Tech Data debuts AppleAdvantage for resellers
updated 08:35 am EST, Tue November 15, 2005
Tech Data: AppleAdvantage
of Apple products.
"AppleAdvantage is a prime example of Tech Data's commitment to providing our customers with the specialized service and support they need to profitably capitalize on the latest technology trends," said Pete Peterson, Tech Data's vice president, Systems Product Marketing. "With the success of recent products like the Apple iPod nano, resellers are seeing an increased awareness for all Apple products including systems, networking and storage. AppleAdvantage was established to help them maximize the potential of these new opportunities and more efficiently support their existing Apple customers."
The AppleAdvantage sales team will participate in regular Apple sales training to provide customers with the latest product information, while its vendor product representatives will offer resellers an array of pre- and post-sales support including authorization assistance and quote and bid preparation. AppleAdvantage also will help identify new opportunities for Apple solutions among small-to-midsized businesses (SMBs) through TechSelect, the distributor's membership-based community of resellers targeting SMBs.
New Support for TechSelect Apple Resellers
TechSelect recently established MacFocus, an exclusive, specialized community of Apple resellers. MacFocus offers TechSelect Apple resellers business-building services including 60-day terms on all Apple purchases and 25 percent rebates on approved certification training. Modeled after the larger TechSelect community, MacFocus will establish a member advisory council to guide its development and Apple-focused activities throughout the year. Members will collaborate with Tech Data, one another and the manufacturer to share strategies on how best to capitalize on the demand for Apple solutions.
"Through TechSelect, we've established relationships with Apple's channel representatives that have clearly contributed to the growth of our Apple business," said Managing Director Angela O'Donnell of New York City-based W. O'Donnell Consulting Inc. "That engagement keeps us informed about the latest technical and sales training, rebates and special funding available to us. AppleAdvantage will enable us to work even closer with Tech Data, Apple and other TechSelect Apple resellers to explore and develop new revenue opportunities."
Tech Data distributes a full range of Apple products including desktops, notebooks, storage, iPods, accessories and software. Resellers can have systems custom configured to complement a wide range of IT solutions. The distributor also is expanding its product offering for these resellers with Apple accessories and peripherals from leading third-party manufacturers like Cannon, Kingston, Lexmark and Logitech, allowing resellers to increase their attach rates with high-margin add-on sales opportunities.
