Apple Online Store launches in the Philippines: What happens to local distributors?
It’s no secret that the Apple Online Store has been officially launched in the Philippines. I’m excited. Now I no longer have to leave the comfort of my home to buy Apple products. A move like this points to a great future for online purchasing and delivery in the Philippines. With orders above P3,000, delivery is free.
The online store has a set of coveted features, including the highly coveted iPod engraving for ultimate personalization.
The Apple Online Store brings something else on the table - competition. Now we have a benchmark as to how much an Apple product can cost vis a vis the other official and unoffical distributors (hehe).
I have a question though - and if you work for an exclusive Apple retailer or distributor (PowerMac, The A Store, Digital Hub, Mobile1, etc), you might want to chime in. How does this affect Apple’s relationship with their established gold distributors? Will they be bringing competition to the table, or do they have some sort of partnership in this online endeavor? And here’s an example — the benefits of ordering an iPod online (free engraving!!!) outweigh retailers’ benefits, that is if you can afford to pay 100% cash. It also works if you want to heavily customize* your Macs before you buy them.
At the end of the day, retailers will be forced to come up with better promos (and freebies!) which is all good for the consumers!
* Footnote: I’m a little disappointed that DELL didn’t see the potential of the online store in the Philippines and went 100% retail. The build before you buy feature for the DELL online store in the USA made it such a winner product. We don’t have that here. Oh well. You snooze, you lose.
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I actually had my first iPod engraved … and realized later on that I shouldn’t have because it makes it harder to resell.
oh that’s true. however it’s perfect if you’re giving it to someone as a gift
Kelan kaya yung i-tunes?
from the looks of it, soon!
I like having the site…except for the estimated 2-3 Weeks Shipping Time 0_O for orders. I’ll just head to a Powermac center then.
Itunes seems juicy though…hehe
It’s a good sign… but the price is much higher…right? and selection is not as broad….
Sana yung ibang games na di avai. sa Phil. na lang inuna nila… and itunes ….