The Apple iPad was introduced this week to a lot of hype and long lines. Many were Apple enthusiasts who were willing to brave the crowd and even sleep over so they could be the first to get their iPad.
But one thing that seems to be consistent at most locations was that very few stores ran out of stock. In the past when Apple launched any new product it was immediately sold out and you could count on waiting for months for new shipments to arrive. Consumers have been conditioned that when new technology is released especially by Apple you need to be prepared for long lines or waiting lists.
So now analysts are wondering what to make of this new twist. Does this make the iPad a failure or does it just mean that Apple finally understands their consumer demand and is providing enough inventory.
It might be a little of both. No company wants to run out of the product. It might seem desirable that so many people want to buy there isn’t enough supply but that is a dangerous game. You risk alienating your customers and they either won’t buy when you restock, they will buy a competitors brand or they wait for you to ship more but then they have negative feelings for the company and don’t trust you in the future.
Apple is definitely smart in making sure that this time they have enough product on the shelf. The iPad is really for those that love technology. This is a “want” product versus the iPhone and Mac which are items that a wide variety of consumers use every day and consider a “need”.
Now that the iPad is released there will surely be good reviews and complaints over the technology. Not that any of that seems to matter to the bottom line at Apple. There are enough lovers of all things Apple that when all is said and done the true devotees will be happy and so will the stockholders of Apple Inc.
If you have questions e-mail direct to mc.sandymiller@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @sandeemiller.
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