Of course, it costs the company money to cover these part timers. This means higher product costs and thus less people are able to afford to buy Apple's products.
Decreased sales means less profit, thus the drop in the stock price.
I heard someone once say, "You have to make money to stay in business, but you're not in business only to make money."
Steve Jobs has repeatedly shown that he's in the game to make insanely great products -and, oh yeah, make a big stack of $$$.
If Apple were in it ONLY to make money, they'd divest themselves of EVERYTHING and run that huge pile of cash they have as an investment fund.
I'm glad Apple is not a "race to the bottom" company. Once we lose Steve, that may change - see MS and how they are doing under Steve B vs Bill G.
Why would the economy account for slowing demand if it hasn't so far? Last time I checked, the economy has sucked for a while now, and, if anything, is showing glimmers of at least modest rebounds in some sectors.
And all that while Apple has been beating the performance of the larger PC market.
Tech as a whole is up due to a combination of factors.
1: Those out of work and looking
2: Those who are working and need it keep their job
2: Those "staycationing" and using tech to pass the time.
On the other hand Apple is consumer products company, not a corporate products company.
Most Apple products are considered luxury items and the consumer in general are not spending.
Win7 netbooks are going to sell well this holiday season because they will "do the job" most people use a computer for. Email, web and Office type software.
Laptops seriously damaged desktop sales and now netbooks are seriously damaging laptop sales.
Apple's stock has been headed upward despite a few pullbacks here and there, but they don't have a answer to netbooks.
Usually I like you. I don't say much to that effect, but I like the fact that you usually are the other side of things around here.
Apple is a business, and as much as I don't like their business practices (minus this one since it benefits people instead, and Apple can definitely afford to cover them) for keeping their eco-system so closed, are very anti-competitve, and that they charge too much for the exact same hardware as other companies, it is Apple's prerogative to do so. If they can make obscene profits, I won't tell them not to (but I will voice my opinions to the buyers out there in hopes they wisen up). They are a business, making profits is their goal. Apple is smart in many ways to make sure they have big profits. Nothing wrong there. There is a reason so many companies try to copy them (although I wish they wouldn't)
If you don't like their profits, then do something about it. Don't buy any more Apple products, like me. I even sold off my Macs and am so happy that I did! I would suggest the same to you. By buying and using their products means you are giving into the profit bolstering. Vote with your wallet. There are alternatives to mac. Even OSX86 route if you don't mind giving Apple 30 bucks (just don't complain about it if you do).
Anyhow, I'm glad you are a voice of dissent. Just, in this case, the comment (since Apple's doing right for once) comes off really shallow.
Tech as a whole is up due to a combination of factors.
1: Those out of work and looking
2: Those who are working and need it keep their job
2: Those "staycationing" and using tech to pass the time.
On the other hand Apple is consumer products company, not a corporate products company.
Most Apple products are considered luxury items and the consumer in general are not spending.
Win7 netbooks are going to sell well this holiday season because they will "do the job" most people use a computer for. Email, web and Office type software.
Laptops seriously damaged desktop sales and now netbooks are seriously damaging laptop sales.
Apple's stock has been headed upward despite a few pullbacks here and there, but they don't have a answer to netbooks.
Of course, it costs the company money to cover these part timers. This means higher product costs and thus less people are able to afford to buy Apple's products.
That's not the case here. Apple's products are not priced based on cost. They are priced on what the company believe is the optimum price, considering market perception ("premium"), competition, strategic initiatives (e.g. if gaining market share in an area would be considered important). An increased cost would come straight off the bottom line, as the optimal price point wouldn't change.
Thus, no changes in sales.
Of course, there are positive sides too... better benefits should, on average, result in lower attrition (less training cost, more experienced staff) and happier employees with the benefits that entails (although that's harder to measure).
Unfortunately, if they did that Macs would cost three times what they do now and Apple would go out of business.
The grim truth is that we're addicted to cheap Chinese labor, and all the societal ills that engenders, for both us and the Chinese. If the vast range of consumer goods that we import from China (or the next developing economy standing in line) were to be priced at levels commensurate with manufacturing based on a decent American living wage, the American consumer would totally lose their shit.
It's quite the paradox, isn't it? Cheap Walmart (and frankly, not so cheap everyone else) goods allow working people to afford crap while the global economy that produces those goods help drive down wages and eliminate job opportunities for those same people.
Usually I like you. I don't say much to that effect, but I like the fact that you usually are the other side of things around here.
Apple is a business, and as much as I don't like their business practices (minus this one since it benefits people instead, and Apple can definitely afford to cover them) for keeping their eco-system so closed, are very anti-competitve, and that they charge too much for the exact same hardware as other companies, it is Apple's prerogative to do so. If they can make obscene profits, I won't tell them not to (but I will voice my opinions to the buyers out there in hopes they wisen up). They are a business, making profits is their goal. Apple is smart in many ways to make sure they have big profits. Nothing wrong there. There is a reason so many companies try to copy them (although I wish they wouldn't)
If you don't like their profits, then do something about it. Don't buy any more Apple products, like me. I even sold off my Macs and am so happy that I did! I would suggest the same to you. By buying and using their products means you are giving into the profit bolstering. Vote with your wallet. There are alternatives to mac. Even OSX86 route if you don't mind giving Apple 30 bucks (just don't complain about it if you do).
Anyhow, I'm glad you are a voice of dissent. Just, in this case, the comment (since Apple's doing right for once) comes off really shallow.
I do vote with my wallet. I never buy a 1st gen Apple product because I know I would have to buy it again in less than 18 months.
I'm more than happy... in fact, I only wish they made Macs on American soil and offered the same benefits to those factory workers.
I agree, most tech devices are made by machine, so the labor is minuscule. It's because the corporate tax rate in the US is second highest the world, Japan is the highest (and see their economy now)
If our moronic government finally "gets it" like Bill Clinton finally did near the end of his presidency (and recession he couldn't solve) and lowers the corporate tax rate, the jobs will come back here.
Of course the rate has to be lowered and kept there, not a assault on capitalism when one party is in office and then change up when another party gets in.
When a company moves or opens a factory, it needs to stay profitable for as long as possible to promote stability and jobs.
More jobs, means more people can buy and creates more jobs. More jobs and income means more tax income for government to take care of things, not borrow and spend and dig a bigger hole.
The US has a lot of land space and a growing population, unlike Europe or Japan. We can pull out of this economic mess if the socialist mentality that has invaded Washington (and the nation) is changed.
I do vote with my wallet. I never buy a 1st gen Apple product because I know I would have to buy it again in less than 18 months.
Well, at least that's a start. I would suggest not buying any Apple products if you don't want to support the profits. Unlike your signature, I did go Mac, and definitely came back (if you count Linux as back)... twice.
I would say that this is a good and overdue move on Apple's part.
As for the stock prices... I think that people have decided to realize some of their gains. The prices are sure to rise again when the x-mass season is over and the tallies are in.
Unfortunately, if they did that Macs would cost three times what they do now and Apple would go out of business.
The grim truth is that we're addicted to cheap Chinese labor, and all the societal ills that engenders, for both us and the Chinese. If the vast range of consumer goods that we import from China (or the next developing economy standing in line) were to be priced at levels commensurate with manufacturing based on a decent American living wage, the American consumer would totally lose their shit.
It's quite the paradox, isn't it? Cheap Walmart (and frankly, not so cheap everyone else) goods allow working people to afford crap while the global economy that produces those goods help drive down wages and eliminate job opportunities for those same people.
I don't disagree with you on any particular point. It is sad that we still live in a world where we all want so much "crap" and on top of that, its the people in other countries (who we don't interact with personally) that are treated poorly that makes it so we can have said crap.
I am bold to say that its still a form of slavery. We just moved it out of our sights. So what do we do?
Comments
Of course, it costs the company money to cover these part timers. This means higher product costs and thus less people are able to afford to buy Apple's products.
Decreased sales means less profit, thus the drop in the stock price.
I heard someone once say, "You have to make money to stay in business, but you're not in business only to make money."
Steve Jobs has repeatedly shown that he's in the game to make insanely great products -and, oh yeah, make a big stack of $$$.
If Apple were in it ONLY to make money, they'd divest themselves of EVERYTHING and run that huge pile of cash they have as an investment fund.
I'm glad Apple is not a "race to the bottom" company. Once we lose Steve, that may change - see MS and how they are doing under Steve B vs Bill G.
- Jasen.
I don't know how anyone can see this as a negative thing.
Hmmm, if you were a part-timer who left to go work for MS stores?
Why would the economy account for slowing demand if it hasn't so far? Last time I checked, the economy has sucked for a while now, and, if anything, is showing glimmers of at least modest rebounds in some sectors.
And all that while Apple has been beating the performance of the larger PC market.
Tech as a whole is up due to a combination of factors.
1: Those out of work and looking
2: Those who are working and need it keep their job
2: Those "staycationing" and using tech to pass the time.
On the other hand Apple is consumer products company, not a corporate products company.
Most Apple products are considered luxury items and the consumer in general are not spending.
Win7 netbooks are going to sell well this holiday season because they will "do the job" most people use a computer for. Email, web and Office type software.
Laptops seriously damaged desktop sales and now netbooks are seriously damaging laptop sales.
Apple's stock has been headed upward despite a few pullbacks here and there, but they don't have a answer to netbooks.
Hmmm, if you were a part-timer who left to go work for MS stores?
I must say, for once I agree!
Apple's stock has been headed upward despite a few pullbacks here and there, but they don't have a answer to netbooks.
I think their profit margins are answer enough
And obscene profits!
Usually I like you. I don't say much to that effect, but I like the fact that you usually are the other side of things around here.
Apple is a business, and as much as I don't like their business practices (minus this one since it benefits people instead, and Apple can definitely afford to cover them) for keeping their eco-system so closed, are very anti-competitve, and that they charge too much for the exact same hardware as other companies, it is Apple's prerogative to do so. If they can make obscene profits, I won't tell them not to (but I will voice my opinions to the buyers out there in hopes they wisen up). They are a business, making profits is their goal. Apple is smart in many ways to make sure they have big profits. Nothing wrong there. There is a reason so many companies try to copy them (although I wish they wouldn't)
If you don't like their profits, then do something about it. Don't buy any more Apple products, like me. I even sold off my Macs and am so happy that I did! I would suggest the same to you. By buying and using their products means you are giving into the profit bolstering. Vote with your wallet. There are alternatives to mac. Even OSX86 route if you don't mind giving Apple 30 bucks (just don't complain about it if you do).
Anyhow, I'm glad you are a voice of dissent. Just, in this case, the comment (since Apple's doing right for once) comes off really shallow.
Tech as a whole is up due to a combination of factors.
1: Those out of work and looking
2: Those who are working and need it keep their job
2: Those "staycationing" and using tech to pass the time.
On the other hand Apple is consumer products company, not a corporate products company.
Most Apple products are considered luxury items and the consumer in general are not spending.
Win7 netbooks are going to sell well this holiday season because they will "do the job" most people use a computer for. Email, web and Office type software.
Laptops seriously damaged desktop sales and now netbooks are seriously damaging laptop sales.
Apple's stock has been headed upward despite a few pullbacks here and there, but they don't have a answer to netbooks.
What a load of unsupported B.S..
see MS and how they are doing under Steve B vs Bill G.
Just look at the personalities of Bill Gate and Steve Ballmer.
Ballmer has been running the show since the beginning.
Ballmer is a big blowhard bully with a short temper and Gates is a alcoholic geeky wimp.
Don't expect anything to change, it's been the same all along!
Direct benefactors of the Apple Tax!
I'm more than happy... in fact, I only wish they made Macs on American soil and offered the same benefits to those factory workers.
What a load of unsupported B.S..
Your lack of information doesn't necessarily negate my statement.
Of course, it costs the company money to cover these part timers. This means higher product costs and thus less people are able to afford to buy Apple's products.
That's not the case here. Apple's products are not priced based on cost. They are priced on what the company believe is the optimum price, considering market perception ("premium"), competition, strategic initiatives (e.g. if gaining market share in an area would be considered important). An increased cost would come straight off the bottom line, as the optimal price point wouldn't change.
Thus, no changes in sales.
Of course, there are positive sides too... better benefits should, on average, result in lower attrition (less training cost, more experienced staff) and happier employees with the benefits that entails (although that's harder to measure).
I'm more than happy... in fact, I only wish they made Macs on American soil and offered the same benefits to those factory workers.
I second this motion.
I second this motion.
Unfortunately, if they did that Macs would cost three times what they do now and Apple would go out of business.
The grim truth is that we're addicted to cheap Chinese labor, and all the societal ills that engenders, for both us and the Chinese. If the vast range of consumer goods that we import from China (or the next developing economy standing in line) were to be priced at levels commensurate with manufacturing based on a decent American living wage, the American consumer would totally lose their shit.
It's quite the paradox, isn't it? Cheap Walmart (and frankly, not so cheap everyone else) goods allow working people to afford crap while the global economy that produces those goods help drive down wages and eliminate job opportunities for those same people.
Usually I like you. I don't say much to that effect, but I like the fact that you usually are the other side of things around here.
Apple is a business, and as much as I don't like their business practices (minus this one since it benefits people instead, and Apple can definitely afford to cover them) for keeping their eco-system so closed, are very anti-competitve, and that they charge too much for the exact same hardware as other companies, it is Apple's prerogative to do so. If they can make obscene profits, I won't tell them not to (but I will voice my opinions to the buyers out there in hopes they wisen up). They are a business, making profits is their goal. Apple is smart in many ways to make sure they have big profits. Nothing wrong there. There is a reason so many companies try to copy them (although I wish they wouldn't)
If you don't like their profits, then do something about it. Don't buy any more Apple products, like me. I even sold off my Macs and am so happy that I did! I would suggest the same to you. By buying and using their products means you are giving into the profit bolstering. Vote with your wallet. There are alternatives to mac. Even OSX86 route if you don't mind giving Apple 30 bucks (just don't complain about it if you do).
Anyhow, I'm glad you are a voice of dissent. Just, in this case, the comment (since Apple's doing right for once) comes off really shallow.
I do vote with my wallet. I never buy a 1st gen Apple product because I know I would have to buy it again in less than 18 months.
I'm more than happy... in fact, I only wish they made Macs on American soil and offered the same benefits to those factory workers.
I agree, most tech devices are made by machine, so the labor is minuscule. It's because the corporate tax rate in the US is second highest the world, Japan is the highest (and see their economy now)
If our moronic government finally "gets it" like Bill Clinton finally did near the end of his presidency (and recession he couldn't solve) and lowers the corporate tax rate, the jobs will come back here.
Of course the rate has to be lowered and kept there, not a assault on capitalism when one party is in office and then change up when another party gets in.
When a company moves or opens a factory, it needs to stay profitable for as long as possible to promote stability and jobs.
More jobs, means more people can buy and creates more jobs. More jobs and income means more tax income for government to take care of things, not borrow and spend and dig a bigger hole.
The US has a lot of land space and a growing population, unlike Europe or Japan. We can pull out of this economic mess if the socialist mentality that has invaded Washington (and the nation) is changed.
I do vote with my wallet. I never buy a 1st gen Apple product because I know I would have to buy it again in less than 18 months.
Well, at least that's a start. I would suggest not buying any Apple products if you don't want to support the profits. Unlike your signature, I did go Mac, and definitely came back (if you count Linux as back)... twice.
As for the stock prices... I think that people have decided to realize some of their gains. The prices are sure to rise again when the x-mass season is over and the tallies are in.
Unfortunately, if they did that Macs would cost three times what they do now and Apple would go out of business.
The grim truth is that we're addicted to cheap Chinese labor, and all the societal ills that engenders, for both us and the Chinese. If the vast range of consumer goods that we import from China (or the next developing economy standing in line) were to be priced at levels commensurate with manufacturing based on a decent American living wage, the American consumer would totally lose their shit.
It's quite the paradox, isn't it? Cheap Walmart (and frankly, not so cheap everyone else) goods allow working people to afford crap while the global economy that produces those goods help drive down wages and eliminate job opportunities for those same people.
I don't disagree with you on any particular point. It is sad that we still live in a world where we all want so much "crap" and on top of that, its the people in other countries (who we don't interact with personally) that are treated poorly that makes it so we can have said crap.
I am bold to say that its still a form of slavery. We just moved it out of our sights. So what do we do?