
Since the 20 September launch of the iPhone5S and iPhone5C some people have already purchased theirs while others remain on waiting lists. All around the world the iPhone5S is in short supply, the gold model in particular proving especially difficult to lay hands on.
So when a gold iPhone5S became available on eBay this week the bidding quickly got out of control, with the price of the phone shooting up to around US$10,000.
When the iPhone was initially put up for auction its starting price was a mere 99 cents. Of course that didn’t last wrong. The bidding grew intense and as the closing of the auction grew closer it hit the $2,500.
A few hours before closing one bidder upped the ante considerably by placing a $10,000 on the 16GB model. Then, in the closing minutes, one more bid added an extra hundred bucks to clinch the win.
The word “win” might not be appropriate for this, however. Bearing in mind that this is just a regular, old iPhone 5S that normally retails for around US$650 and will likely be readily available in the not-too-distant future, the new owner of the phone is bound to come down with a case of buyer’s remorse sooner or later.
The biggest kicker was that it was only a 16GB model – the lowest spec available. But that also has to make you wonder what an unlocked 64GB gold iPhone5S would fetch on an online auction. We would steal Mr. Sato’s and find out but he hasn’t slept since getting it.
Source: eBay (English)
▼ It didn’t take long for things to escalate
[ Read in Japanese ]


China Releases Knockoff iPhone5S Before Actual iPhone5S Goes on Sale
Our reporter Mr. Sato becomes first Japanese buyer of a Docomo iPhone5S!
Here’s an easy way to check if the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will fit in your pocket
Japan belongs to Apple: iPhone claims top 10 spots in total smartphone sales in November
We create awesome cinematic videos in slow motion with the iPhone 5s
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Japan’s Mister Donut Japan tries its hand at Taiwanese-style street food donuts
Police in Japan summoned to deal with bank intruder…who is also a deer[Video]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
Live-action Ghibli Princess Mononoke stage play tickets are now on sale
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
The iPhone’s fingerprint lock also works with toes and nipples
All I want for Christmas… is this awesome backlit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles NES
The Results are in! Did The Pocky Day Challenge Defeat iPhone5 for Guinness World Record?
Someone uses a note to hold their place in line at the Apple store, the Internet goes ballistic
Pokemon smartphones: Why Apple created the colorful iPhone 5c
Japan loves the new iPhone5C case! Now they can grate radishes anytime, anywhere
Edible iPhone 5 Case Made From Rice Cracker Protects Your Life but not Your iPhone
Eating a 6,000-yen (US$55) sandwich on the Tokyo sidewalk: The best way to wait for a new iPhone
We road test the new Digital Image Stabilization on the iPhone 6 Plus – with a vibrator
Japanese Super Mario Fans’ Most Wished-For iPhone Accessory
Beef Up Your iPhone With This Iron Man Mark VII Armor Case
Mr. Sato does not buy an iPhone7, calls this year’s Docomo release ceremony “f***ing s**t!”
Sony announces mammoth 6.5-inch smart phone: the Xperia Z Ultra
This Bubble Wrap iPhone Case Will Keep You Satisfied 365 Days a Year
Protect your iPhones with elegance and simplicity with Echizen lacquer
iOS5.1 Update Turns Your iPhone Into a Suspenseful Thrill Ride By Only Sometimes Telling You the Real Battery Power