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The iPod has become Apple's trademark product, recognized as more than a product but an innovation. A Korean construction firm even put out an ad comparing its reputation for excellence with that of the iPod.
But Apple Korea has recently been telling customers looking for the hot selling gadget that they have no more iPods available. iPod Internet ads have also disappeared.
The latest iPod plays video as well as music and comes with a 30GB or 80GB hard disk. Released a year and a half ago, it's still very popular. So why are they so hard to get? Apple Korea says they don't know.
The iPod is in short supply worldwide except for small stock left in the U.S. Apple Korea has only a few left in its entire Apple Store inventory. They've been long gone from offline and online markets. Apple Korea officials don't even know when they'll get new supplies.
The U.S. company is famous for keeping secrets until the last minute. Whether it's a new product launch or an important decision, the head office makes a unilateral announcement. Even the Korean branch often hears things first through the media.
Branch officials also want to know why the iPod is out of stock. They may have failed to properly manage their inventory with faulty demand forecasts. Some rumors have it that existing models are being held up because a new model is coming soon.
Business secrets are important. But more important to a company are its customers. We believe that consideration for consumers who are going out of their way to look for the latest iPod is as important as innovative design.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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