Are Apple salespeople the best candidates to sell Microsoft products? I wouldn't think so.
arinewman
· 2 months ago
MSFT doesn't have the same product mojo, nor is the platform cool or sexy in the same way AAPL is. Don't think retail will work as well for them, nor will they be able to lure away apple fanboy and fangirl sales/retail peeps to the dark side for a few more bucks. Who wants discounts on computers and software they don't want anyway?
Jannifer
· 2 months ago
Exactly! This will backfire. Such tactics would motivate Apple fans & users to evangelize the brand even more. This places Microsoft in a very bad light.
srfwotb
· 2 months ago
It's a recession. I can see some people going for the $$. I say just sit back and see how bad it sucks to come up with a retail display for brown zunes.
dainathomas
· 2 months ago
Right they dnt have .. :)
Best, Daina
Jason Rukus
· 2 months ago
They can line the registers with 24 karat gold and have Cristal water fountains, that doesn't change the fact their selling machines that run a Windows OS. Lipstick on a pig as they say in the south.
Civrock
· 2 months ago
It's indeed the question if this will pay off for Microsoft... not because of the products or stores... but considering most Apple employees are likely also Apple enthusiasts? iPod, iPhone, Mac users themselves?
I'm not sure if they, even if paid more, would be able to "sell" Microsoft products to the customer as well as they do "their" brand in the Apple stores. Money is a good argument nowadays, sure, but Apple users are generally much more enthusiastic about their products than owners of Microsoft products. This could easily backfire at Microsoft and their money, I personally don't think that this is a smart move. The "cherry-picked" Apple retail managers as well as the "top sales" people in the Apple Stores are most probably experienced and passionate owners of Apple products and won't switch to Microsoft technology just because they got a job there. They won't be passionate about what they sell and even if they manage to do a good job... they likely won't last long either and will regret having quit their spots at a great employer like Apple.
Hey, Good businesses emulate what works. It seems like Microsoft has been sitting back and letting Apple throw the mud for awhile, It's about time they start fighting back! I wonder if one of these store will end up in Idaho... While I doubt it will happen for awhile (economy here is still a bit slow) I'm sure it could only help.
Jannifer
· 2 months ago
I can't imagine they would pick Idaho - the economy needs to drastically improve here. Maybe if Micron and/or HP started hiring again... ID is in the top 10 in foreclosure rates in the country. Apple employees here are extremely loyal, but there's plenty of unemployed people around here that would love to have any job - even one at a Microsoft store.
camera bags
· 2 months ago
Is their competition held between Microsoft and apple.It might happen that microsoft might be happy from apple store people.Its will be good compete.Its all about business strategy for any side.
A Realist
· 2 months ago
"We tend think that consumers will buy the better products, but Apple’s unique approach to the retail space has been widely successful."
If history has taught us anything, it's that better marketing trumps better products. Otherwise Microsoft wouldn't be where they are today.
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
Microsoft can't be seen to be making people unemployed, which is what they would be doing if they were to 'crush' apple. What better way to wriggle out of this than to offer Apple employees jobs? Microsoft products aren't good? When are you people going to learn that something doesn't have to be good to sell. This is ALL down to marketing! I don't particularly like Windows either, yet it is everywhere, even in schools! It has nothing to do with product or who they are. They have the money, they have the marketing. I'd say you have a choice, work for them or find another job!
One other thing, I live in Gateshead, UK. Where is my nearest Apple store?
Justin
· 2 months ago
HAHAHAHA... Ummmm the reason you see Windows everywhere and even in schools isn't marketing. Its price point. I don't even think Microsoft fanboys would say M$ markets better than Apple. Come on now give me a break.
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
Call it what ever you like, it's a strategy that works (and is working). They push windows under the noses of as many kids (and people if you count adult education) as they can. "This is a computer, it uses Windows. When you get your own this is what you should use because you are already familiar with it". Isn't that marketing? Isn't placing the product a part of marketing? Since when did strategy have nothing to do with marketing? Either way, arguing over what it is they actually do isn't going to change the fact that it doesn't matter which OS is best. I don't use a mac, I have no intention of buying Win 7 and no longer use Windows (I guess that means I just can't win eh?). I don't CARE who (if anyone) wins, but it is plain to see that one product being better than the other has nothing to do with it. If that were the case Linux would be a lot further on than it is now. When someone goes to a shop to buy a computer, "Hello, I need a computer that does X, Y and Z", "Certainly sir, there you go, a PC with Windows 7". Sorry? Where is Apple? Where is any of the Linux distributions? I'm in the lucky position where I am able to pick and chose which OS I use (self employed software developer), but if I had to get up and go to 'the office' every day, where they use XP then I don't want to be using two different operating systems. Did you know, a LOT of secretary's have problems just using XP, never mind having to learn another OS. Why? Because so many people learn what they need to know to get them through the day. They don't want to learn the ins and outs of most things. It doesn't matter which OS is best because 'everyone' (yes, I use 'everyone' loosely, of course people use other OS's) already USES Windows, if they don't then they just haven't been to school yet!
My fingers hurt now, I need a cup of tea :)
don't matter
· 2 months ago
Apple Employees are not being recruited. Apple employees are reaching out and applying. It pays more, and recently Apple's treatment of employees in general has been questionable.
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
AT LAST! Someone who sounds like they know what they are talking about, rather than just speculating like most of us :)
ben
· 2 months ago
Innovate don't imitate
This is a battle that will not be won by underhanded tactics. Microsoft have grown decadent and massive of the years. They have crushed the competition on numerous occasions, and ended up with a weak Operation System because of it, with is there "bread and butter" or core business.
Apple have taken there time, and have work over years quietly amassing an arsenal of desirable products, and using marketing to there advantage.
In these economically challenged times, companies that show resilience, must be doing something correct? look at Apple stocks vs Microsoft over the last six mouth.
r0cketman22
· 2 months ago
Some people in here need to get over themselves and realize that Windows and Macintosh can coexist.
Some use one over the other, some use both. The point is choice.
Also, Windows 7 is great.
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
Thanks for telling me Windows 7 is great. I'd find out first hand but I refuse to pay for it when there is a perfectly good open source OS that does everything I need it to do. Not that I hate Windows mind, only I just recently switched to Linux and can't see the point in paying good money to be no further forward.
As operating systems, of course they can coexist, but as companies? Only if they both agree to co-exits!
TWF
· 2 months ago
I wish MS all the success they can handle. I am so sick of hearing about how mac products are so great, when they aren't. I like the look of the mac stuff, and the ipod but mac is only about mac, they don't play nice in the sandbox, their products are over-priced and I would love to see them eat some dirt.
Retrograffica
· 2 months ago
I've got to be honest, I don't see why so many people have a problem with Apple - their products double as a Mac AND Windows machine, giving people the choice to run whatever OS they want on one machine - as far as I know nothing else can do that?
Jason Almeida
· 2 months ago
Here's why:
PCs should be able to run OS X as well, considering the exact same hardware is in both. However, Apple goes out of their way to prevent PCs from running OS X.
Justin
· 2 months ago
That's because from a business standpoint Apple did the intelligent thing. While M$ lets their software run on any half assed machine and potentially looks bad and slow because the hardware can't handle it. Apple makes sure its OS is only on machines that run it like a top, while at the same time reinforcing a brand and selling hardware.
This next statements gonna get me some heat and I accept that but. Most people buy PC's because they are either A) A gamer / 3D renderer of some variety or B) Cant afford a mac
Most people that hate macs haven't used/owned one since 1995.
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
I bought a PC because of who I wrote software for. People I work for buy PC's because they are 'industry standard'. MOST people buy a Mac because of what they know or believe. The sad truth is that most people who buy a computer are relying on the sales person, in which case they normally buy a PC. Does that make them a second class citizen? Can't afford them? Oh no, I don't drive a Ferrari, I AM SORRY EVERYONE! I WILL CHANGE MY WAYS! (you wish!). Oh dear, I just read your last line :( Maybe they don't actually HATE them, maybe they just prefer a PC?
Justin
· 2 months ago
Sorry I should rephrase that. My previous statement is in regards to PERSONAL use computer as having what your employer requires you to use or having it because you write software for it is an obvious exception for obvious un-applicable reasons.
I grew up on pc's I've worked in IT and maintained both.
I'm far from driving a farrari but maybe cant afford isn't how i should have worded it. "Don't agree with the price point for one reason or another" hows that sound?
Also I didn't say "most people hate macs because" i said "most people THAT hate macs"
So yes ... the people I'm referring to DO hate macs... Because I just said people THAT hate macs.
But yeah Keep twisting words around
"Oh dear"
Cooldot
· 2 months ago
Hello Justin, sorry for the long delay in replying. I don't normally come on here. Any way... Personal or professional, what's the difference? I was relating to my situation and then went on to talk about 'Joe Public' walking into a shop and asking for a computer. I live in UK and you live where ever you are. Maybe we see things differently because Macs are seen in a different light? But all I see is people buying mainly PC's. I STILL can't remember the last time I saw a Mac advertised on TV and I STILL can't find a Mac store, let alone a local one.
Hate macs? Sorry, I should have read that line better, but you are still assuming people actually hate them. I prefer to believe people use what they see to be the best machine for their circumstances (or what ever they are sold at the time). That doesn't mean a Mac isn't better than a PC, it could be that they don't know what the difference is or it could be that the PC suits their needs best.
Justin, are you biased?
Giannii
· 2 months ago
That's grimy. ha
Andrew MacDonald
· 2 months ago
I agree with your last paragraph.
Users will go for the better product, and Apple Products crap all over Microsoft. Im sure Microsoft will do 'ok', but thats as far as it will go. Apple will remain king in the retail sector i believe.
Mac's? Ha ha ha
· 2 months ago
Sure MS can prevail. Apple users think they are the center of the computing universe, when in reality they make up a miniscule percentage of computer users. Way to blow your own hown! Viva vanity! There's a reason there are BILLIONS of PC users and only a few million Mac users. Mac's suck for anything other than checking email and printing pictures. No Mac helped put a man into space. If you Mac users would open your eyes and see that you are buying proprietary hardware running open-source crap you'd probably be upset at Apple. Sucker is an understatement.
Justin
· 2 months ago
I get what your saying completely however, you should probably open your eyes as well Apple is gaining user base fast. And at least in my town mac is the majority. (And no I'm not from california)
"Mac's suck for anything other than checking email and printing pictures." This statement just discredits anything valuable you might have had to say. I make a living on a mac. If you believe that macs are just glorified netbooks. I am a graphic designer and a video editor. For what I do Macs blow PC's out of the water. The way they handle images and video is far superior. I've used both plenty as I worked in IT for some time on a big ten university.
Name
· 2 months ago
As the article states this is talking about MANAGERS. The people that run the stores and know the apple formula for success. This isn't about the specialists making 9 dollars an hour jumping ship over to microsoft to make 11 dollars an hour
Steve B ✔
· 2 months ago
"Let's hire people who already have jobs."
"Why is the economy so bad?"
pxlated
· 2 months ago
I find it interesting that Microsoft has so little confidence in themselves that they feel they need to copy & poach - It's the beginning of the end for them.
Dahveed
· 2 months ago
Standard guru response will be "the problem is in your hardware, contact your hardware vendor for support."
At the Apple store, that answer doesn't work. It will at MS' store.
Mike
· 2 months ago
My question is, "What are they going to sell?" Zune? It's hard to imagine someone going into a Microsoft Store and walking out with a copy of SQL Server. Maybe they'll sell some copies of Windows 7 at retail, but does that mean they will have to start supporting it? I think having a Microsoft "store" is a good idea, but I see it only as marketing; a place you can go to see some of the cool stuff Microsoft can do. So hopefully they'll be showing off stuff from Microsoft Labs and Microsoft Research, and not just selling mice and expensive copies of Office. As for pilfering employees, Apple can always match their offer.
Takahashi
· 2 months ago
Can Microsoft pull it off? That's a very good question. Microsoft is finally taking note that they are not doing to well when pinned up against Apples antics, now that Apple has completely recovered and is starting to gain a market share again. Apple stores have a different feel to them, they always have. Greeted with friendly smiles and a generally bright employees. However, the larger and larger Apple has become the lower their rate of in store quality has become. Being an Apple owner since the Apple //c (No bias here, I use Windows machines, Apple computers, and personal computers booting on linux distros) costumer service has dissipated year after year. Taking in your iMac to get it fix now takes longer then ever, and in some case results in a lost product. This is however, not to say that Apple still has leading costumer service when it comes to computer retailers, something that I do believe informed consumers take note of. Posters here have also noted that Apple employees tend to be Apple gurus and enthusiasts. After all, it's not every store that one can walk in and start an open conversation about the internal modifications that can be done to a first generation Macintosh. Microsoft too has it's share of fanboys that have found there way up into higher seats of managements that presumably have more then enough experience to do well. Microsoft in this action is trying to take away the competition by waving money in the faces of others. It's a sick move, but a reasonable business ploy. Again, will a Apple employee cross over the line and share secrets in management? It's doubtful but we can watch it play out.
Being a resident in Las Vegas, NV, I have taken note of at least one Microsoft kiosk pop up next to an Apple store in high end retail shopping center. Our Strip here is heaven when it comes to miles of walkways surrounded by high fashion retailers where a simple shirt costs you hundreds of dollars, and as usual in a place such as this a large cluster of Apple stores pops up. Thus far in only a few short years three Apple retail stores have found there way into malls in a little more then a five mile radius. It comes to no doubt in my mind that Microsoft stores will start to pop out and try to match them. This battle is going to be interesting as the launch of Windows 7 comes closer and closer. Can Microsoft pull it off? And if so, can Apple throw back the punches in round two?
Ryan Lalonde
· 2 months ago
I think this is a good movie by Microsoft. Fighting beside each other seeing who gets more customers. :P
ginote
· 2 months ago
I quesstion it, but microsoft has the money and what ever they do ? http://bit.ly/PWXbX
All Comments
Best,
Daina
I'm not sure if they, even if paid more, would be able to "sell" Microsoft products to the customer as well as they do "their" brand in the Apple stores. Money is a good argument nowadays, sure, but Apple users are generally much more enthusiastic about their products than owners of Microsoft products.
This could easily backfire at Microsoft and their money, I personally don't think that this is a smart move. The "cherry-picked" Apple retail managers as well as the "top sales" people in the Apple Stores are most probably experienced and passionate owners of Apple products and won't switch to Microsoft technology just because they got a job there. They won't be passionate about what they sell and even if they manage to do a good job... they likely won't last long either and will regret having quit their spots at a great employer like Apple.
http://blastoffpress.com
If history has taught us anything, it's that better marketing trumps better products. Otherwise Microsoft wouldn't be where they are today.
Microsoft products aren't good? When are you people going to learn that something doesn't have to be good to sell. This is ALL down to marketing! I don't particularly like Windows either, yet it is everywhere, even in schools! It has nothing to do with product or who they are. They have the money, they have the marketing. I'd say you have a choice, work for them or find another job!
One other thing, I live in Gateshead, UK. Where is my nearest Apple store?
My fingers hurt now, I need a cup of tea :)
This is a battle that will not be won by underhanded tactics. Microsoft have grown decadent and massive of the years. They have crushed the competition on numerous occasions, and ended up with a weak Operation System because of it, with is there "bread and butter" or core business.
Apple have taken there time, and have work over years quietly amassing an arsenal of desirable products, and using marketing to there advantage.
In these economically challenged times, companies that show resilience, must be doing something correct? look at Apple stocks vs Microsoft over the last six mouth.
Some use one over the other, some use both. The point is choice.
Also, Windows 7 is great.
As operating systems, of course they can coexist, but as companies? Only if they both agree to co-exits!
PCs should be able to run OS X as well, considering the exact same hardware is in both. However, Apple goes out of their way to prevent PCs from running OS X.
This next statements gonna get me some heat and I accept that but. Most people buy PC's because they are either A) A gamer / 3D renderer of some variety or B) Cant afford a mac
Most people that hate macs haven't used/owned one since 1995.
I grew up on pc's
I've worked in IT and maintained both.
I'm far from driving a farrari but maybe cant afford isn't how i should have worded it. "Don't agree with the price point for one reason or another" hows that sound?
Also I didn't say "most people hate macs because" i said "most people THAT hate macs"
So yes ... the people I'm referring to DO hate macs... Because I just said people THAT hate macs.
But yeah Keep twisting words around
"Oh dear"
Personal or professional, what's the difference? I was relating to my situation and then went on to talk about 'Joe Public' walking into a shop and asking for a computer. I live in UK and you live where ever you are. Maybe we see things differently because Macs are seen in a different light? But all I see is people buying mainly PC's. I STILL can't remember the last time I saw a Mac advertised on TV and I STILL can't find a Mac store, let alone a local one.
Hate macs? Sorry, I should have read that line better, but you are still assuming people actually hate them. I prefer to believe people use what they see to be the best machine for their circumstances (or what ever they are sold at the time). That doesn't mean a Mac isn't better than a PC, it could be that they don't know what the difference is or it could be that the PC suits their needs best.
Justin, are you biased?
Users will go for the better product, and Apple Products crap all over Microsoft. Im sure Microsoft will do 'ok', but thats as far as it will go. Apple will remain king in the retail sector i believe.
"Mac's suck for anything other than checking email and printing pictures." This statement just discredits anything valuable you might have had to say. I make a living on a mac. If you believe that macs are just glorified netbooks. I am a graphic designer and a video editor. For what I do Macs blow PC's out of the water. The way they handle images and video is far superior. I've used both plenty as I worked in IT for some time on a big ten university.
"Why is the economy so bad?"
At the Apple store, that answer doesn't work. It will at MS' store.
Zune?
It's hard to imagine someone going into a Microsoft Store and walking out with a copy of SQL Server. Maybe they'll sell some copies of Windows 7 at retail, but does that mean they will have to start supporting it?
I think having a Microsoft "store" is a good idea, but I see it only as marketing; a place you can go to see some of the cool stuff Microsoft can do. So hopefully they'll be showing off stuff from Microsoft Labs and Microsoft Research, and not just selling mice and expensive copies of Office.
As for pilfering employees, Apple can always match their offer.
Microsoft too has it's share of fanboys that have found there way up into higher seats of managements that presumably have more then enough experience to do well. Microsoft in this action is trying to take away the competition by waving money in the faces of others. It's a sick move, but a reasonable business ploy. Again, will a Apple employee cross over the line and share secrets in management? It's doubtful but we can watch it play out.
Being a resident in Las Vegas, NV, I have taken note of at least one Microsoft kiosk pop up next to an Apple store in high end retail shopping center. Our Strip here is heaven when it comes to miles of walkways surrounded by high fashion retailers where a simple shirt costs you hundreds of dollars, and as usual in a place such as this a large cluster of Apple stores pops up. Thus far in only a few short years three Apple retail stores have found there way into malls in a little more then a five mile radius. It comes to no doubt in my mind that Microsoft stores will start to pop out and try to match them.
This battle is going to be interesting as the launch of Windows 7 comes closer and closer. Can Microsoft pull it off? And if so, can Apple throw back the punches in round two?
Fighting beside each other seeing who gets more customers. :P