Since last time I speak, there is another new product comes out from Apple Inc., the new MacBook Air ! And here we go again the new wave of craze. It also proves my point last time, product in the marketing mix of Apple is dominating in their strategies. The slimmer new generation of MacBook Air once again showing off Apple’s products are leading and their technology is so capable of performing stuns.
P3: Places (Distribution)
Apple Store is surely the first place you will think of when come to Apple’s products. Their stores are both actual and virtual. Actual stores are present in metro areas and shopping malls, which provide them the conventional methods of selling goods. What is more appealing is that, the virtual one, or the online stores are the main places for their distributions of products. Relying on the shipping services, now the customers can order a product of Apple online and get them at their doorsteps of houses. This is not a new method of servicing, but it does provide a more convenient way for customers to purchase. Apple also get advantages by doing such thing. They could reduce the Apple store in real world and cost them less to pay for renting and labors. Thus this kind of distribution is maximizing the profit margin of Apple, and at the same time providing customers with extra benefits.
P4: Price
Speaking of price, Apple does provide competitive price to earn their market shares, in certain sectors, like the cell phone. However, there are lots of complain about the pricing of Apple’s products from the market. This is kind of controversial at first glance. By establishing brand and customer loyalty, price sensitivity becomes less important for Apple’s customers. This is partly due to the uniqueness and branding effect of Apple’s stuff. In my opinion, I think Apple has divided their products into several sectors. And after that, they further develop specific plans for different products. For example, a more aggressive strategy for the IPhones will result in more competitive pricing. And a less competitive market like iMacs will cause a more expensive pricing. Loyalty is worth mentioning in pricing because eventually Apple’s customers will be more adaptable to the price in the future.