iPod engraving

I got talking with a former colleague about iPod engraving the other day. Yes, I agree, not the most hi-tech of topics, but whatt'ya gonna' do. Anyway, we noted that Apple now offers free engraving on the iPod and iPod photo.

My former colleague didn't see the point of this, from a business perspective. He would stretch as far as agreeing to it being "a nice detail" and that my first point (below) was valid, but that's it.

In my opinion there are three very good reasons why Apple offers this option, and does so for free.

1) It sweetens the deal.
2) It's a differentiator. You don't see this option for any of the (completely rubbish) iRiver MP3 players, correct?
And, 3) It cuts down on the number of iPod's that get sold by their original owners. If the engraved message is from a loved one, a work reward or similar, the chance/risk that it goes on eBay, and Apple loosing out on selling a brand new iPod, is far slimmer than for a non-personalized piece of kit (any kit, not just iPods).

Here's a tip: have your own iPod engraved with your email address and "$250 reward". It might help you get it back if you loose it.