All the pleasure without the pain of a long wait.

Getting an iPhone on the first day was an activity that come with an unfortunate side effect for busy people--a long, excruciating wait.

But where there's pain, there's also opportunity.

In California and New York, college students offered their services as "waiters" through the online waiting service iWait. 

For the iPhone, students found places in line very early and then took bids online for their place as the iClock ticked down.  Some waiters earned up to $550 for their time.

But iWaiters aren't just exclusive to Friday's iPhone lines. They'll also help you hold that perfect vantage point for the San Francisco fireworks on the 4th of July, secure a copy of Harry Potter on that first day or be there for any other concert/product-release/big event that you don't want to wait for, but still want to have a great spot in line.  For a minimum of $50, a student will hold your place until right before the event, allowing you to sweep in at the last minute for that coveted spot.

I think this is a really great idea because it connects people who don't have much time but are willing to spend a little extra money for a prime location with college students who have the time and who usually need some extra funds.  An added benefit for college students is that they usually have textbooks to read or assignments they can work on during their waiting time--that is, if there's nothing interesting going on in the line itself!

iWait is a prime example of identifying an opportunity and then quickly mobilizing to take advantage of it.  While this isn't an idea that will change the world, it does fill a need and benefit the service providers.  That's the essence of fresh thinking!

Thanks to the Marketing & Strategy Innovation Blog and ExperienceCurve Blog for sharing this service first.

Comments

[Tobi]

iWait? For the iClock to tick down? Even though I like the idea of making money from the stupidity of other people, I think their iCustomers should have their iBrains checked at the iDoctor...

iBrains? iDoctor? Hmmm... potential new business opportunities for Apple? ;-) I wonder if waiting for the iDoctor would be a lot more fun than waiting for a regular doctor? Would people line up for it overnight? ;-)