Apple's Marketing Channels and Supply Chain Management Posts 1 & 2

Post 1:

Apple Computer Inc. was the leader in the personal computer market until IBM and PC gained popularity. This caused Apple's market share to decline. In 1996, to increase their market shares, Apple started selling on-line and in 2001, through company owned retail stores. Some stores include AT&T, Best Buy, and now Wal-mart. This will give Apple the chance to reach the millions of Wal-mart shoppers who are not familiar with Apple products.

Post 2:

The AMR research reported that Apple was ranked number two in its Annual Supply Chain Top 25 report for supply chain management. Apple was recognized for its superior supply chain capabilities and performance. "Apple is committed to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility wherever their products are being made." 

Apple's Developing and Managing Products-- Posts 1 & 2

Post 1:
According to Magazines, when it comes to product management, Apple is clearly the “Most Admired,” the “Most Innovative," and the “Master at Design.” Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of industrial design just won the 2007 National Design Award for product design. Apple is big on introducing their new products. When new products are released for consumers to buy, they definitely make huge sales just like the iPhone and iPod. Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, believes in using his unique strategy because he knows what people want. Apple's new product gives people what they want most, a lightning fast notebook and a striking new consumer Macintosh. Apple leads when it expresses its vision through its products, exciting you and making you proud to own a Mac.



Post 2:
Apple is widely regarded as one of the most effective companies at launching products today.
Apple is able to generate interest and excitement over even minor product launches because of its reputation for creating innovative, elegant and functional hardware and software. Everything from industrial design, packaging, accessories and even the product’s web site, is polished to enhance usability, and Apple’s overall image as a maker of “insanely great” consumer products.

Apple's Sales Promotion and Personal Selling Post 1 & 2

Post 1:
When it comes to Sales Promotion, Apple knows best. Apple uses promotional methods using special short-term techniques to persuade members of a target market to respond or undertake their products. Examples of certain methods Apple uses for sales promotions are money back guarantees, lower purchase price and rebates etc. The Apples stores are very distinct and captivating from many other electronic stores because they display all of their products for consumers to experience hands- on. Consumer's are allowed to surf the web on any of their computers, listen to the latest ipods, and experience the iPhone and its features. This lets consumers get comfortable with the products and familiarize themselves with it. This is a major consumer sales promotion that Apple has developed.

Post 2:
During special consumer promotions, Apple has its certain auditions in which they target directly. For example during the month of July to September 1st, Apples promotes their Mac book laptops for college students. When students show their school I.D, they pay for a Mac book book and get any free Ipod they desire and a free printer. I can personally say that this is a good promotion method because I was one of its targeted audience who purchased this great deal.
Another great promotion sales is the teamwork between Apple and Ticketmaster. They have teamed upon once again to give fan a great deal they cannot resit. When you purchase a concet ticket through Ticketmaster, you can simultaneously purchase the corresponding artist's album for $1 off the iTunes Store price. This is an excellent promotional deal that benefits the music fans.

Apple's Advertising and Public Relations Post 1 & 2

Post 1:
Apple believes "Its All About The Brand." During the late 1980's and early 1990's, it was Pepsi's marketing executive, John Sculley who turned Apple into the biggest single computer company with $11 billion in annual sales. Sculley marketed Apple like never before boosting the advertising budget from $15 million to $100 million. Pepsi is the number one soda brand that most people prefer. Just like Pepsi, this ad demonstrates that Apple is the number one computer company that everyone prefers over all other brands. This ad portrays both of these two major companies combines as one. Its like getting the best of both worlds.





Post 2:
This diagram portrays Apple's public relations effort. The Mac shown, demonstrates a picture of Star Trek. Star Trek is a very popular show which has thousands of fans. With this ad, Apple tries to attract not only Mac fans for its beautiful screen image but to Star Trek fans also showing them the exceptional quality in which they can see their favorite show. I believe that this an great public relation efforts. This ad attracts many people for many different personal reasons and that's what advertising is all about.

Apple's Pricing Concept-- Post 1 & 2

Post 1:
When it comes to pricing, Apple tries not to be competitive but they thinks more ahead of the product and its affect that pricing might have in the future. Apple doesn't try to compete with PCs directly on price for several reasons. Some of these reasons include that cut throat pricing leads to diminished profits and loss of shareholder value, it diminishes the hard won reputation of the Apple brand. Also, it's too early for Apple to jump on price decreases before it fully understands the impact of its future quarter sales.

Post 2:
Apple will never price their product downward, even in a down market. The reasons for this is to maintain a premium brand with premium price points, to maintain their margins, and to take in the maximum amount of revenue and profit from their target demographic. Apple will be able to maximize revenue and profit with their consistently high price points during this season. In the long term, this may be the right strategy. Apple believes that once their prices go downward, and it will be difficult to raise the price.

Apple in Retailing Post 1& 2

Post 1:
This weekend I visited a retail Apple store. The store is open 24 hours seven days a week located in 59th and 65ave.The store does an amazing job in retailing. They have many employees to help you with anything you need. When it comes to learning more about a specific new product, Apple is great in answering any questions. They even have their products displayed so customers could get hands on experience. With my experience in the store, I could definitely say that Apple is #1 in customer service.

Post2:
Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, began a concerted campaign to help sales by improving the retail presentation of Macs. This campaign was the the introduction of the first retail Apple Stores on May 19, 2001. Apple experienced explosive growth largely due to its retailing environments and marketing rather than its products or competitive prices. Even if a customer was not going to buy a product that day, a sales person would help demonstrate the Mac or just leave the customer alone while he or she surfed the Internet or just played games. By 2007, Apple become one of the most productive retailers in the world.

Apple's Product Concept Post 1 & 2

Post 1:
When it comes to their products, Apple is very precise. Their product has to be unique like no other in very way possible. Apple new technologies consist of being ultra thin and touch screen. Apple is about to release their latest product, the Tablet. Its rumored to be released by the Christmas season. The tablet is a large version of the iPhone and Ipod touch put together. The cost comes to about $699-799. The most exciting part of the tablet is its high definition video.

Post 2:
To apple, missing deadlines by even weeks can make the difference between market leadership and being relegated to being a follower. When making a product, Apple's percise detais are almost impossible to get. Apple's CEO Steve Jobs, focuses on making its products unique. A big Apple product usually begins with a big idea for an unmet customer need. Then designers figure out what the product should look like and what features it should have.