What's special about the Apple Store online?

The online store operated by Apple will have some differences such as selling many customized devices, accessories, old-for-new policy... However, the prices will not be as attractive as the retail chain.

From the morning of May 18, Apple's online store started operating in Vietnam. This is not a new model in the electronics sector, when a brand sells devices directly to users via online means, but it still attracts attention because it is the first time Apple directly retails in the domestic market.

Price is not the advantage of Apple Store Online because of the "one price" policy, the company often only sells at the original listed price and does not have many discounts like retailers. However, the diverse products, committed delivery time, and accompanying services are ways to help Apple gain the upper hand when users choose to buy Apple products.

Many hard-to-buy products are available

In a statement, Apple Vietnam said that the company's first online store will be fully stocked with Apple products. This standard is applied to Apple Store Online globally. This is also one of the great strengths of this sales model.

On the Apple Store Online, users can find all kinds of Apple Watches with special straps, computers, monitors, headphones and other unusual accessories that are rarely sold in stores in Vietnam. In addition, this store also provides customized services such as engraving names on iPads, iPhones, AirPods right from the purchase.

The Mac Studio model is out of stock at Vietnamese dealers but is ready for delivery when purchased through the Apple Store, users can also customize the configuration. Photo: TGDĐ, Apple.

For example, more than a year after its launch, the Mac Studio is still Apple’s best performing mini PC. However, most retailers in Vietnam have stopped selling this machine after a clearance sale earlier this year. The device belongs to a special group, priced at over 50 million VND and aimed at a certain customer group.

The product's discontinuation has forced users who want to buy the device to look for unofficial options or old products that pose many risks.

Meanwhile, all configurations of the Mac Studio are still available on the Apple Store Online. The device may not be available for immediate delivery. It will still be supported by Apple to pre-order for a certain period of time. This is the strength of the manufacturer selling directly to the end user.

In Vietnam, except for the iPhone, which is a product that ensures stable output, most of the remaining industries are under pressure from inventory. Dealers often do not want to keep devices on the shelves for too long, potentially risking a loss of value when the upgraded version is released and incurring additional bank debt.

On the other hand, many retail systems set the number of business models at a fixed level. To add new items to the shelves online or offline, the product line must remove the old code. So in this case, Apple Store Online has the advantage of a monopoly supply.

For the upcoming iPhone 15 launch, Apple Store Online will also have the same initial pre-order and delivery dates as domestic retail chains. If there are problems in the supply chain like in 2022, it is likely that the online store will not be able to avoid the impact.

However, Apple's sales website has a constantly updated system, displaying the delivery date closer to reality, so it can bring a better experience to users. Meanwhile, in previous iPhone sales seasons, most Vietnamese dealers received unlimited deposits from buyers, although it was difficult to ensure the timely return process.

Many services are only available online

Apple says it wants to provide an online shopping experience similar to that of a physical store. The website has a fairly thorough consultation section to help users choose the right product for them.

When launching the Apple Online Store, Apple also announced customer care services via chat and phone in Vietnamese. According to some sources, Apple has directly and indirectly recruited customer care staff in Vietnam and trained them in the past few months.

Apple offers many options to exchange old devices when users buy new ones. Photo: TA.

One of the services that Apple offers exclusively online is trade-in. Retail stores have historically had trade-in programs, which are especially popular during the iPhone launch season. However, the program that Apple runs directly will have some differences.

When purchasing a new product online and have an old iPhone that they no longer use, customers can choose Apple Trade In and declare the condition of the old iPhone during the purchase process. Apple will send a cardboard box with instructions around the same time as the new iPhone is delivered. The user will transfer the data, package the old iPhone, and return it to the address on the instructions.

It's also worth noting that when you choose to trade in your old iPhone with Apple, you won't necessarily get a coupon. If your iPhone is old and no longer has much value, Apple will offer to recycle the device for free.

The special offer for students is also available on Apple’s online store. Apple will have partners verify student information, and this group of people will get better prices on purchases, including devices and services.

Additionally, users can also choose installment plans when purchasing products on the Apple Store Online. Currently, this service is only provided through partner Momo.

Services included with the Apple Store Online opening on May 18. Photo: Apple.

Care+ will also be available as an optional extra when purchasing a device at the Apple Store Online. This package will be included and activated according to the time the customer receives it from Apple.

When comparing Apple Stores with other retail systems, the company's selling prices are often a notch higher, among the most expensive in the market. However, Apple's physical stores still operate profitably despite having to pay operating costs and expensive premises.

A recent study by Costco found that Apple is the most profitable store in the US, generating about $60,000 in revenue per square foot per year for every Apple Store.

In addition to higher-than-average device prices, the Apple Store online also faces barriers to online business. Vietnam is still an emerging market with unique shopping habits that depend on offline. The proportion of online electronics shopping is currently below 20%. Therefore, Apple will have difficulty convincing users to buy online.

According to Zing

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/thiet-bi-so/apple-store-truc-tuyen-co-gi-dac-sac/248673.htm