The significance and role if technology and information systems in the economy and society has become extremely important over the last two decades. People, organisations and governments have enthusiastically embraced all that technology has to offer. People often suggest that a small number of key technologies are shaping and changing our society and lives. The role of information and communication technologies(ICT) in shaping human activity in our private and professional lives has become more and more prominent. The word "e-commerce" has since be view as the ability of purchasing various goods through the Internet using secure protocols and electronic payment services. Electronic commerce, commonly known as e-commerce or eCommerce, consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks.
One of such e-commerce website is Apple online store. This online store is one that sells all the Apple products with detail information provided. In my report, I will give a brief introduction of Apple Inc. and delves into the website purposes, features and how the site attracts and maintains the level of trust for it’s customers.
About Apple Inc.
Established in Cupertino, California on April 1, 1976, Apple Inc. is an American Multinational Company with a focus on designs and manufactures consumer electronics and software products. They sell laptop, desktop, MP3 and Iphone. The great variety of colours and sleek design are some of the reason why it became a hit in the market. The company currently operates in more than 200 retail stores in seven countries and an online store where hardware and software products are sold.
Purpose
The main purpose of Apple online store is to provide a one-stop platform for the sale of their products to any consumer around the world over the internet which is not located in a "brick and mortar" shop. This allows consumer around the world to shop at apple at any time any place as long as there is internet connection. Specific details of every products are also listed at the website for consumers to compare and have a look at the design and colour of the product before deciding if they would want to purchase it. Product prices, colours availability, new products, bestsellers place at the side of the website for consumers to view. Apple also have a download page for consumers to download the latest software, games or music at a minimal fee. Apple also have a search bar where you can type a specific word and they will filter out all the related products or services that the consumer is looking.
Features
Apple online is a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) virtual storefront eCommerce site. Apple online generates revenue by selling its products and services to users worldwide. Because it is a virtual storefront business, it saves money to rent of buy a shop in the malls. Apple online also save consumers the hassle to visit the Apple shops personally which there are not commonly located in the heartland shopping malls. Apple online adopts a shopping cart system which enables consumers to see what they intend to buy before checking out the items. Upon checking out, consumers will be prompted to verify payment in a secured environment.
- 1) Payment methods
The Apple Online Store accepts a variety of payment methods which are:
-Credit Cards or Debit Cards
-Cashier’s Check or Money Order
-Wire Transfer
-Barclaycard Financing Visa card
-Apple business lease (AFS Commercial Credit)
-Apple Gift Card
-Bill Me Later® - 2) Personalised products:
a) Customization of Mac
-Consumers can have their Mac as to their exact specifications to built their perfect Mac
b) Free IPod engraving
-Engraving of a personal heart warming message at the back of your ipod, be it a gift or
personal purchase
c) Signature gift box
-Signature gift wrapping alongside with a personalized greeting card, secured with a red
ribbon - 3) Others:
a) Sale of refurbished products
-Consumers may get their ideal product at incredible prices.
-All refurbished products are apple certified to set consumers’ mind at ease
b) Special deals on clearance products
-These special deals are for a limited time which offers big savings to consumers.
c) Promotional offers
-These are rebates, student deals and freebies offered to delight consumers.
d) Free shipping
-Products are delivered right to your doorstep
e) Listing of best-sellers’ products
-Added for consumers’ product knowledge and may help them in evaluating buying
decisions - 4) Design
The design of the Apple online is user friendly and systematic. The sleek design and vibrant colour are the reason why teenagers, young adults and adults are attracted to it. It is easy to navigate around Apple online as the website is clear and systematic. The text and pictures are clear and bight.
5) Strengths
The strength about Apple online is that it has detail information about every product and services which they offer and the also provide support to consumers who need technical help. They also have password reset for consumers who forget their password. They also have secure security for consumers to purchase their products online to prevent unauthorised used of credit cards. They will send an email to consumers to verify orders before proceeding with the order.
6) Weakness
As consumers are not able to see and feel the products, Apple online should offer 3D images which allow the consumer to turn the products around 360 degrees.
Conclusion
To summarize, the website provides an insight for its target market by providing the necessary information “under one roof” to provide convenience for its users. With the secure security, it will enhance the confidence of the consumers as they know even if apple have their personal particulars, no orders will be made unless the consumers verified the email send to them.
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