As OnePlus establishes its first U.S. carrier affiliation with T-Mobile, the company has more of an opportunity to step into the limelight against major brands such as Samsung and Apple. Consumer loyalty is needed now more than ever if OnePlus intends to keep its Anti-flagship flagship status.
The Chinese manufacturer has opened the launch event of its next device the OnePlus 6T to the public. The device will be announced October 30 at Pier 36 in New York City and OnePlus is marketing the event as its “largest fan gathering ever.” The manufacturer is currently selling invites at an early bird rate of $20 but prices will jump to $30 on October 10. Plus one invites for two guests will also be available October 10 for $50.
Attendees will be able to experience the launch event and have hands-on access the OnePlus 6T, gather with fellow OnePlus fans, get coveted OnePlus swag, and a pair of the Bullets Wireless headphones.
OnePlus is well known for its fan gathering events, where enthusiasts can get hands-on time with the latest models and purchase new handsets ahead of their official release. The OnePlus 6 had pop-up events in locations including, New York City, San Fransisco, London, and several other European and Nordic cities. In New York, fans took over the Flatiron district with lines blocking the entrance to Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club.
OnePlus fan experiences are typically free to access, but the venues can be small and waiting times long. Often, OnePlus hosts contests to allow fans to win a chance to attend launch events. However, the OnePlus 6T launch event is an interesting mix of dedication to consumers and an opportunity to make money. Though the price of OnePlus smartphones steadily increases with each new model, the OnePlus 6T is likely to remain under $600, as per the company’s affordable premium ethos.
Drawing in more loyalists clearly won’t be a cheap endeavor for OnePlus. To keep smartphone prices competitive the company will have to draw in revenue from other sources, and open launch events could be just the ticket to keep fans engaged and wallet open.
