C2000 wants a bigger bite of Apple
Distributor on hunt for resellers to capitalise on popularity of Apple products
Glasspool: Apple products have always sold well for C2000
Computer 2000 (C2000) has launched a recruitment drive to bolster the number of specialist Apple resellers on its books.
The distributor has tasked its newly created, Apple-only sales team with finding Limited Authorised Resellers (LARs) specialising in education and the public sector.
Prospective partners will also be chosen on a geographical basis to keep competition among the Apple community to a minimum.
Mark Glasspool, general manager of C2000’s specialist PC systems division, said the launch of the recruitment drive and creation of the sales arm was part of its plan to capitalise on the popularity of Apple products.
“Historically, the company has always done very well in terms of selling Apple products,” he said. “More and more people are using its products too, so it is a very good time for us to invest in this part of the business.”
It was not, added Glasspool, an attempt by the company to cash in on the hype surrounding the launch of the Apple iPad, which is due to go on general release in the UK next month.
“The new sales team is something the company has been planning for a while and the fact it is being done now is just a coincidence.”
Bob Tarzey, service director at market watcher Quocirca, said even if C2000’s activities were not directly influenced by the iPad launch, it could prove to be a shrewd move.
“There is no guarantee the iPad will take off, but the channel needs to be on its toes so it can capitalise on any upsurge in business that the iPad launch could lead to.”
Darren King, joint managing director of premium Apple reseller Square Group, said, C2000 had chosen a “good channel” in which to invest, but could struggle in the face of its competition.
“Margins are tight and competition is strong, not least of all with Apple itself via its own stores and online shop,” he added.