iLounge

1

It’s not a mystery. It’s called financing. Some folks don’t qualify, some folks don’t want it, and some folks don’t like it.

I think Apple is correct in being somewhat subtle about it. Most stores offer financing. Some push it, others don’t. The problem with financing is that (a) lots of folks don’t qualify (for various reasons) and (b) it’s somewhat crass to push it on folks—especially young folks—when there’s a substantial risk of runing one’s credit if one isn’t careful and (c) there’s always a risk of fraud.

I suspect the press would be considerably worse if Apple sorta pushed the financing on folks who didn’t entirely understand it—and then faced a backlash of “Well, you don’t explain that I had to read the fine print and the fine print says this is credit from MBNA and they charge 20% (or whatever MBNA charges for the Apple financing).”

Odd. I like the iPod, too, but lets be realistic about it. It’s expensive. But it’s a fine product. There’s a fine line. Such is life.

Posted by Dunfee on November 6, 2003 at 6:19 AM (PDT)

2

Dunfee is right on.  Plus, you’d windup paying more for the ipod than the advertised price once you’re through paying 7 bucks a month for the next 3 or so years plus interest.

Posted by jsmoove7 on November 6, 2003 at 7:41 AM (PDT)

3

eek… it’d sure be giggles for the first year.

But after that, you realize that your battery only holds 3 hours, and decreasing steadily.  And you’re still paying on it for another 2-3 years! 

eek.

Besides… Much of the intended audience for the iPod doesn’t have any credit anyway.

I agree with the 2 comments above… dumb article.

Posted by azdude_15gb on November 6, 2003 at 9:12 AM (PDT)

4

The writer makes a misleading title and glorifies a system that screws a consumer.  Good job!

Posted by tetro on November 6, 2003 at 10:42 AM (PDT)

5

if you can’t afford to purchase it then people shouldn;t finance it ..

for one you are paying much more money financing even though it will fit in your budget…

Financing an IPOD is ridiculous and if you are going to do taht MAKE SURE you have extended warantee

Posted by bababooey on November 6, 2003 at 12:30 PM (PDT)

6

I think the article is simply pointing out that other companies highlight the fact that financing is available while Apple doesnt. The ethics and financial sense of financing aside I think it makes a good point. Dell hypes it so why shouldn’t Apple?

Posted by dave on November 6, 2003 at 12:35 PM (PDT)

7

Wow. I didn’t think this article would generate so much opposition. What I was trying to raise for discussion is that everyone knows competitors will do anything to chip away at Apple’s market share. Apple currently positions the iPod in their advertising as things to have without ever mentioning price. Until Apple sells a $100 iPod why not try in some markets, positioning the price point angle? yes, most people understand that financing an Ipod is a dumb idea. But for those people who are riding the fence and have sticker shock, maybe this will make it seem within reach. I wouldn’t say it’s a dumb article. It got people to react to it didn’t it?

Posted by Gregory Ng on November 6, 2003 at 6:45 PM (PDT)