are re-positioning themselves as a big online store, and are not too worried about the little individual sellers.

      Final value fee's are 9.9% of the sold price, including postage.

      eBay has a massive user base, so I appreciate they can charge what they want, but I feel that taking 9.9% of what I pay the post man is a bit much.

      For occasionally selling electronics, I think 9.9% is a lot. That's $150 if selling a top spec iPhone 6s Plus!

      IMO classified ads are both better, and worse, at $19.99.

      Ultimately I feel that for my tech selling use, eBay is not what I want.

      I sure do like buying stuff there though!

      Then Gumtree.
      I love Gumtree. Maybe more than eBay. It's a sad day when I don't browse Gumtree. I really want a hovercraft…

      But selling tech on Gumtree has been a frustrating experience for me.

      I have not had issues with scams as such.

      But I have found that selling tech can be a very time consuming experience.

      Gumtree has a very diverse user base and not everyone there knows what they want, or how much it is worth.
      In my experience, it can take a lot of effort to find the real buyers and actually sell something.
      I also feel like since it is free, people treat it differently.

      Of course my website is also currently free, but I plan to introduce a small fee. Partly to act as a filter for those who are less 'serious' about their tech.

      A lot of other people have had the same experiences with selling tech. So I think there is room for improvement.

      • plasmoske on 17/09/2015 - 19:23
        +1

        How do you plan to stop scammers who post legitimate looking Samsung S5 ads but ultimately have a fake S5-lookalike phone on hand?

        And what's the point of the comment box in the ads?

        "Cool ad"

        "f*** you scammer!"

        "Awesome bloke. Traded with before."

        "Go to russian hot date.com for hot action!"

        How do you verify the truthfulness of these comments? Prevent spam? Abusive language?

        Comments for classifies/auction sites are IMO a waste of time. Requires serious verification/moderation. At least with ebay, you [the seller] can select which questions/answers is displayed on the page.

        And what's up with the example listings? You want people to use your website and then you just display to everyone fake (example) ads?

        The website is currently not very well thought out.

        And about gumtree.

        People may not know what they want on gumtree but at least they can type in their postcode and all stuff in their area is displayed and they can browse/see what they like. Now if they happen to come across a phone they like, they'd ask that person about it. Cool… because they live just down the street.

        Now on your website, if I wanted a Samsung S7, I'd search for it and only one or two in Townsville comes up. I'd be like, damn what? Nothing in Creekville, Melbourne? Blahhhh and just go away.

        That's what makes gumtree good. It's because there's all kinds of stuff in the buyer's area. Nobody searches on a dedicated tech classifies for what they want to buy because nothing would be in their area.

        Now if I wanted to go ahead anyway and order the S7 from this random bloke from Townsville (only because local pickup option is not available), I'd probably just end up getting scammed.

        "Send me $500 to my bank account and I'll mail it to you. Promise mate".

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 20:07

          Thanks mate - I really appreciate the feedback!

          It is a classified site, so while I will do my best to help users avoid scams, it is down to the buyer on what they buy.
          There are some ways to help, especially with phones, but they greatly increase the complexity of using the site.
          For the launch I kept it as simple as possible but these are exactly the sort of discussions I want to have with users that will lead to a better experience.

          With the comments -they are actually turned off and don't show up when using my admin access.

          When I logout I see them. Something is broken there - thanks for the heads up.

          But I agree - I don't want comments on listings. I may experiment with comments / a feedback system in the future but only if users want it or I can figure our a new / useful / unique way to do it.

          With the demo listings - the website is a week old and does not yet have enough listings to 'fill out' properly without them.

          I did plan it badly - I should have put real listings in that I was selling myself. But I decided not to while in the iPhone line.

          I actually sorted a solution to this just today, so I should be able to move to zero demo listings over the next few days.

          In terms of the location search, you mean there is not enough tech on there now? (very true)
          Or that there won't ever be enough tech on there?

          I agree that for some areas, there may never be enough local tech. But that is true of Gumtree too.

          For cities, I think it will be ok. But yes, if there is not enough users, the website will not be successful.

          In terms of postage etc, payment systems like PayPal can help avoid scams.
          One option is for the website to get involved in postage etc, but that becomes quite complex.
          Do you think a guide page with help in that regard would be good?
          I was already thinking about guides in terms of how to securely erase data etc.

          Otherwise, any suggestion on ways to make help users avoid scams, or handle postage?

        • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 20:35
          +1

          @Prong: I think if you are going to have it posted, with Samsung products, you'd have problems with people rooting the devices (Tripping the KNOX counter in the process) and flashing it with official ROM (that'd remove root access but wouldn't undo the KNOX counter trip).

          The problem with that is, Samsung Pay is made so that you can only use it with KNOX counter 0x0 (not tripped). As Samsung Pay is one of the big sales point by Samsung in many countries (it does contactless paying with most of the devices that uses magnetic card, using MST), I think that might cause problem in the long run.

        • Prong on 17/09/2015 - 21:06

          @Oversimplified:

          Yeah absolutely, that is something I had not even thought of.

          Ultimately it comes down to buyer beware, which sucks, because some issues such as this are beyond a lot of buyers.

          Do you see a solution?

          One option I have toyed with is to have a "verified" section where phones are bought (buyback websites seem popular), checked over and then onsold.

          It's a whole different kind of business then - though the two could co-exist fairly well.

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