The MacXprts Network (MXN) has launched a new nationwide toll-free number — 866.MAC.XPRT — to link Apple Authorized Specialist Resellers, Resellers, Service Providers and Consultants to end-users and businesses who need their services.
MXN CEO Duane Burghard explained to MacCentral that his business sees an opportunity to serve a dynamic marketplace that’s changing and looking for ways not just to survive but to grow.
“It’s not any great secret that Apple is both our best partner and now our fiercest competitor,” said Burghard, referring to Apple’s own retail stores — seen by many independent resellers as a huge threat to their own businesses.
“Our challenge is to find ways to maximize the partnership portion of our relationship while winning the competition for customers. I’m confident that this balance can be achieved, and in that process, everyone wins,” said Burghard.
MXN’s toll-free number links individual and business customers alike with Mac-centric resellers, service providers and consultants in their area who can help them with specialized services and products. The service requires that the Apple resellers and consultants join the MXN and pay a month subscription fee (it costs nothing for businesses and individuals looking for a reseller or consultant to use the service, however). Each participating company is given a toll-free extension and their own access, and a minimum of 25 telephone prefix codes as their territory. The MXN also provides a searchable database of members on its home page.
“If the system provides just one new customer per month, it pays for itself,” said Burghard.