Please describe your company's sales operation. How do they sell, through what distribution channels, who does the selling etc.

The Apple company has proven to be very successful in sales for the past couple of years. Their network and advertising techniques range from their website, commercials, store advertisings, billboards and word of mouth. For apple their products seem to really sell themselves, Apple definitely has done an amazing job in regards to making all products whether new or old well known to the general public.

For the most part Apple really does their share of selling their products because of the different ways they advertise. The company as a whole can really stand on their own, going through over companies just helps to make profits quicker, such AT&T selling iPhones.
So although they are a vital part of the selling aspect, and they are the ones with the primary focus on sales they also have help in this field because some of their products are involved on B2B, such as their dealing with Bestbuy  and AT&T. 

Retail Experience

This morning I visited one of the local AT&T stores which carries products of Apple such as the iPhone. I was looking to purchase new headphones, much like the original headphones that originally came with the phone. I was told that they don't sell them there but they neglected to tell me, purposely I believe, that I would have to go to the Apple Store if I wanted the same exact headphones. I ended up purchasing a different pair, and the cashier at the counter was insistant on getting me to purchase a different pair of headphones that just happned to be $20 more! He kind of belittled me on my choice of headphones and swore that I'd be back to return them. I was very appalled at how he spoke to me regarding my choice. I asked him if the product was so bad then why is your store carrying it and selling it at that. For that he remained quiet. When trying to get someone to purchase something there should be a certain etiquette and respect for the customers decision, otherwise it can turn customers off to your store or product. I don't plan on visiting any AT&T stores unless it's necessary, from now on I will continue to go out of my way to visit an Apple location because at the very least I know I'll be respected more as a customer.

Describe the market segmentation of your product and how it works in favor or against ur product?

The iPhone has two main market segments. The first is the general population who likes to stay updated with the latest technology which in turn helps them keep up-to-date with school assignments and and personal things as well this group is young adults and college students of this generation and the second is business oriented persons who like to have all the functions of a computer in touch of a hand so that they can always be on top of perspective business.

This market segment works in favor of Apples iPhone because bot only is there a demand for it but there is also a need and want for it. 

Does Apple participate in Business Marketing and/ B2B?

The Apple company participates in both Business Marketing and B2B. One example of Business Markekting is the a 10% student discount that the company offers College students whom are purchasing apple products for school purposes, such as a Laptop.

Apple has also set up B2B's with high school and colleges as well as some businesses. They offer their computers in bulk at a discounted rate.

The fact that Apple is able to do both forms of business helps substantially in making their business even more successful.

Consumer Decision Making

The Apple company has virtually taken over in the technology world as we know it. There's a quote in particular that I like to use which is "Apple is the new Microsoft".
As far as consumer decision making goes it would appear that Apple being the innovator that they are, are constantly educating consumers on all their products. For instance on their official website they have several tutorials for most if not all of their products. This gives consumers the ability to see that although they have some of the most advanced technology devices in the market right now, their products are easy to use and also self explanatory. Showing potential customers the simplicity of a product and how it can be used in their everyday lives for just about anything helps to make a consumer more inclined to purchase their product. Apple is aware that customers are not only looking for a sleek and pretty design of a particular product but customers are also looking for something easy to use. Customers are often turned off by a product simply because it may be difficult to navigate through. Apple has and is continuing to make products that fit the customers needs and wants, not the other way around.