This may be another case of Apple genius. A $50 gift card is almost like a $50 discount, because in the end, you have the product you bought plus $50 more than you would have. The difference if course is that you have to spend that $50 at the apple store.
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
This may be another case of Apple genius. A $50 gift card is almost like a $50 discount, because in the end, you have the product you bought plus $50 more than you would have. The difference if course is that you have to spend that $50 at the apple store.
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
Of course, it's Apple genius. I chuckled immediately when I read the announcement. It's a good tactic.
But no amount of explanation will make a difference to the perpetual price whiners and deadbeats who think Apple owes them actual discounts because they think Apple makes enough money already.
This seems like the most logical move considering Apple's push to sell directly to more consumers instead of relying on resellers like Best Buy, Target, etc.
This may be another case of Apple genius. A $50 gift card is almost like a $50 discount, because in the end, you have the product you bought plus $50 more than you would have. The difference if course is that you have to spend that $50 at the apple store.
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
Good show, jekeb!
Keeps them in the "Apple store!"
Whether that's the Apple physical stores or the Apple online/App store.
Brilliant!
Most don't realize how much money retail businesses spend, just to entice someone to walk thru the door!
Besides, if the average markup is 35+%, Apple is really only giving away $32. I think I have that right?
$50 value to the customer but only ~$30 out of pocket to Apple.
Edit: Having thought about it, a bit, Apple probably insists on quite a lot more mark-up on the third party products it sells in the physical stores. Most likely, approaching 50+%.
But no amount of explanation will make a difference to the perpetual price whiners and deadbeats who think Apple owes them actual discounts because they think Apple makes enough money already.
Apple's Black Friday "deals" have always been a bit stingy, so give a gift! The people who receive it will thank you, and will never have to know just how stingy Apple's Black Friday "deals" really are!
This just shows what Apple is becoming.. a big soulless money-making corporation. Black Friday was always about "hard cash" discounts, not gift cards.. Their profit margin probably allows them to make a $50-100 discount, but now they've just gotten too greedy.
I'm not saying that a profitable business is a bad thing and that Apple shouldn't make any money. They still make some great products and they deserve all of their customers and profits, but in my opinion they've lost that bit of their revolutionary spirit, that innovation, which was driving them forward in the past 10-15 years..
Now it's all about making incremental updates, making cheaper commodity products like the iPhone 5C.
This just shows what Apple is becoming.. a big soulless money-making corporation. Black Friday was always about "hard cash" discounts, not gift cards.. Their profit margin probably allows them to make a $50-100 discount, but now they've just gotten too greedy.
I'm not saying that a profitable business is a bad thing and that Apple shouldn't make any money. They still make some great products and they deserve all of their customers and profits, but in my opinion they've lost that bit of their revolutionary spirit, that innovation, which was driving them forward in the past 10-15 years..
Now it's all about making incremental updates, making cheaper commodity products like the iPhone 5C.
Apple doesn't need to deeply discount their products, unlike everybody else. If you don't like Apple's deals, then go to a third party retailer, where some of them are offering better deals.
This strategy also helps to keep some of the Fandroid riff raff away, as Apple is obviously not interested in going after cheap and ignorant customers who base their buying decisions primarily on price.
I think it is a great move. Even Target is give gift card and not cash for $100 when you by iPad Air. Also, I assume I can order it online. Waiting to get my MacBook Pro!
Comments
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
This may be another case of Apple genius. A $50 gift card is almost like a $50 discount, because in the end, you have the product you bought plus $50 more than you would have. The difference if course is that you have to spend that $50 at the apple store.
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
Of course, it's Apple genius. I chuckled immediately when I read the announcement. It's a good tactic.
But no amount of explanation will make a difference to the perpetual price whiners and deadbeats who think Apple owes them actual discounts because they think Apple makes enough money already.
Smart.
This may be another case of Apple genius. A $50 gift card is almost like a $50 discount, because in the end, you have the product you bought plus $50 more than you would have. The difference if course is that you have to spend that $50 at the apple store.
Now if people buy additional things at the Apple store with the gift cards in an amount that exceeds the number of people who went elsewhere in search of a pure discount, apple comes out ahead. Meanwhile, any "lost" customers are still buying Apple products, just at best buy.
Good show, jekeb!
Keeps them in the "Apple store!"
Whether that's the Apple physical stores or the Apple online/App store.
Brilliant!
Most don't realize how much money retail businesses spend, just to entice someone to walk thru the door!
Besides, if the average markup is 35+%, Apple is really only giving away $32. I think I have that right?
$50 value to the customer but only ~$30 out of pocket to Apple.
Edit: Having thought about it, a bit, Apple probably insists on quite a lot more mark-up on the third party products it sells in the physical stores. Most likely, approaching 50+%.
Boo.
But no amount of explanation will make a difference to the perpetual price whiners and deadbeats who think Apple owes them actual discounts because they think Apple makes enough money already.
Paying customers are deadbeats?
My goal is to run a business without any customers!
The fact is, Apple products don't need to be discounted. They continue to sell like crazy. Let other retailers discount if they like.
Paying customers are deadbeats?
Don't ask me, ask a dictionary!
The fact is, Apple products don't need to be discounted. They continue to sell like crazy. Let other retailers discount if they like.
Agreed.
Apple's Black Friday "deals" have always been a bit stingy, so give a gift! The people who receive it will thank you, and will never have to know just how stingy Apple's Black Friday "deals" really are!
Everyone's a winner!
Apple's Black Friday "deals" have always been a bit stingy,
Have you considered the implications of ‘real’ discounts being provided in Apple stores that are already full to the brim with customers?
The death toll for staff and customers would be catastrophic.
This just shows what Apple is becoming.. a big soulless money-making corporation. Black Friday was always about "hard cash" discounts, not gift cards.. Their profit margin probably allows them to make a $50-100 discount, but now they've just gotten too greedy.
I'm not saying that a profitable business is a bad thing and that Apple shouldn't make any money. They still make some great products and they deserve all of their customers and profits, but in my opinion they've lost that bit of their revolutionary spirit, that innovation, which was driving them forward in the past 10-15 years..
Now it's all about making incremental updates, making cheaper commodity products like the iPhone 5C.
Groan.
Apple doesn't need to deeply discount their products, unlike everybody else. If you don't like Apple's deals, then go to a third party retailer, where some of them are offering better deals.
This strategy also helps to keep some of the Fandroid riff raff away, as Apple is obviously not interested in going after cheap and ignorant customers who base their buying decisions primarily on price.
http://gizmodo.com/5962854/apples-black-friday-deals-are-live
It helps resellers though. I'm not a fan of store credit whether it's for refunds or discounts.