This blog will only contain statements of fact so there should be little chance of Apple getting legal. OK, more legal!
Journalists- I've served on many industry round tables, been interviewed on channel issues and am a regular commentator. My business activities have won many awards, including being a BRW Fast 100 company. If you are interested in talking to me about my experiences with Apple please call me on 04111 7 9999
Hi,
My name is Adam Connor. I live in Sydney, Australia and for 15 years between 1991 and 2006 I sold Apple computers. The company was called Total Recall Solutions, and we were also known as Applecentre North Sydney for a while. We rose through the ranks of being an Associate Reseller, Apple Solutions Reseller, Apple Specialist Reseller, Masters Of Media Reseller, Applecentre, and came pretty close to being an Apple Premium Reseller.
Why am I telling you this? Because after 15 years of loyal service to the brand, we went bust. Going from being the only Apple outlet in North Sydney to one of 5 Apple outlets (and one of 9 iPod resellers) definitely had an effect, but I take full responsibility for my bad decisions, I wish someone would take some responsibility for some very poor decisions by Apple.
It was an unconventional failure- the company was making profit, but we were overdue because we were between book keepers. Effectively an administrative mistake. I begged them not to punish us, and our overdue was (on the day in question) 30% less than I had predicted. Apple caused a cash crisis by restricting our credit. I employed an accountant with a Masters Degree in an attempt to satisfy Apple. I didn't know it at the time, but we were already dead.
I'll go into details in a later post about finance- but here's the kicker-
They are suing me for $300k
I got them to the negotiating table by threatening a minor shareholder revolt (my mother is a shareholder)
I offered a small settlement (all that I could afford)
After committing to get back to me twice and missing both deadlines, they
Sent me a letter offering to settle for more than 5 times my offer!
This is way more than I can possibly pay, and they know it. Looks like they will be sending me bankrupt.
The offer I made would cover their legal costs, and leave a little left over. Their chosen option of sending me bankrupt will get them a few boxes of old rubbish that probably won't be worth auctioning.
This actually decreases shareholder value, so my mother has a valid reason to turn up to the next shareholders meeting and ask Steve Jobs why..... I'm going to book the flight for her. It will be too late for me, but I really want to find out what got into their tiny little heads.
I've made millions of dollars for Apple in my career, you might ask why they are being so unreasonable. I'll explain this and more in later instalments. Here's some hints-
1. Inside Apple Australia
2. Dirty tricks in the computer game
3. How Apple controls their market
4. When is a recall not a recall?
5. Service tips and tricks
6. Sell PC's or go broke
7. Apple is your friend
8. Apple is your enemy
9. Why can't you fix my computer?
10. From a consumers point of view
I welcome your comments and questions. Trolls, if you insist on telling me to 'suck it up you whinger' be aware I'm only going to post your contribution if it adds something to the debate.
Now, I've got one more question. I worked closely with Apple for 15 years. I know most of the traditional Apple retailers- in the whole country. In that time I can think of no one that sold their business at a profit. None. There were many failures. How is this possible?
