[jerrell]

There are some App Store sales advantages which stem from simply having sold a large number of copies. For example:

1. More ratings (shown as numbers next to 1-5 star ratings) - Help convince potential buyers that your app is significant

2. More reviews - advantage as with #1, but also higher chance of having at least 1 review in a larger number of countries.

3. Recommendations in iTunes - On the iTunes interface to the App Store, users are shown 'People who bought X also bought Y'-type recommendations. High sales increase the chance of your app featuring in these.

So by getting in early, you sell copies through being the main/only product choice in your area. Then, when competitor apps arrive there are some residual advantages like these which place you ahead of the pack.