Apple Inc

Marketing Mix

About Apple Inc

Apple, Inc originated from the friendship and mutual interests of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. The Two collaborated in the development of the Apple I in the early 1970s. The Apple I was a step ahead of most computers of the time featuring a use of aTV as a display system and a cassette interface for recording programs. After obtaining financing for the development of Apple II, the Apple Computer Company was formed in 1970.

 As the growth of home computer use grew, Apple grew with it. In 1980 the company issued its initial public offering of investment stock. Apple next introduced the MacIntosh Computer in 1983 during the Super Bowl. The computers desktop publishing features provided the foundation for future innovations that have become standard for the company

 As of July 2011, Apple has 357 retail stores in ten countries,and an online store. It is the largest publicly traded company in the world by market capitalization, overtopping ExxonMobil by some $150 billion, as well as the largest technology company in the world by revenue and profit, worth more than Google and Microsoft combined. As of September 24, 2011, the company had 60,400 permanent full-time employees and 2,900 temporary full-time employees worldwide Its worldwide annual sales totaled $65 billion, growing to $108 billion in 2011.

Marketing Mix
The marketing mix and the 4 Ps of marketing are often used as synonyms for each other. In fact, they are not necessarily the same thing. "Marketing mix" is a general phrase used to describe the different kinds of choices organizations have to make in the whole process of bringing a product or service to market. The 4 Ps is one way probably the best-known way of defining the marketing mix, and was first expressed in 1960 by E J McCarthy. The 4Ps are:
Product (or Service) Place Price Promotion

Marketing Mix of Apple Inc

Product
Portable Computers including Mac products such as Mac Book Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, Xserve Servers including Xserve, Xsan, MacOS X Ser, MobleMe. Accessories including MagicMouse, Keyboard, Led Cinema Display. Wi-fi Based Stations - including Airport Express, Airport Extreme, Time Capsule.

 iPod including iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, ipod Classic. iPhone including iPhone3GS, iPhone3G, iPad. iTunes including movies, TV shows, audio books, games. Periphal products including Printers, Storage devices, digital videos and cameras.

Price
Apple is a premium brand computer that does not attempt to compete on price. The company has reduced prices after some initial product launches. It uses skimming and preimuim pricing strategies. The AppleiPad is priced at a minimum of $499. The Apple iPhone costs begin at $99. The Apple iPod Classic is priced starting at $249. The Apple iPod Nano costs $149. The Apple Mac Book costs $999. The Apple MacBook Pro is priced at $1199. The Apple Quicktime Pro for Windows costs $29.996

 Apples iPad pricing strategy includes the flexibility to lower the prices if consumer response dictates such action. This would be consistent with a similar $200 price cut on the iPhone in 2007. In 2009 Apple announced a reduced cost pricing structure for iTunes - songs will cost 69 cents, 99 cents or $1.29. He said the "vast majority" of the songs will cost 69 cents. Changes are said to be a response to a slower pace of music downloads.

Place
Apple, Inc Headquarters are located at is located at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California. The Apple Consultants Network includes independent professional service providers and technology consulting firms that specialize in Apple and third-party solutions. Certified on Apple technologies, these providers deliver on-site technology services and support to home users and businesses of all sizes. Apple service providers are certified technicians, who complete regular Apple training and assessments, and offer repair services, and exclusive access to genuine Apple parts.

 They are located in Asia/Pacific, Africa, the Middle East Europe and Latin America. Apple has over 200 retail stores worldwide including the US, UK and Canada. Apple recently opened a new retail store in Shanghai China.

Promotion
Apple, Inc offers special discounts on refurbished MacIntosh computers, iPod Nanos, and the 8GB iPod Touch. In each case a 1 year warranty is included on the all products. Apple, Inc authorized Training Centers are located throughout the U.S. each provides instruction in Mac systems, Mac OS X, and Apples professional applications. A wide range of certification exams and courses offer innovative learning opportunities for IT and creative professionals, educators, and service technicians delivered exclusively by Apple Certified Trainers.

 The Apple Consultants Network website provides a search tool allowing visitors to locate nearby certified Mac product consultants in the U.S, Canada, and a number of international locations. The online Apple Store offers free shipping for orders over $50. The online Apple store offers iTunes gift cards. Apple provides a $100 rebate when you purchase a Mac or specific printers from the online store. Apple has packaged back-to-school offers, including some aimed at college students

 Apple converts new customers and secures their loyalty through a corporate emphasis on customer service. Apple seeks to attract its target market through bold public relations events (such as the MacWorld Expo) as well as advertising imagery which borrows from contemporary modern art. Apple has expanded its distribution channels in recent years including the addition of Wal Mart.