Do you think that performing a service well is good enough promotion within itself? What recommendations would you give to a start-up business that offers only services?
Services are a problem to marketers because they are intangible. Most services offered are those that people actually need. I could never cut my own hair so this requires me to go pay and have it done. I just recently got my car worked on and it's nothing I could have fixed on my own. I know how to drive and put gas in my car, that is about it. So I brought it to Leons in Keene and they fixed it up for me.
I think that it is important for companies to promote their services even if they are good enough. They say that if you walk out of a business and you aren't happy with the service, you tell at least 10 people about your bad experience which makes them also not want to go there. But if people enjoy the service then it promotes itself in a way. If I have good service I tend to tell people about it and recommend it. Companies should still try to promote their services because it will definitely bring in some new customers who may not have heard of them before.
I would recommend that new businesses get their name out there with promotions and deals. Maybe first time customers get 50% off a hair cut (if it's a salon). Some sort of way to get people into their business is very important especially if the company is new and no one has any experience with.
When you have a bad experience, whether it's in a store or have had bad services, do you tell your friends or family about it? or do you let it go and just find another place?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Direct Selling
Direct selling is the marketing of products to ultimate consumers through face-to-face sales presentations at home or even in the workplace. Once called door-to-door selling, direct selling in the United States has grown into a sizable industry of several hundred firms. Although direct selling is though of as face to face, it is now done through the mail, telephone, internet, or even shopping-malls. Some examples of companies who use a direct selling approach are Mary Kay and Avon.
My mother used to purchase avon and a representative was always sent to our home. The woman had a catalog and would bring samples and talk about what product was popular and what each product did. She typically just bought face cream from Avon but they always try to sell you whatever they can. My grandma just recently had a woman from Mary Kay come to her house and help her choose a make-up that went well with her skin tone. They bring actual make up and have you put a little on your face to see what options are best. These representatives are informative and have knowledge of make-up and of all their products. My grandma was happy and the woman left her house with a new customer.
Although most people are online these days, some people still appreciate that face-to-face interaction with companies. My grandfather sells electrolux vacumms and has for a long time. Every time I say my last name people ask me if my grandfather is the guy who sells vacuums. Most people know him and call him for repairs, new vacuums and for vacuum bags. He had a store for a little while but realized people like it more if he comes to them (he delivers and makes house calls) or if they can come to him at his home. It is more personal and it seems as though some people still like this way of selling.
What do you think about direct selling? Would you enjoy more face-to-face encounters from companies or do you like the way most companies operate now?
My mother used to purchase avon and a representative was always sent to our home. The woman had a catalog and would bring samples and talk about what product was popular and what each product did. She typically just bought face cream from Avon but they always try to sell you whatever they can. My grandma just recently had a woman from Mary Kay come to her house and help her choose a make-up that went well with her skin tone. They bring actual make up and have you put a little on your face to see what options are best. These representatives are informative and have knowledge of make-up and of all their products. My grandma was happy and the woman left her house with a new customer.
Although most people are online these days, some people still appreciate that face-to-face interaction with companies. My grandfather sells electrolux vacumms and has for a long time. Every time I say my last name people ask me if my grandfather is the guy who sells vacuums. Most people know him and call him for repairs, new vacuums and for vacuum bags. He had a store for a little while but realized people like it more if he comes to them (he delivers and makes house calls) or if they can come to him at his home. It is more personal and it seems as though some people still like this way of selling.
What do you think about direct selling? Would you enjoy more face-to-face encounters from companies or do you like the way most companies operate now?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
In response to Gretchen's question
Do you think it is effective marketing to market inside the restaurant while customers and employees are already there? Do you think annoying people is an effective way to market the company?
I can see how this would be more annoying towards the employees rather then the customers. When I go into a restaurant I usually go with friends and or family so usually I'm to busy talking or listening. I tend not to hear things like that but if its loud enough and plays often enough then I would probably pick up on it and be annoyed. I dont go to friendlys so I dont know how it has changed or anything but I can see how it could be annoying especially if you are already in there eating.
If the song is played every hour then that is not as bad. Typically when I go out to eat it's not for that long unless I'm at happy hour (like elm city brewery) which could be for hours. But as for going out to eat the most a customer could hear this song is once or twice so I dont think it is a big deal but maybe they can come up with another way of marketing if customers and employees are that upset about it. It will only lose them business if people don't like it because they will go to another restaurant in town.
While I do think its important to market a company there are also other ways and times to do it. Playing a song isn't a big deal but once customers start leaving then there is a problem. Companies dont want to bug the people who are in there because their marketing has already worked, customers are currently eating in the restaurant.
In stead of asking if its effective and annoying to market inside the company, do you think this is a clever idea?
I can see how this would be more annoying towards the employees rather then the customers. When I go into a restaurant I usually go with friends and or family so usually I'm to busy talking or listening. I tend not to hear things like that but if its loud enough and plays often enough then I would probably pick up on it and be annoyed. I dont go to friendlys so I dont know how it has changed or anything but I can see how it could be annoying especially if you are already in there eating.
If the song is played every hour then that is not as bad. Typically when I go out to eat it's not for that long unless I'm at happy hour (like elm city brewery) which could be for hours. But as for going out to eat the most a customer could hear this song is once or twice so I dont think it is a big deal but maybe they can come up with another way of marketing if customers and employees are that upset about it. It will only lose them business if people don't like it because they will go to another restaurant in town.
While I do think its important to market a company there are also other ways and times to do it. Playing a song isn't a big deal but once customers start leaving then there is a problem. Companies dont want to bug the people who are in there because their marketing has already worked, customers are currently eating in the restaurant.
In stead of asking if its effective and annoying to market inside the company, do you think this is a clever idea?
Direct Marketing
Direct marketing is the use of telecommunications and nonpersonal media to communicate product and organizational information to customers, who then can purchase products via mail, telephone, or the internet. It can occur through catalog marketing, direct response marketing, telemarketing, television home shopping and online retailing.
Catalog marketing is when a customer receives a catalog and is able to purchase a product through mail, telephone or the internet. When I was a kid there was no internet at our house so if we saw something we liked in a catalog we would place all our orders by mail or phone. Direct response marketing is when a retailer advertises a product and makes it available through mail or telephone orders. I've seen retailers advertise their products and offer a way to buy them but I've never actually purchased a product this way before.
Telemarketing is when everything is done by phone. It can help generate sales leads, improve customer service, speed up payments on past-due accounts, gather marketing data and raise funds for nonprofit organizations. Personally I hate telemarketing and unless it is a family memeber or a friend calling me, I wont answer the phone. Television home shopping is when products are presented to television viewers, who can buy them by calling a toll-free number and pay with a credit card. I have never done this personally but I see it on TV all the time. They always try to give you double the product if you call right away or within the next 10 min. This way of marketing drives me crazy, I'd love to watch a program without being bothered to buy something.
Online retailing is retailing that makes products available to buyers through computer connections. I do buy things online a lot because it's easier to go online then it is to drive to the store, especially if the store isn't around where I live. The shipping does take a little longer but for me it is totally worth the wait.
A lot of people are now seeing that companies are selling more products or have them in stock online rather then in the store. Do you agree with this? Have you ever gone into a store to buy something but it wasn't in stock so they told you to go online? What is your opinion on direct marketing?
Catalog marketing is when a customer receives a catalog and is able to purchase a product through mail, telephone or the internet. When I was a kid there was no internet at our house so if we saw something we liked in a catalog we would place all our orders by mail or phone. Direct response marketing is when a retailer advertises a product and makes it available through mail or telephone orders. I've seen retailers advertise their products and offer a way to buy them but I've never actually purchased a product this way before.
Telemarketing is when everything is done by phone. It can help generate sales leads, improve customer service, speed up payments on past-due accounts, gather marketing data and raise funds for nonprofit organizations. Personally I hate telemarketing and unless it is a family memeber or a friend calling me, I wont answer the phone. Television home shopping is when products are presented to television viewers, who can buy them by calling a toll-free number and pay with a credit card. I have never done this personally but I see it on TV all the time. They always try to give you double the product if you call right away or within the next 10 min. This way of marketing drives me crazy, I'd love to watch a program without being bothered to buy something.
Online retailing is retailing that makes products available to buyers through computer connections. I do buy things online a lot because it's easier to go online then it is to drive to the store, especially if the store isn't around where I live. The shipping does take a little longer but for me it is totally worth the wait.
A lot of people are now seeing that companies are selling more products or have them in stock online rather then in the store. Do you agree with this? Have you ever gone into a store to buy something but it wasn't in stock so they told you to go online? What is your opinion on direct marketing?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
In response to Elizabeth V's Question
Do you think that having a coupon for a product will make you want to buy it more even if you weren't planning on buying it in the first place?
I feel like the answer to this question is both yes and no. I think that anway you can save money is worth it especially in our current economy. If I get a coupon that I feel is a good deal and have the extra money to spend, then I will impulse buy. But if the product is something I don't need then the coupon doesn't mean anything to me. Sometimes I get coupons for soap or razor blades and if I need them soon anyways, I will buy them a little early and use the coupon. Who doesn't love coupons?
I think there is a difference between using them when you need them and using them when you don't need them. If the product is something you will need soon then coupons are totally worth it but if you are spending your money just because you got a coupon then isn't that called impulse buying in a way. You weren't planning on buying the product and then all the sudden you got a coupon in the mail or at the register and you feel as though you need to use it right away. Coupons personally annoy me and I feel like people never read them carefully enough. They bring them up to the registers and most of the time they have the same brand but don't read the fine print on the coupon itself to see what you have to actually buy to get the deal. There is also big problem with people using a coupon for every single product. I'm all for saving money but come on, that's a little extreme and shouldn't be done all at once. That is how you hold everyone else up, especially if your the type who likes to get in and get out.
Do you feel that people have to many coupons sometimes? Should they break the coupons up (make a couple trips to the store) or do them all at once? Are you a coupon user or have family or friends who are? Do coupons get you to buy the product even if you don't need it anytime soon?
I feel like the answer to this question is both yes and no. I think that anway you can save money is worth it especially in our current economy. If I get a coupon that I feel is a good deal and have the extra money to spend, then I will impulse buy. But if the product is something I don't need then the coupon doesn't mean anything to me. Sometimes I get coupons for soap or razor blades and if I need them soon anyways, I will buy them a little early and use the coupon. Who doesn't love coupons?
I think there is a difference between using them when you need them and using them when you don't need them. If the product is something you will need soon then coupons are totally worth it but if you are spending your money just because you got a coupon then isn't that called impulse buying in a way. You weren't planning on buying the product and then all the sudden you got a coupon in the mail or at the register and you feel as though you need to use it right away. Coupons personally annoy me and I feel like people never read them carefully enough. They bring them up to the registers and most of the time they have the same brand but don't read the fine print on the coupon itself to see what you have to actually buy to get the deal. There is also big problem with people using a coupon for every single product. I'm all for saving money but come on, that's a little extreme and shouldn't be done all at once. That is how you hold everyone else up, especially if your the type who likes to get in and get out.
Do you feel that people have to many coupons sometimes? Should they break the coupons up (make a couple trips to the store) or do them all at once? Are you a coupon user or have family or friends who are? Do coupons get you to buy the product even if you don't need it anytime soon?
Product differentiation
Some of the most important characteristics of products are the elements that distinguish them from one another. Product differentiaton is the process of designing and creating products so that people can perceive them as different from competing products. The differences in products may include: styling, price, image, quality and even features. The one way that you can tell the difference between one product and another is by the brand.
Product quality refers to the overall characteristics of a product that allow it to perform as expected in satisfying customer needs. As expected as far ase the product goes means something different to each person. They could believe the product's durability means quality and the product's ease of use also means quality. For me when I say "I want a product with good quality," typically I mean that I want it to last and or not fall apart or break a few days after I buy it.
The level of quality is the amount of quality a product possesses. The quality level of one product is hard to describe unless you compare it to another product that is similar. I just purchased a cord that allows me to play my Ipod through the radio and heard that the less money you spend on one the worse it comes in, so I bought the expensive one and it works great. I went with the brand thats more known and with better quality in comparison to the others.
Consistency of quality is the degree to which a product has the same level of quality over time. This just means that the customers are getting the quality that they expect every time the buy it. I love ocean spray cranberry juice and I know that no matter what store I buy it from, I will still enjoy it.
When you shop in stores or even online do you look for product quality? Or do you not care
and just go for the cheapest product? Do you have certain brands and products you buy every week because you know what to expect from them or do you switch it up and try something new?
Product quality refers to the overall characteristics of a product that allow it to perform as expected in satisfying customer needs. As expected as far ase the product goes means something different to each person. They could believe the product's durability means quality and the product's ease of use also means quality. For me when I say "I want a product with good quality," typically I mean that I want it to last and or not fall apart or break a few days after I buy it.
The level of quality is the amount of quality a product possesses. The quality level of one product is hard to describe unless you compare it to another product that is similar. I just purchased a cord that allows me to play my Ipod through the radio and heard that the less money you spend on one the worse it comes in, so I bought the expensive one and it works great. I went with the brand thats more known and with better quality in comparison to the others.
Consistency of quality is the degree to which a product has the same level of quality over time. This just means that the customers are getting the quality that they expect every time the buy it. I love ocean spray cranberry juice and I know that no matter what store I buy it from, I will still enjoy it.
When you shop in stores or even online do you look for product quality? Or do you not care
and just go for the cheapest product? Do you have certain brands and products you buy every week because you know what to expect from them or do you switch it up and try something new?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
In Response to Meghan H's question
Do you think holiday sales are becoming too much?
I know a lot of people get upset when they see christmas items out in september or october but for the most part this doesn't really happen in most companies. I have never walked into a store in september and have seen christmas decorations being set. I work at Target currently so I have seen when each season or holiday has been set for the store. We typically try to get the holiday items out a little more then a month before the actual holiday. This gives people the time to poke around and find things to decorate their homes instead of rushing a few weeks before the holiday. Now if some companies are setting up for christmas early in the fall then that is just ridiculous and unnecessary.
When we set for halloween we usually start in mid september and the say after halloween is when the thanksgiving decorations and items come out. Then the day after thanksgiving (so end of November) is when all the christmas items and decorations come out. We just finished setting our outdoor furniture about a month ago when it was still cold but people like to look through it anyways. It makes people happy to walk by it and think "yes! the outdoor furniture is out which means summer is even closer." Thats what I think whenever I walk by it and with the weather lately, we are selling a ton of it. I love when the halloween section is set in mid-september. It makes people excited for the season even though it is a month away, it is something to look forward to.
Even some of our summer clothing and bathing suits come out in January where as our winter coats come out in October and are gone by beginning of February. Retail works in an odd way but for the most part it makes sense, at least to me. Everyone asks why the bathing suits are out during that time and dont realize people are going on vacation to warm places at these times, especially in March. There is an explanation for everything and even if it doesn't seem to make sense, there is a reason why companies set it up the way they do.
Do you find stores such as Wal-Mart and Target to be very seasonal? If you go into either of these places to shop, do you enjoy the fact that they bring out the specific holiday items a little early helpful or more annoying?
I know a lot of people get upset when they see christmas items out in september or october but for the most part this doesn't really happen in most companies. I have never walked into a store in september and have seen christmas decorations being set. I work at Target currently so I have seen when each season or holiday has been set for the store. We typically try to get the holiday items out a little more then a month before the actual holiday. This gives people the time to poke around and find things to decorate their homes instead of rushing a few weeks before the holiday. Now if some companies are setting up for christmas early in the fall then that is just ridiculous and unnecessary.
When we set for halloween we usually start in mid september and the say after halloween is when the thanksgiving decorations and items come out. Then the day after thanksgiving (so end of November) is when all the christmas items and decorations come out. We just finished setting our outdoor furniture about a month ago when it was still cold but people like to look through it anyways. It makes people happy to walk by it and think "yes! the outdoor furniture is out which means summer is even closer." Thats what I think whenever I walk by it and with the weather lately, we are selling a ton of it. I love when the halloween section is set in mid-september. It makes people excited for the season even though it is a month away, it is something to look forward to.
Even some of our summer clothing and bathing suits come out in January where as our winter coats come out in October and are gone by beginning of February. Retail works in an odd way but for the most part it makes sense, at least to me. Everyone asks why the bathing suits are out during that time and dont realize people are going on vacation to warm places at these times, especially in March. There is an explanation for everything and even if it doesn't seem to make sense, there is a reason why companies set it up the way they do.
Do you find stores such as Wal-Mart and Target to be very seasonal? If you go into either of these places to shop, do you enjoy the fact that they bring out the specific holiday items a little early helpful or more annoying?
The Role of Price
What is price? Price is the value exchanged for products in a marketing transaction. Trading of products, or what is called barter, is the oldest form of exchange. Goods and services were exchanged among one another for other goods and or services. Barter still happens to this day and there are many people who service others for something in return, could be fresh fruit and vegetables rather then money. I actually worked on a vegetable farm one summer and the owner got certain tools and or equipment and in return the other person got fresh vegetable whenever they wanted.
Price competition is when a marketer emphasizes price as an issue and matches or beats the prices of competitors. This happens with most business because they are all trying to make sales and beat out the other companies. I work for Target and one of our major competitors is Wal-mart. They sell pretty much the same things as Target does but for a cheaper price. They send people into our store to check out our prices and in return we do the same. If all firms producing the same product charge the same price, the firm with the lowest costs is the most profitable. If all companies charged the same amount and had the same sales then it wouldn't matter what store you shopped at. A seller competing on price may change prices frequently or at least must be willing to do so and both Target and Wal-mart and other companies are willing to do so if they want to survive.
Nonprice competition occurs when a seller decides not to focus on price and instead emphasizes distinctive product features, service, product quality, promotion, packaging, or other factors to distinguish its product from competing brands. Thus this allows a company to increase brand's unit sales besides changing the price of the brand. Nonprice competition is effective under certain conditions. A company must be able to distinguish its brand through different product features, higher product quality, promotion, packaging or even great customer service. At Target we try to help every customer we can and focus a lot on customer service. The last place I want to shop is at a store where no one offers to help you. It's important for companies to focus on both nonprice competition and price competition.
Do you think most companies keep an eye on price competition and nonprice competition? We know Target and Wal-Mart watch eachothers product prices and compete for customers but what about other businesses? Especially with our current economic condition, do you think more companies are becoming or are price conscious?
Price competition is when a marketer emphasizes price as an issue and matches or beats the prices of competitors. This happens with most business because they are all trying to make sales and beat out the other companies. I work for Target and one of our major competitors is Wal-mart. They sell pretty much the same things as Target does but for a cheaper price. They send people into our store to check out our prices and in return we do the same. If all firms producing the same product charge the same price, the firm with the lowest costs is the most profitable. If all companies charged the same amount and had the same sales then it wouldn't matter what store you shopped at. A seller competing on price may change prices frequently or at least must be willing to do so and both Target and Wal-mart and other companies are willing to do so if they want to survive.
Nonprice competition occurs when a seller decides not to focus on price and instead emphasizes distinctive product features, service, product quality, promotion, packaging, or other factors to distinguish its product from competing brands. Thus this allows a company to increase brand's unit sales besides changing the price of the brand. Nonprice competition is effective under certain conditions. A company must be able to distinguish its brand through different product features, higher product quality, promotion, packaging or even great customer service. At Target we try to help every customer we can and focus a lot on customer service. The last place I want to shop is at a store where no one offers to help you. It's important for companies to focus on both nonprice competition and price competition.
Do you think most companies keep an eye on price competition and nonprice competition? We know Target and Wal-Mart watch eachothers product prices and compete for customers but what about other businesses? Especially with our current economic condition, do you think more companies are becoming or are price conscious?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
In response to Deanna's question
Do you think toyota can ever make it back on top again, where their standings once were? Would you ever buy a toyota since the recall problem?
I'am very dissapointed that toyota tried to cut corners and in the end dug themselves into a hole. It seemed like every week the news would release something else that went wrong with toyota and every week brought out a new issue with the vehicles. If toyota had been more honest in the from start then they may be more trusted but as of now I definitely wouldn't buy from them. I know it is mostly the newer models that are having all the issues. The older ones seem to last forever and are still in great shape.
I remember looking for cars and finding the 1998 toyota corolla in the news paper. I wanted it so bad and heard tons of great things about them including how long they last. That is still true to this day but the newer models have cost people their lives. Toyota has lost their cedibility to me but that isn't true for everyone. I know a ton a people who own toyotas including my friends and family. My father and grandmother own one but haven't had any problems because theirs are 2000-2003 models. Toyota should have just should have dealt with thier big problem from the start rather then try to cover it up because in the end the truth comes out and in this case made it even worse for them.
Will the company ever make it back to the top again? Sure they could make it to the top again but it will take a ton of work. They have to flip their customers and future customers attitude towards them right around if they have hope in saving the company. They need to be honest and try to rebuild their customer trust. I'm not saying this will happen any time soon or at all, but if it does it will take toyota years and years and years to rebuild their name. Now whenever I hear toyota I associate it will a company thats in trouble and the company whose cars aren't safe.
Do you feel as though people are going to buy a toyota car even after hearing about them in the news? Or will people start buying from other car companies such as nissan or ford? How about nissan and fords car sales compared to toyota, do you believe they have gone up since all of toyotas issues were released? Or are people still buying the older versions of toyota and staying away from the newer ones?
I'am very dissapointed that toyota tried to cut corners and in the end dug themselves into a hole. It seemed like every week the news would release something else that went wrong with toyota and every week brought out a new issue with the vehicles. If toyota had been more honest in the from start then they may be more trusted but as of now I definitely wouldn't buy from them. I know it is mostly the newer models that are having all the issues. The older ones seem to last forever and are still in great shape.
I remember looking for cars and finding the 1998 toyota corolla in the news paper. I wanted it so bad and heard tons of great things about them including how long they last. That is still true to this day but the newer models have cost people their lives. Toyota has lost their cedibility to me but that isn't true for everyone. I know a ton a people who own toyotas including my friends and family. My father and grandmother own one but haven't had any problems because theirs are 2000-2003 models. Toyota should have just should have dealt with thier big problem from the start rather then try to cover it up because in the end the truth comes out and in this case made it even worse for them.
Will the company ever make it back to the top again? Sure they could make it to the top again but it will take a ton of work. They have to flip their customers and future customers attitude towards them right around if they have hope in saving the company. They need to be honest and try to rebuild their customer trust. I'm not saying this will happen any time soon or at all, but if it does it will take toyota years and years and years to rebuild their name. Now whenever I hear toyota I associate it will a company thats in trouble and the company whose cars aren't safe.
Do you feel as though people are going to buy a toyota car even after hearing about them in the news? Or will people start buying from other car companies such as nissan or ford? How about nissan and fords car sales compared to toyota, do you believe they have gone up since all of toyotas issues were released? Or are people still buying the older versions of toyota and staying away from the newer ones?
Branding
What is a brand? A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one marketer's product as distinct from those of other marketers. A brand name is the part of a brand that can be spoken (including words, letters and numbers) such as nike. With out a brand name a firm couldn't differentiate between products. When I go to a grocery store I typically buy the same name brands for all my products. Why do I do this? I do this because I know that to expect from them. I've used the same name brand product for years so I know I'm going to like it where as if I start buying a brand I've never tried before, who knows if I'm going to like it. So then I decide to go with the product I know and trust. This then leads us into brand loyalty.
I don't know about other people out there but what I do know is that I'am totally guilty of brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is when a customer has a favorable attitude toward a specific brand. Whenever I go out and buy a product I tend to get the same brand unless there is a really good deal going on. I do this because I know what to expect from this particular brand where as an unknown brand is unframiliar to me. I don't want to buy this brand if I'm not going to like it and then have to buy what I typically do,even if this different new brand is a few dollars cheeper. Most people stick to what they know. For me I always buy dove soap. I grew up with my mom always buying it so now I buy it even though there are a ton of different soaps out there. I know that I like dove soap and know what to expect from it therefore I will continue to buy it. This is brand loyalty because no matter where I go to buy soap, I always look for the dove brand of it.
What do you think about brand loyalty? Are you guilty of it as well? Do you think people typically stick to using the same brands? Or do they not care and look for what's the cheapest? How does price relate to branding?
I don't know about other people out there but what I do know is that I'am totally guilty of brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is when a customer has a favorable attitude toward a specific brand. Whenever I go out and buy a product I tend to get the same brand unless there is a really good deal going on. I do this because I know what to expect from this particular brand where as an unknown brand is unframiliar to me. I don't want to buy this brand if I'm not going to like it and then have to buy what I typically do,even if this different new brand is a few dollars cheeper. Most people stick to what they know. For me I always buy dove soap. I grew up with my mom always buying it so now I buy it even though there are a ton of different soaps out there. I know that I like dove soap and know what to expect from it therefore I will continue to buy it. This is brand loyalty because no matter where I go to buy soap, I always look for the dove brand of it.
What do you think about brand loyalty? Are you guilty of it as well? Do you think people typically stick to using the same brands? Or do they not care and look for what's the cheapest? How does price relate to branding?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
In response to Doug K's question
What factors most heavily impact your impulse buying? Do you think that companies can predict impulse buying, if so how? If not what can we do better to predict them?
I don't do much impulse buying anymore but I used to. Going into a grocery store or any store that has food, candy, soda and drinks is what we call impulse buying. These stores put these items there on purpose. They want you to impulse buy while you are waiting in line to check out. I know this because I've worked in a place like that before and I've been one who impulse buys while waiting line. Sometimes I hadn't had lunch yet or dinner so grabbing a candy bar for the ride home would hold me over till then. I can definitely control my impulse buying now for the most part but when I was young I had no idea.
Companies know that people tend to impulse buy while waiting in line to check out and they also set up these end caps at stores so people will be more likely to grab something as they walk by. I work at target and thats why our end caps are so important, that is where a lot of our sales come from. Companies can definitely predict impulse buying which is why check lanes are set up the way there are. Even having good deals on products or specials will help with impulse buying. I've gone into a store before not planning on coming out with what I did, but the deals were to good to pass up. Stores know what they are doing and plan on people to impulse buy.
If more and more people understood impulse buying and that companies do this to get you to buy, do you think people would still do it? Would they cut back on the candy bars and magazine spending as they wait in line? Or do people just not care and or notice?
I don't do much impulse buying anymore but I used to. Going into a grocery store or any store that has food, candy, soda and drinks is what we call impulse buying. These stores put these items there on purpose. They want you to impulse buy while you are waiting in line to check out. I know this because I've worked in a place like that before and I've been one who impulse buys while waiting line. Sometimes I hadn't had lunch yet or dinner so grabbing a candy bar for the ride home would hold me over till then. I can definitely control my impulse buying now for the most part but when I was young I had no idea.
Companies know that people tend to impulse buy while waiting in line to check out and they also set up these end caps at stores so people will be more likely to grab something as they walk by. I work at target and thats why our end caps are so important, that is where a lot of our sales come from. Companies can definitely predict impulse buying which is why check lanes are set up the way there are. Even having good deals on products or specials will help with impulse buying. I've gone into a store before not planning on coming out with what I did, but the deals were to good to pass up. Stores know what they are doing and plan on people to impulse buy.
If more and more people understood impulse buying and that companies do this to get you to buy, do you think people would still do it? Would they cut back on the candy bars and magazine spending as they wait in line? Or do people just not care and or notice?
Consumer Buying Decision Process
The consumer buying decision process is a five-stage purchase decision process that inlcudes problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase and postpurchase evaluation. Everyone experiences problem recognition. It's when a buyer becomes aware of a difference between a desired state and an actual condition. For example I have a calculater that I use for all of my classes, but one of my classes requires a financial calculater, so I had to go out and buy a new calcualter to meet my actual condition.
Information search is the next stage. After one recognizes the need and or problem, the buyer then searches for product information that will satisfy the need. When I learned I needed a financial calculater I asked my teacher about the brands, then went for the cheapest one. Evaluation of alternatives is the third stage and states that a successful information search yields a group of brands that a buyer views as possible alternatives for possible purchase. Reading up on brands and customer reviews can help narrow your list and give you the best brand for your product.
The fourth stage is purchase and this is when the consumer chooses the product and buys it. The last stage is postpurchase evalutaion and this is something that everyone experiences. Maybe you buy something you have been wanting for a long time but it's expensive and you have bills to pay for. But then one day you buy it anyways and after you buy it you start to regret it and wish you never purchased it. This is called cognitive dissonance and I know personally I have experienced it many times. I love what I'm buying at the time but in a day or two I wonder why I every bought it.
Is there a time when you experienced cognitive dissonance after purchasing something? In order to avoid this feeling of cognitive dissonance should we think and do more research before buying a product? Is there to much impulse buying going on? What do you think about consumers and their spending habits?
Information search is the next stage. After one recognizes the need and or problem, the buyer then searches for product information that will satisfy the need. When I learned I needed a financial calculater I asked my teacher about the brands, then went for the cheapest one. Evaluation of alternatives is the third stage and states that a successful information search yields a group of brands that a buyer views as possible alternatives for possible purchase. Reading up on brands and customer reviews can help narrow your list and give you the best brand for your product.
The fourth stage is purchase and this is when the consumer chooses the product and buys it. The last stage is postpurchase evalutaion and this is something that everyone experiences. Maybe you buy something you have been wanting for a long time but it's expensive and you have bills to pay for. But then one day you buy it anyways and after you buy it you start to regret it and wish you never purchased it. This is called cognitive dissonance and I know personally I have experienced it many times. I love what I'm buying at the time but in a day or two I wonder why I every bought it.
Is there a time when you experienced cognitive dissonance after purchasing something? In order to avoid this feeling of cognitive dissonance should we think and do more research before buying a product? Is there to much impulse buying going on? What do you think about consumers and their spending habits?
Friday, March 12, 2010
In response to Liz's question
Do you think that the Ohio Department of Economic Development would be willing to work something out with John Smith or they would just take back their offer and go to another company who would just take the money and give them customer names?
I dont think that the Ohio Department of Economic Development would try to work something out with John Smith unless they really needed in the information. The information that John Smith has is pretty valuable for the Ohio Department because Smith has names and numbers to those who are going to buy a new car in the next year. The department may be willing to work something out with Smith, it's more of what John Smith is going to do with the information. He may be able to ask his customers before he sells the information if it is okay. If they say no then he wont give away their information but if they say yes then he can. This way he is staying ethical to his customers because if he went ahead and did it anyways, then he'd lose most of his current customers and probably the future ones as well. If the department cant cant the information they are looking for from John Smith they will just go to another company and find a boss or owner that doesn't care about the privacy of their customers information.
If you owned a business and were asked to sell your customers information, could you do it? Knowing that is wrong but will save laying off peoples jobs, would you sell the information anyways?
I dont think that the Ohio Department of Economic Development would try to work something out with John Smith unless they really needed in the information. The information that John Smith has is pretty valuable for the Ohio Department because Smith has names and numbers to those who are going to buy a new car in the next year. The department may be willing to work something out with Smith, it's more of what John Smith is going to do with the information. He may be able to ask his customers before he sells the information if it is okay. If they say no then he wont give away their information but if they say yes then he can. This way he is staying ethical to his customers because if he went ahead and did it anyways, then he'd lose most of his current customers and probably the future ones as well. If the department cant cant the information they are looking for from John Smith they will just go to another company and find a boss or owner that doesn't care about the privacy of their customers information.
If you owned a business and were asked to sell your customers information, could you do it? Knowing that is wrong but will save laying off peoples jobs, would you sell the information anyways?
Monday, March 8, 2010
AMA- Statement of ethics
It looks like John Smith has an issue on his hands. He is currently on the verge of bankruptcy which will leave 75 people out of jobs. The only way for him to keep his workers and not lay anyone off, he has been asked for the names and numbers of those who are most likely to buy a new car within the next 12 months. He definitely needs the money but the real question is-
is it right in selling the information?
John Smith could sell the names if he needs the money to save his business and keep is employees working. If he doesn't sell the information then he's leaving a lot of people out of work who need to the job not only to support themselves but their families as well. That alone would make me me want to sell the information, even if other sources say it's not an ethical thing to do, such as the AMA standard of ethics.
The AMA commits itself to promoting the highest standard of professional ethical norms and values of its members. The AMA also states that as marketers we should also do no harm, foster trust in the marketing system and embrace ethical values. We should also be honest, responsible, fair and respectful. It's important for companies to keep their customer information private and protected. If John decides to sell the information, then he is going against the statement of ethics. This will make people not trust his company anymore and when people have a bad experience at a place, they tend to tell a ton of other people. This could be very bad for John Smith's company because the customer relationship should be valued and be kept private. He is not being fair and respectful to his customers information that should be kept protected, not sold for $8,000 dollars to another company.
In the end he needs to do what is right which is to keep his customers information secure within his comany. If he sells the information he will lose all of his current customers plus a ton of future ones because news travels fast. He might come out with an extra 8,000 but after a little bit of time he will end up right back where he started but with less customers and employees.
It's hard to say what you would do unless you are the one in the current situation or dilema. Do you think there is a way for John to talk to his current customers about his situation and get some sort of agreement forms with signatures. If he talks to each person and gets their approval first, then only sends in the information on customers who said it was okay to do. What do you think about this? Is it now ethical? What if you were the customer and were asked if it was okay if they give your name and number to another company, would you be alright with it?
is it right in selling the information?
John Smith could sell the names if he needs the money to save his business and keep is employees working. If he doesn't sell the information then he's leaving a lot of people out of work who need to the job not only to support themselves but their families as well. That alone would make me me want to sell the information, even if other sources say it's not an ethical thing to do, such as the AMA standard of ethics.
The AMA commits itself to promoting the highest standard of professional ethical norms and values of its members. The AMA also states that as marketers we should also do no harm, foster trust in the marketing system and embrace ethical values. We should also be honest, responsible, fair and respectful. It's important for companies to keep their customer information private and protected. If John decides to sell the information, then he is going against the statement of ethics. This will make people not trust his company anymore and when people have a bad experience at a place, they tend to tell a ton of other people. This could be very bad for John Smith's company because the customer relationship should be valued and be kept private. He is not being fair and respectful to his customers information that should be kept protected, not sold for $8,000 dollars to another company.
In the end he needs to do what is right which is to keep his customers information secure within his comany. If he sells the information he will lose all of his current customers plus a ton of future ones because news travels fast. He might come out with an extra 8,000 but after a little bit of time he will end up right back where he started but with less customers and employees.
It's hard to say what you would do unless you are the one in the current situation or dilema. Do you think there is a way for John to talk to his current customers about his situation and get some sort of agreement forms with signatures. If he talks to each person and gets their approval first, then only sends in the information on customers who said it was okay to do. What do you think about this? Is it now ethical? What if you were the customer and were asked if it was okay if they give your name and number to another company, would you be alright with it?
Friday, March 5, 2010
In response to Doug K's question
Multiple companis offer deals for buying in bundle or signing up for contracts with them, can you provide any examples of any? Do you think phone companies are taking advantage of their customers? What marketing techniques do you think cell phone companies used to make texts become so popular, and what techniques could they use to possibly make even more money from this service?
I know that my cell phone company, U.S. Cellular offers deals and packages for text messaging. They offer free text messaging for eith $15 or $20 dollars extra each month which is a lot I think. They also offer smaller packages, I personally spend $5 dollars extra a month and get 250 texts a month which is enough for me, I dont do that many. But there are some who text so much that they should spend the $20 dollars extra a month because once you go over the limited number you have, they start charging you by text which are around 25 cents each. This can be very costly and add up quick if you dont have unlimited texting. My sister has Sprint for a cell phone company and hers is around the same for unlimited texting.
I dont think that cell phone companies are taking advantage when they offer the packages but they definitely are when you go over your text messaging limit. I think 25 cents for each text is rediculous, I remember when it used to be 10 cents which is a little more reasonable. I'm glad they dont charge you for receiving messages but I feel like some day they might end up doing that as well. The costs of text messaging are rediculous and they know how popular it is so the prices are only going to increase in the future.
I dont think cell phone companies really used a big marketing plan to get text messaging popular. It was customers and word of mouth that got it so popular. My friends told me about it and thats when I became interested. Everyone just started to do it, I dont remeber seeing ads for it. Now you see cell phone companies on television trying to get you as a customer with their unlimited texting packages and talking minutes. I also dont think companies are going to have to do too much to make even more money from text messaging. They just need to get people to want to use their service and they can do this by offering better deals.
How do you feel about the costs of text messaging? Do you think texting is becoming a big problem both in school and in general? Is texting more of a form of communication now then personally talking on the phone? If not, do you think it will be some day?
I know that my cell phone company, U.S. Cellular offers deals and packages for text messaging. They offer free text messaging for eith $15 or $20 dollars extra each month which is a lot I think. They also offer smaller packages, I personally spend $5 dollars extra a month and get 250 texts a month which is enough for me, I dont do that many. But there are some who text so much that they should spend the $20 dollars extra a month because once you go over the limited number you have, they start charging you by text which are around 25 cents each. This can be very costly and add up quick if you dont have unlimited texting. My sister has Sprint for a cell phone company and hers is around the same for unlimited texting.
I dont think that cell phone companies are taking advantage when they offer the packages but they definitely are when you go over your text messaging limit. I think 25 cents for each text is rediculous, I remember when it used to be 10 cents which is a little more reasonable. I'm glad they dont charge you for receiving messages but I feel like some day they might end up doing that as well. The costs of text messaging are rediculous and they know how popular it is so the prices are only going to increase in the future.
I dont think cell phone companies really used a big marketing plan to get text messaging popular. It was customers and word of mouth that got it so popular. My friends told me about it and thats when I became interested. Everyone just started to do it, I dont remeber seeing ads for it. Now you see cell phone companies on television trying to get you as a customer with their unlimited texting packages and talking minutes. I also dont think companies are going to have to do too much to make even more money from text messaging. They just need to get people to want to use their service and they can do this by offering better deals.
How do you feel about the costs of text messaging? Do you think texting is becoming a big problem both in school and in general? Is texting more of a form of communication now then personally talking on the phone? If not, do you think it will be some day?
Legal and Ethical issues in E-marketing
How marketers use technology to gather information, both online and off, to foster long term relationships with customers has raised many legal and ethical issues. Some of these issues include personal privacy and unsolicited e-mail.
One of the major privacy issues involves the personal information companies collect from their website visitors. According to a survey by the Progress and Freedom Foundation, 96% of popular commercial websites collect personally identifying information from visitors, usually through cookies. Some people fear that websites are collecting personal information which violates their privacy, especially if it's done without their knowledge. In response to this, some companies are cutting back on the amount of information they collect. Companies can legally buy and sell information about customers to gain a competitive advantage. Some companies recognize privacy concerns and strive to protect customer security.
I'am a member to many different websites and I shop online every now and then. This definitely is a big issue, I didn't realize that websites keep a lot of your personal information and can sell it to other companies. If I do buy something online I check out as a guest and not a member so you would think that the company doesn't store your information but I'm sure they do after reading this. It is pretty scary and companies need to start protecting their customers security. I definitely don't want my personal informatin roaming around on the web to different people, I would like to trust the company to protect my security.
Spam is also another issue. Many internet users believe that spam violates their privacy and steals their resources. Many companies also hate spam because it costs them around $22 billion a year in antispam filters, new equipment and lost productivity. Another issue is phishing which is the practice of sending fraudulent that appear to come from a trusted, legitimate source and request personal information for the purpose of committing identity theft. Phishing meggages will often come from financial firms, like Citibank and may direct viewers to an authentic-looking website to trick them into giving personal information including account numbers and passwords. This is a big issue and everyone needs to be cautious and aware of all these threats to your private information.
Everyone needs to keep an eye out when they are reading and responding to e-mails. Have you ever received an email that seemed fishy? Maybe you thought something was odd about it so you deleted it or maybe responded but didn't know it was a phishing email?
One of the major privacy issues involves the personal information companies collect from their website visitors. According to a survey by the Progress and Freedom Foundation, 96% of popular commercial websites collect personally identifying information from visitors, usually through cookies. Some people fear that websites are collecting personal information which violates their privacy, especially if it's done without their knowledge. In response to this, some companies are cutting back on the amount of information they collect. Companies can legally buy and sell information about customers to gain a competitive advantage. Some companies recognize privacy concerns and strive to protect customer security.
I'am a member to many different websites and I shop online every now and then. This definitely is a big issue, I didn't realize that websites keep a lot of your personal information and can sell it to other companies. If I do buy something online I check out as a guest and not a member so you would think that the company doesn't store your information but I'm sure they do after reading this. It is pretty scary and companies need to start protecting their customers security. I definitely don't want my personal informatin roaming around on the web to different people, I would like to trust the company to protect my security.
Spam is also another issue. Many internet users believe that spam violates their privacy and steals their resources. Many companies also hate spam because it costs them around $22 billion a year in antispam filters, new equipment and lost productivity. Another issue is phishing which is the practice of sending fraudulent that appear to come from a trusted, legitimate source and request personal information for the purpose of committing identity theft. Phishing meggages will often come from financial firms, like Citibank and may direct viewers to an authentic-looking website to trick them into giving personal information including account numbers and passwords. This is a big issue and everyone needs to be cautious and aware of all these threats to your private information.
Everyone needs to keep an eye out when they are reading and responding to e-mails. Have you ever received an email that seemed fishy? Maybe you thought something was odd about it so you deleted it or maybe responded but didn't know it was a phishing email?
Friday, February 26, 2010
In response to Daniel G's question
Before I buy something, I always go online and read reviews, to see what people have to say. Even if I read a bad review though, it may not stop me from buying it. Do you also do this?
I actually do this myself all the time. I see a products advertised on television and the interent all the time and find myself looking them up. I try to go to a website that has other peoples responses to the product and see that they have to say. Sometimes they are rated by stars, so 4 out of 5 stars is good where as 1 out of 5 is terrible. But even with horrible reviews, if I think the product looks cool or interesting I will buy it anways.
One thing I do realize more now is that the reviews people give actually help. I think it's really nice of people to go online and tell you how a product is before you go and spend a bunch of money on it. They are saving you time and money on something that they may have already wasted their money on and for them to take more time out of their day to write a review, it's pretty awesome and helpful. This includes movies too. I find myself looking up reviews on movies before I go out to see one or rent/buy one. I dont want to waste my time on a bad movie and these reviews generally help. Everyone has different views on what a good movie is and so when I read a review, sometimes I will disagree with who ever wrote it because maybe they have a different sense of humor then I do. You can take in information and opinion any way you like.
What I like about reviews is you have the option of looking them up or you can go out and buy whatever it is you want to buy without anyones opinion. I definitely think that reviews are helpful and I have not bought a product before because it got a lot of horrible reviews. If there is one bad review in there the chances of my purchasing it are pretty high but if all the reviews are horrible, then I wont.
The internet is so helpful with reviews on products and services. Do you ever find yourself looking up movie information and reviews before you go buy them and or see them in the theature? I actually went to a movie recently and they are adding commercials to the previews now, what do you think about this? Do you find it annoying and unnecessary like I do?
I actually do this myself all the time. I see a products advertised on television and the interent all the time and find myself looking them up. I try to go to a website that has other peoples responses to the product and see that they have to say. Sometimes they are rated by stars, so 4 out of 5 stars is good where as 1 out of 5 is terrible. But even with horrible reviews, if I think the product looks cool or interesting I will buy it anways.
One thing I do realize more now is that the reviews people give actually help. I think it's really nice of people to go online and tell you how a product is before you go and spend a bunch of money on it. They are saving you time and money on something that they may have already wasted their money on and for them to take more time out of their day to write a review, it's pretty awesome and helpful. This includes movies too. I find myself looking up reviews on movies before I go out to see one or rent/buy one. I dont want to waste my time on a bad movie and these reviews generally help. Everyone has different views on what a good movie is and so when I read a review, sometimes I will disagree with who ever wrote it because maybe they have a different sense of humor then I do. You can take in information and opinion any way you like.
What I like about reviews is you have the option of looking them up or you can go out and buy whatever it is you want to buy without anyones opinion. I definitely think that reviews are helpful and I have not bought a product before because it got a lot of horrible reviews. If there is one bad review in there the chances of my purchasing it are pretty high but if all the reviews are horrible, then I wont.
The internet is so helpful with reviews on products and services. Do you ever find yourself looking up movie information and reviews before you go buy them and or see them in the theature? I actually went to a movie recently and they are adding commercials to the previews now, what do you think about this? Do you find it annoying and unnecessary like I do?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Response to article questions
I think one of the biggest advantages of direct mail is its ability for a people to make personal contacts with one another. Emailing is definitely easier especially if you have a P.O. Box, but with direct mail, its more personal and may mean more if you are writing to a family member or friend. Direct mail is beneficial to everyone because everyone gets mail and has an address. If a person chooses not to use the interent, whether they are from an older generation or dont have the money for the technology, then they wont receive important mail and or mail from a company trying to promote a new product or sale. Emails and electronic means of marking are so easy to erase, and if the only way a company reaches out to people is by email, then most of their mail is probably erased or sent to the junk mail folder. Direct mail is still a very important for companies to do if they want to reach new customers and get their product out there.
Barcodes seem promising but concerns with their use are the fact that most people dont have a barcode scanner device. People will need something to be able to read these bar codes which could cost people more money then they are willing to pay. Barcodes seem more like our generation, most of the older generations dont like technology or like the simple things technology offer which definitely isn't the barcode idea. It is definitely a neat idea and shows promise.
E-marketing has already started to take over traditional forms of marketing. Most companies have their own website online which allows you to shop their products and see their sales. You are able to create an account with the most companies online and instead of going to the store, you can order online and have it shipped to your home. It's in the companies best interest to have a website especially these days because if they dont, then most people will go to another company website that does. I think companies will still send direct mail but phone calls will and already are decreasing. Most people don't like phone calls and get annoyed by them if its people they dont know, so having more of an e-marketing approach will only help companies in the long run.
Big companies and corporations are already well known so I think that smaller businesses and companies would benefit more with the use of direct mail. There's a hair cut place in Bratt, Vt that is a small business and on your birthday they send you a card in the mail that gives you a percent off their services and products for one day. They do give you a time limit to go in and use it but it is still nice that they offer you a deal and that they have direct mail. Most of the customers who go their appreciate it and it helps the company build a more personal relationship with their customers. If the customers like the company then they will also spread the word to their friends so it is important for a company, big or small, to make the customers happy.
I know most companies are trying to go green and if they did market electronically, they would save paper and some company costs, but would the product or service that they are trying to promote succeed without any sort of direct mail?
Barcodes seem promising but concerns with their use are the fact that most people dont have a barcode scanner device. People will need something to be able to read these bar codes which could cost people more money then they are willing to pay. Barcodes seem more like our generation, most of the older generations dont like technology or like the simple things technology offer which definitely isn't the barcode idea. It is definitely a neat idea and shows promise.
E-marketing has already started to take over traditional forms of marketing. Most companies have their own website online which allows you to shop their products and see their sales. You are able to create an account with the most companies online and instead of going to the store, you can order online and have it shipped to your home. It's in the companies best interest to have a website especially these days because if they dont, then most people will go to another company website that does. I think companies will still send direct mail but phone calls will and already are decreasing. Most people don't like phone calls and get annoyed by them if its people they dont know, so having more of an e-marketing approach will only help companies in the long run.
Big companies and corporations are already well known so I think that smaller businesses and companies would benefit more with the use of direct mail. There's a hair cut place in Bratt, Vt that is a small business and on your birthday they send you a card in the mail that gives you a percent off their services and products for one day. They do give you a time limit to go in and use it but it is still nice that they offer you a deal and that they have direct mail. Most of the customers who go their appreciate it and it helps the company build a more personal relationship with their customers. If the customers like the company then they will also spread the word to their friends so it is important for a company, big or small, to make the customers happy.
I know most companies are trying to go green and if they did market electronically, they would save paper and some company costs, but would the product or service that they are trying to promote succeed without any sort of direct mail?
Friday, February 19, 2010
In response to Doug K's question
Do you find yourself being influenced by e-marketing? What is the most effective way that this type of marketing gets your attention pop-ups, banners, etc.. Do you find yourself reading reviews before buying products?
Yes I do find myself being influenced by e-marketing, but who doesn't. Pop-ups dont really grab my attention, they actually annoy me, especially if you get three or more at one time. Some banners grab my attention more then others and allow me to click on them and go to that site or product thats being promoted. I love the fact that I can go to firms websites online and find the products and the prices that I'm looking for. I can easily pull up a few different sites and compare the same product, but the price may be cheaper at one place then at the other. Maybe the product that I'm looking for isn't even sold at a particular company and I see this while I'm at there site. This allows me to look else where for the product and also saved me time by not going to this place to find the product that they dont carry. I definitely find myself reading reviews before buying certain products, usually if its something that is electronic. I want the best product out there and the best price and if it has a lot of good reviews, the chances of me buying it are high. E-marketing is very useful and all firms should do it if they haven't yet.
Most big firms e-market their products and prices. Do you think more small businesses should e-market more if they don't already?
Yes I do find myself being influenced by e-marketing, but who doesn't. Pop-ups dont really grab my attention, they actually annoy me, especially if you get three or more at one time. Some banners grab my attention more then others and allow me to click on them and go to that site or product thats being promoted. I love the fact that I can go to firms websites online and find the products and the prices that I'm looking for. I can easily pull up a few different sites and compare the same product, but the price may be cheaper at one place then at the other. Maybe the product that I'm looking for isn't even sold at a particular company and I see this while I'm at there site. This allows me to look else where for the product and also saved me time by not going to this place to find the product that they dont carry. I definitely find myself reading reviews before buying certain products, usually if its something that is electronic. I want the best product out there and the best price and if it has a lot of good reviews, the chances of me buying it are high. E-marketing is very useful and all firms should do it if they haven't yet.
Most big firms e-market their products and prices. Do you think more small businesses should e-market more if they don't already?
E-marketing
E-marketing refers to the strategic process of creating, distributing, promoting, and pricing products for targeted customers in the virtual environment of the internet. What is great about e-marketing? It gives marketers and customers the ability to share information.
Through firms websites, customers like myself are able to learn about the firms products and prices. This is definitely important for firms to have, especially with the interent becoming more used. The internet is even being added to most cell phones these days and if a firm doesn't have a website, then most customers will go to another company that does have a site. Websites also allow customers to provide feedback mechanisms through which people can ask questions, voice complaints, indicate preferences and even communicate their needs and desires.
I currently work at Target and this firm does have a website. Customers are able to go to target.com and look up our products and our prices. Our website also allows them to see if we carry that product in their local stores because there are so many targets out there and not every single target has the same products. Customers can also go to target.com and voice their complaints and make suggestions. These results come to our store and then during the morning huddles (team member gathering), we are read the results and come up with ways to improve if the feedback is poor.
The internet is being used more and more each day. I dont think there is a day that I go without checking my email, doing an assignment or looking up something. Do you think that teachers are starting to use the interent more and more in their classes, whether it's assignments or activities or quizzes?
Through firms websites, customers like myself are able to learn about the firms products and prices. This is definitely important for firms to have, especially with the interent becoming more used. The internet is even being added to most cell phones these days and if a firm doesn't have a website, then most customers will go to another company that does have a site. Websites also allow customers to provide feedback mechanisms through which people can ask questions, voice complaints, indicate preferences and even communicate their needs and desires.
I currently work at Target and this firm does have a website. Customers are able to go to target.com and look up our products and our prices. Our website also allows them to see if we carry that product in their local stores because there are so many targets out there and not every single target has the same products. Customers can also go to target.com and voice their complaints and make suggestions. These results come to our store and then during the morning huddles (team member gathering), we are read the results and come up with ways to improve if the feedback is poor.
The internet is being used more and more each day. I dont think there is a day that I go without checking my email, doing an assignment or looking up something. Do you think that teachers are starting to use the interent more and more in their classes, whether it's assignments or activities or quizzes?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
In response to Elizabeth V's question
Do you think the trend of advertising within tv shows rather then commercials will become more popular as people are watching less commercials?
I definitely think that advertising within tv shows is happening a lot more then it used to. But commercials are still a big hit for most companies that want to promote their product. I know that DVR and Tivo are becoming more and more popular but a lot of people still don't have the option of recording shows and skipping commercials. I know that when I watch tv and a commercial comes on, unless its a really neat one that grabs my attention, I just tune them out and dont pay any attention. With that I will agree that more and more shows are advertising within the show or you see the characters with the product that is being promoted, also called product placement. It could be a beer that that company wants to promote so they have the characters drinking it or a soda like coke or pepsi they want seen. Some people might think that if these characters on this show are drinking that or eating that, then I want to drink and eat that as well.
I'm just wondering if you feel like commercials are slowly going to fade out or if there are going to be more and more on top of advertising within the programs? What about movie theatures?
I definitely think that advertising within tv shows is happening a lot more then it used to. But commercials are still a big hit for most companies that want to promote their product. I know that DVR and Tivo are becoming more and more popular but a lot of people still don't have the option of recording shows and skipping commercials. I know that when I watch tv and a commercial comes on, unless its a really neat one that grabs my attention, I just tune them out and dont pay any attention. With that I will agree that more and more shows are advertising within the show or you see the characters with the product that is being promoted, also called product placement. It could be a beer that that company wants to promote so they have the characters drinking it or a soda like coke or pepsi they want seen. Some people might think that if these characters on this show are drinking that or eating that, then I want to drink and eat that as well.
I'm just wondering if you feel like commercials are slowly going to fade out or if there are going to be more and more on top of advertising within the programs? What about movie theatures?
Shiny Sud's commercial
Commercials are made to grab viewers attention towards their product and in the commercial of shiny sud's, lets just say it totally cought my eye. In this commercial method is trying to promote their cleaning product by showing how other cleaning products leave things behind.
In the commercial the woman is getting in the shower and the sud's are in there because they are the bacteria left from the cleaner she used before. They watch as she showers and make comments which when I viewed it for the first time, reminded me of sexual harrasment. Many woman have been sexually harrased and abused and if they were to view this commercial, it might upset and or offend them. I know most people probably think the sud's are funny and cute but as I was watching the video, they annoyed me more and more as it went on. I was actually shocked that they made a commercial, they definitely didn't think this one through all that much.
I do realize that the sud's aren't meant to be seen as people, but that is how they are viewed when watching the commercial. The other thing that bothered me was that she was covering her body to show that she was uncomfortable and when they told her to grab the "lufa," I actually felt bad for her. Then you hear the sud's laughing and cheering when she finally did grab the lufa rather quickly.
This commercial would definitely grab peoples attention but probably not in the way that they intended in too. They should have looked at it from another perspective before they made it.
I guess my main question is do you think the company thought that the commercial would be perceived this way? Or did they think it was a great idea to get people to buy their product?
In the commercial the woman is getting in the shower and the sud's are in there because they are the bacteria left from the cleaner she used before. They watch as she showers and make comments which when I viewed it for the first time, reminded me of sexual harrasment. Many woman have been sexually harrased and abused and if they were to view this commercial, it might upset and or offend them. I know most people probably think the sud's are funny and cute but as I was watching the video, they annoyed me more and more as it went on. I was actually shocked that they made a commercial, they definitely didn't think this one through all that much.
I do realize that the sud's aren't meant to be seen as people, but that is how they are viewed when watching the commercial. The other thing that bothered me was that she was covering her body to show that she was uncomfortable and when they told her to grab the "lufa," I actually felt bad for her. Then you hear the sud's laughing and cheering when she finally did grab the lufa rather quickly.
This commercial would definitely grab peoples attention but probably not in the way that they intended in too. They should have looked at it from another perspective before they made it.
I guess my main question is do you think the company thought that the commercial would be perceived this way? Or did they think it was a great idea to get people to buy their product?
Friday, February 5, 2010
In response to Joe Cretella's question
If companies did not care about the marketing environment would people still value their product and continue to buy it?
I'm going to say no to this question because if a company doesn't market something that I believe in, then I wont shop at that particualr store or buy their products anymore. The great thing about the companies now and days is that there is so many of them. If I cant get what I'm looking for at one place, then there are a ton of others where I will be able to find it. If a company doesn't care about the environment and refuses to market it, then I will go to another company that does. This is how environmentalism could be a threat to companies because if a company doesn't want to market the environment, they could loose a whole lot of business from customers. Companies should be looking for the consumers wants and needs and if everyone is beginning to have the going green mentality, then companies need to start adapting to that and change their ways if they want business from people.
My question is do you think that if people find that a certain company they shop at or work for doesn't market something they believe in, will that person most likely stay or leave that company and go elsewhere? Or will they stay and be unhappy, considering the current job market?
I'm going to say no to this question because if a company doesn't market something that I believe in, then I wont shop at that particualr store or buy their products anymore. The great thing about the companies now and days is that there is so many of them. If I cant get what I'm looking for at one place, then there are a ton of others where I will be able to find it. If a company doesn't care about the environment and refuses to market it, then I will go to another company that does. This is how environmentalism could be a threat to companies because if a company doesn't want to market the environment, they could loose a whole lot of business from customers. Companies should be looking for the consumers wants and needs and if everyone is beginning to have the going green mentality, then companies need to start adapting to that and change their ways if they want business from people.
My question is do you think that if people find that a certain company they shop at or work for doesn't market something they believe in, will that person most likely stay or leave that company and go elsewhere? Or will they stay and be unhappy, considering the current job market?
Is environmentalism a threat or an opportunity to businesses?
Environmentalism is definitely more of an opportunity for marketers, especially now and days. More and more people are "going green" and are more environmentally friendly. It is something I hear about a lot now and people are becoming more and more interested in a more environmentally friendly world. If companies choose to ignore the fact that more and more people are going green, this could be a serious threat to those companies.
I currently work at target and we now have reusable bags. They are a few dollars a bag I believe but they are totally worth it if you want to stay away from plastic. I dont think people realize how many plastic bags we go through with every customer so I think it's great that target is now offering these reusable bags. During black friday we also gave away free reusable target bags to the first 500 guests which helped promote them. We also keep them by the registers and throughout the store so guests can see them. I know hannahfords also has reusable bags as well as many other companies in Keene. Most people dont have reusable bags but it gives those who are environmentally conscious a way to help the environment while shopping.
Companies that market products that are environmentally may have a competative advantage over those who are not. With more and more people becoming aware of the environment, it is important for companies to show they are also aware if they want environmentally friendly individuals shopping in their store.
The only question I really have is why haven't more companies gone green? Is it because it is to expensive or do most companies just not care?
I currently work at target and we now have reusable bags. They are a few dollars a bag I believe but they are totally worth it if you want to stay away from plastic. I dont think people realize how many plastic bags we go through with every customer so I think it's great that target is now offering these reusable bags. During black friday we also gave away free reusable target bags to the first 500 guests which helped promote them. We also keep them by the registers and throughout the store so guests can see them. I know hannahfords also has reusable bags as well as many other companies in Keene. Most people dont have reusable bags but it gives those who are environmentally conscious a way to help the environment while shopping.
Companies that market products that are environmentally may have a competative advantage over those who are not. With more and more people becoming aware of the environment, it is important for companies to show they are also aware if they want environmentally friendly individuals shopping in their store.
The only question I really have is why haven't more companies gone green? Is it because it is to expensive or do most companies just not care?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
In response to Deanna's question
There are many ways to get prepared for an interview. I haven't had an interview recently but the last one I did have, I wasn't really prepared for. I still ended up with the job but there were ways I could have done better. One thing that you should do before an interview is learn all about the company you are having an interview with. This shows them that you are interested in the company and what they are all about. Interviewing with confidence and giving well spoken answers is also very important. Eye contact and speaking clearly to the person who is interviewing you is another key aspect of the interview process. If you are looking down and not speaking loud enough you probably wont get the job. Dressing appropriately is also very important. If you go into an interview wearing jeans and a t-shirt, they probably wont even take the time to interview you. Going in to the interview with an extra couple copies of your resume is also a nice little tip, this way if the boss or interviewer doesn't have it when they should, you have an extra to hand out. It shows that you are on top of things.
I know there are many of other little tips and information about going for an interview, can anyone think of any others that I didn't mention? Anything that can help you leave the interview with a job or feeling good about the entire interviewing process you completed?
I know there are many of other little tips and information about going for an interview, can anyone think of any others that I didn't mention? Anything that can help you leave the interview with a job or feeling good about the entire interviewing process you completed?
Monday, January 25, 2010
The four P's applied to getting a job
The first P, or product, applies to the person who is looking for the job. You are the product so make sure you know everything about yourself that you feel is important. This could include your interests, hobbies, values and principles. The second P, promotion can be your resume. You are advertising yourself in a resume by showing the employer who you are and what you have accomplished or have had experience in. You are also selling yourself to the company and showing why you would be a good asset to their team. What you wear and how you act or answer the questions is also how you can promote yourself. The third P is place which when applied to getting a job is your interest in a particular company or companies. You are placing yourself where you could see yourself working by applying for the position and going to the interview. The fourth P, or price, is when an employer likes what he or she has seen and desides to hire you to work for the company. The position is filled and you and the employer talk prices which could be wages or salary. Having a good resume is very important in finding a job, especially now and days. What are some other ways that would increase our chances of getting a job over someone else who is also just as qualified?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)