Apple Mail Order?

[MacRumors]

According to a ThinkSecret source (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/trident.html), Apple may be considering expanding its direct sales model further.

This move would bring it into direct competition against traditional catalog resellers (MacWarehouse, MacMall) which have historically represented a large portion of the Mac sales market.

At this early stage, it appears that they have simply investigated this plan as a possibility, and it's unclear if they will pursue this option. In light of recent reseller lawsuits, however, such a move may further strain reseller relations.

[realityisterror]

i don't see this as having a bright future...

reality

edit: 1st reply!!! :)

[ZildjianKX]

Wow, Apple hasn't stabbed mac retailers in the back enough as is? :mad:

[medea]

well this will definitely piss off more apple resellers, but if apple wants opts to bring out their own catalog then more power to them. dell does pretty well and they are the only ones selling dells right? but does apple have enough products to have their own catalogs?

[jaesk8er]

Do any of you realy buy from resellers mags??
I used to but the apple store is so much better and w/ a student discount who could cry.
It would be a sweet looking mag if they do.

[mrxak]

I'd be interested to see this happen. I'll still just buy from the Apple Store (the online version, not the retail version), but it would be kinda neat.

[mixylplik3]

Having to buy Apple hardware from resellers? Why not just go direct and offer the same types of promotions (free RAM upgrades, etc) that Dell does? I never use resellers for Apple-branded hardware.

[coolfactor]

If they produced a high-quality magazine that featured articles on using OS X, developing software for the platform, using the various iApps, as well as being a sales pitch, I think they'd have a winner.

I used to subscribe to MacWorld for years. I even have (used to have?) the original 1984 MacWorld!!!! What a charm that was. Hope I can find it again.

I stopped subscribing because the amount of advertising in the magazine began to overtake the article content, and that wasn't worth the $8.00+ cost per copy. The only ads I really enjoyed were Apples. ;)

I think this would be a real educational opportunity for Apple. A high-quality production wouldn't be easily tossed in the trash.

[macridah]

I usually look in mag's for stuff, then buy them online. That's me.

[acidrock]

According to a ThinkSecret source (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/trident.html), Apple may be considering expanding its direct sales model further.

This move would bring it into direct competition against traditional catalog resellers (MacWarehouse, MacMall) which have historically represented a large portion of the Mac sales market.


it is my recommendation that you do everything you can to piss off macmall. I have delt with them several times, and never will again. For example I asked to be not put on their mailing list and they did anyway, among countless other complaints. It is my advise that you not order from the macmall/ clubmac counterpart. -n

[mac15]

Thats kinda harsh, if this does eventuate that is. I don't see a point really?

[raynegus]

I think it's a good idea. More profit margin for Apple *could* bring prices for the consumer down. When it comes to internet and mail order sales, Apple really does not need to pay a middle man. They can do these sales themselves. I can see keeping some private retail stores around to suppliment Apple's retail stores, but since Apple already does direct sales through their website, why not do it all and and keep the profits? That's the way I'd do it.

It's harsh but hey that's business.

[Dahl]

Do any of you realy buy from resellers mags??
I used to but the apple store is so much better and w/ a student discount who could cry.
It would be a sweet looking mag if they do.
I buy from resellers all the time, not just Apple products but everything.
I want the best price and I do not get what directly from Apple.

[themadchemist]

I don't like the idea of Apple alienating large distribution companies that have been loyal to the Mac market and that have big followings...This wouldn't be smart.

With respect to the idea of having an Apple magazine: I think the logistics and the production costs would be way too high for that to be a profitable venture for Apple. I don't want to see Apple's core objective as a manufacturer diluted by side endeavors that add little value to the experience. That there are other companies willing to dedicate entire magazines to the Mac user experience (and who are able to do so profitably) is a testament to the Mac community. Here's another place where Apple sticking its nose in would alienate loyal companies. Therefore, I think this would definitely work against Apple in the long run (and probably the short run, too).

[jane doe]

I think it would rock! Anyone remember the old Apple Catalog from the early '90s? They sold shirts and mouse pads and the like. Then they started selling certain models of computers.

It was a great catalog. It was around for a year or so... Then like all other good ideas of the day, it died a quick death.

[JOD8FY]

I think that this would be a really neat idea - Apple Magazine! I'd subscribe. I don't think that it would hurt sales of resellers because it's just like adding one more competitor. Either way, Apple gets their money. I think it's a great idea to have an upscale, classy magazine from Apple. Cool! :)

JOD8FY

[bbarnhart]

I thought that a lot of the non-Mac products that the Apple Store (online) sold came from a partnership with MacMall or some other catalog store? Is this not true anymore?

[latergator116]

I don't really see how this would compete with the other Mac reseller magazines. They all have around the same prices, so they compete by giving away freebies like ram, printer, etc. I doubt apple would do anything like this.

[varmit]

We have online ordering from apple, we don't need anything else. The only thing that I can see this being a good thing is for expose and Apple representatives. They can take a catalog around with them of all the hardware they have and the prices for people who are buying hardware, and lots of hardware. Right now they don't have that, they have printed out stapled together stuff that looks unprofessional that they show to people (such as schools and businesses).

[dukemeiser]

Apple is simply trying to cut out the middle man. They have everyone's address that has bought a Mac. Sending out a catalog would be an easy way to see who bites. Eventually MacMall will go out of business, and Apple will see more profits. Sad really, since they are essentially bullying out their own resellers.

[Windowlicker]

If they produced a high-quality magazine that featured articles on using OS X, developing software for the platform, using the various iApps, as well as being a sales pitch, I think they'd have a winner.

word! especially if the magazine appeared in finland too ;) but if it were just a catalog, I don't really believe it would bring much new customers (new because old customers are already using the apple store).

[lazyrighteye]

iMag™
iRead™
iLliterate™
i'MGoingToBed...™

[Doctor Q]

I buy from MacZone/PCZone and MacMall/PCMall. They give me a slight discount over normal prices, they have packaged deals now and then, they answer technical questions for me, and they sell more third-party products than Apple does. I like having that choice.

[shyataroo]

Apple should just leave macmall alone they make enough money off of macmall I mean Macmall buys the stuff from apple and sells it to us. Apple still gets the same money (unless tmacmall is given a wholesale discount/magazine affiliate discount)

[krimson]

I really dont see the point, mostpeople would end up ordering from the website anyways.

Macmall sucks. I hate them, their customer service blows. I've always been talked down to everytime I used to call them. One time I ordered a game from them (Way back when) and I wanted to return it, unopened, and they tried to tell me they wouldn't take it back. It took 2 weeks and over 12 calls for them finally to take it back.

[bubbagump]

Obviosuly, if Apple did a direct mail campaign, it would be stylish. Their catalog would probably be constructed from rather expensive paper with a minimalist look or something. If they really want to convert PC users, they simply need more exposure and to dispell the myth that Macs suffer from too little software and incompatability of data files. Apple also need to tell people that it is very easy to switch. Many older users that use PCs will not even consider Apple because they think all of their Windows knowledge will not apply and that they cannot talk to the rest of the world. Television commercials can only do some of this. A PeeCee user is never going to show up to Apple's website except to maybe download iTunes. Hence, direct mail fills this gap.
As for screwing other Mac catalogs, one must remember that if you do not buy from Mac Mall, Mac Mall ceases to come to your home. Hence, if Apple is making cold calls, there is really no competition, and Apple is only providing exposure for the market. If the demographics are right, this may be a very good move for Apple.

Bubba

[g30ffr3y]

i get the sony style catalog every few months... its not really a magazine, but not really a catalog... it seems to be put together very well, is classy and descriptive... its still a giant commercial for sony products, but certainly doesnt seem like it alienates resellers...

if apple took this route i think it could work to their advantage and not piss anyone off...

[Piker]

If it's anything like the rest of apple's sales and marketing schema, this is fixin' to be the prettiest darn computer magazine we've ever laid eyes on. It'll make all the other ones, from all the MacSomethings or CDW or Buy.com, look like one of those annoying inserts in your sunday paper. Pinup quality full-page glossy photos of Mac products does have some appeal, but I'm afraid that's all most people will do with these magazines. Mail-order is dead. Unless they find some really spiffy way to tie it to the Apple Online store or the retail locations (which they very well may come up with), this endeavor probably won't drive many sales. That's my two cents.

-Piker

[billyboy]

If the catalogue could be like a keep on the coffee table standard publication that focuses on what you can do on OS X and has like a secondary purpose of selling the hardware that runs OS X, that could do well as far as attracting new custom. But to send me as an existing user a glossy mag of Apple products, that would just annoy me because I hate wasting paper when the apple.com web site can tell me perfectly well everything I need to know.

My tuppenny bits worth

[Thor74]

Wow.... let's just see if this takes off first. Talk about really sc*wing over your other channels for sales Apple. I used to buy from direct resellers backa few years. Looked forward to MacMall, MacConnection, etc etc just to see what new stuff was out. Hmmm no point in worrying about this until/if it hapens I guess.

[wdlove]

I get Mac Connection and Mac Mall, occasionally purchase from Mac Connection. Personally I think that it would be a bad idea for Apple to go into the catalogue market. It would just be another expense that Apple doesn't need.

[hayesk]

If it's anything like the rest of apple's sales and marketing schema, this is fixin' to be the prettiest darn computer magazine we've ever laid eyes on. It'll make all the other ones, from all the MacSomethings or CDW or Buy.com, look like one of those annoying inserts in your sunday paper.

Let's hope so. If this happens, I'm going to order a bunch of catalogues and leave them in the lunch rooms and common areas at work.

[hayesk]

Wow, Apple hasn't stabbed mac retailers in the back enough as is? :mad:

Oh please. The only retailers Apple "stabbed in the back" are the lazy ones who had poor retail operations and did almost nothing to grow the Mac brand. If mom and pop computer stores with razor thin margins can advertise in print and radio then why can't a local Mac dealer? Oh, I know - because they prefer to just live off the Mac loyalists that want a retail experience but have nowhere else to go.

[mikeswimm]

the main reason apple's marketshare is so low is price. PERIOD. especially in the economic climate we are in now. squeezing a tiny amount of profit from companies like macmall (whether you like them or not) that have supported the brand for years is stupid and will only hurt apple in the longrun. they are already in hot water with a bunch of long-term retailers.

i think apple needs to tone down the fascist control a little and let the market show them how most people buy computers. (ibox anyone?) steve loves to pretend like he is some technological messiah but then prices his products out of the budget of 90% of the population. dumb.

[SiliconAddict]

According to a ThinkSecret source (http://www.thinksecret.com/news/trident.html), Apple may be considering expanding its direct sales model further.

This move would bring it into direct competition against traditional catalog resellers (MacWarehouse, MacMall) which have historically represented a large portion of the Mac sales market.

At this early stage, it appears that they have simply investigated this plan as a possibility, and it's unclear if they will pursue this option. In light of recent reseller lawsuits, however, such a move may further strain reseller relations.

About damn time. I'm sick of getting only Dell ads in the mail! :cool:

[rhpenguin]

Cool. Up here in Canada we have no Apple store to go to. We have our small retailers with inhouse staff and whatnot (which is nice because they know me) but being able to order from Apple and not doing it on the web is a nice alternitve.

Granted, this does screw over the resellers. This move is neutral in my book.

[wdlove]

About damn time. I'm sick of getting only Dell ads in the mail! :cool:

You must be like my wife and had either leased or purchased a Dell before. I'm surprised that they don't delete you from the files after so many years of not ordering.