Chapter 12: Services & Nonprofit Organization Marketing

In today's world of consumer purchasing, it has become more and more difficult for companies to develop a long term relationship with the customer due to how accessible products are to purchase. Sources such as eBay and Amazon have given the customer the option to shop right from the comfort of there own home. And although this may seem convenient, the disconnection between customer and retail store could potentially disrupt loyalty to that particular company. Apple has taken some initiatives to better insure their customers loyalty even if they purchase products from a different outlet. A great example would be Apple's recent update on cloud storage services. Since all Apple products are all capacity specific, allowing users to securely expand their storage space for a small monthly fee is an incredible way to continue a relationship with the customer. Another example could be Apple's latest venture into music streaming. Now users can stream and download any song on the iTunes catalog for just $10 per month. These services give Apple the opportunity to easily maintain the connection with the customer, build loyalty, and makes it unlikely for them to shop elsewhere.

Chapter 11: Developing & Managing Products

Apple has created many generations of products in search for the ultimate improvement & change. The consumer anticipates the best from Apple because of its high end technology. So that itself adds a lot more pressure on whats expected from every new release. For example, When they made the 12in iPad Pro, Apple tried to incorporate the fast processor of a computer; powerful enough to work with programs. Thinking that it would over sell; it unfortunately did not sell as much as expected & was called a ridiculous tablet. Yes, a 12 inch iPad is pretty out of the ordinary; who would use such a product? but keep in mind that apple tries to target everyone that uses technology daily. It maybe convenient for some & inconvenience for others. 

On the Bright side Apple has just released a new & improved 9in iPad pro, which is the same size as the regular iPad Air 2. They've decided to improve its camera to 12 megapixels, with the tech specs exactly the same as the monstrosity of an 12in iPad pro. Imagine who wouldn't want their hands on this! 

Chapter 8: Segmenting & Targeting Markets

Who someone enters an Apple store, 9 out of 10 times there are really just looking around and deciding whether something catches their eye and could potentially solve a reoccurring issue they might be having. Solutions are the main focus in any interaction. which is why Apple does an amazing job positioning every possible solution. Positioning allows the customer to decide for themselves without pressure from the specialist. Even in different scenarios such as at the genius bar when a decision is usually made unexpectedly, the genius positions all the outcomes that the visitor may want to take advantage of and over all creating a great customer experience.

Chapter 15: Marketing Communications

Communication is key in any business. Being able to inform your customers on new information almost instantly is a normal occurrence in the world we live in today. Media outlets such as social media apps and websites bridge the gap of communication between the company and its consumers. Apple does this in a way like no other company. As soon as a new product, service, or update is available,Apple.com is updated and explained in a very informative way. Apple also does an amazing job utilizing devices to inform the customer. Although we might become a little annoyed from time to time, declining our latest software update over and over, Apple allows communication to be received with ease. 

Chapter 10: Product Concepts

Apple is now running on 100 Percent reusable energy. Which is taking part in reducing environmental damage. When a customer purchases a new apple product what they see is an iconic box that represents & supports a new experience that is about to begin. Not only does Apple find ways to recycle its energy but also its packaging. Apple has throughly examined every aspect of the packaging of their products and in doing so have set a new standard for companies alike. The way its packaging is designed is to capture the eye. It's unique, sleek rectangular box shows poise, sophistication, & style. Even it's contents within are packaged very neat & simple to unwrap.

Chapter 17: Personal Selling & Sales Management

Developing and Proposing Solutions

Technology has become a necessity to our everyday lives. Whether for business, education, or personal use, our iPhones have become a central location for our information and the ability of accomplishing tasks all from the palm of our hands. Apple has done an amazing job creating products that are simple enough to be use by everyone, however, not only do they supply the customer with the product but also insure that it can fulfill their specific needs. At an Apple retail store, the atmosphere does not feel as it would at your normal electronic store. It is clear that the specialists are able to analyze the customer’s needs and provide the best solution regardless of how much they are looking to spend. This format of sales proposal allows the specialist to align with the problem and genuinely present all of the options available while simultaneously making the customer comfortable. The loyalty that develops after an interaction like this is what differentiates a one time buyer from a long time user.

Chapter 16: Advertising, Public Relations

For big companies & businesses advertising is a very important role. Advertising reels in your audience, who the interested ones are. Its the way of winning the acceptance of your audience. Paying attention to detail, as far as how are you going to sell your product depends on how you are going to use advertising and social media to promote your business. For example, Apple Advertises its phones by competing with android. They make commercials showing the simplicity of using an iPhone & how it will make your life easier to manage, organize, & plan. By building relationships with the buyers, they already will promote an iPhone to their friends & family members because of how happy they were with their service. It's all about creating a domino effect with advertising.