Apple has finally launched its online store in China. It must have been a long process of getting everything in place (i.e. logistics, fulfilment, payment gateway).
This move is definitely a good step into the China market. I recently been to the 2nd flagship store in Shanghai, and the queue to purchase the newly released iPhone 4 was a long snaking one, with every customer holding a stack of cash to pay for their phone. Due to the nature of the market, consumers here do not usually use credit terms to make purchases, choosing instead to use cold hard cash. No waiting time, no credit terms, no bank delays … Apple gets cash in hand immediately. What a wonderful place for business!
In terms of pricing, the Apple still prices itself higher than at its Hong Kong stores, for reasons probably due to import tax, govt levy, etc … Hope this changes in the future. It is definitely a good strategy to get as much Macs/iPhones/iPods into the China market, when the entire population is growing, developing and continously upgrading themselves.
