Monday, December 7, 2009

Marketing Channels & Supply Chain Management - Radioshack


I was looking through Radio shack's promotional when I thought to myself - Why are these prices so so high?! I saw that the electronics marketing channels are ridiculous. People get their materials like copper and iron and so forth, make the product and it must have cost them at the most 30% to make the product. Why are these retailers, these middle man companies taking advantage of this? It's because there are people who know how to make products and then there are people who know how to sell products. If you know how to do something good, then don't do it for free. That's what these companies are living by.

Marketing Channels & Supply Chain Management - Best Buy


Best Buy has departments within the company that manage inventory control - necessary to keeping the sales and revenues flowing. The most recent usage of inventory control was using black friday to get rid of whatever was left in the back. They put up these sales so that they can get rid of the products that nobody would buy at full price. When it comes to the high-seliing products like the PS3 or other popular electronics, there never seems to be enough of them when demand is at its highest. Best buy carefully manages what they have so that they will not get customers angry to the point where Best Buy will lose sales. They have just enough to satisfy a few and keep the others hungry for the next shipment. Black friday was an oportunity for Best Buy to get rid of unwanted inventory. A potential hazard but effective for the company.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Developing and Managing Products - Sirius XM Radio


Sirius and XM Radio were the two most popular (If not the only) satellite radio companies known to the average consumer. They joined together in a merger that has strengthened

their dominance over other satelite radio services such as Muzak. Some form of Satelite radio is now available for most types of cars which was limited before the merger. Satelite radio went from a concept to a major way of getting radio service as satellite radio is broadcast over a wider geographical range than regular radio signals. Sirius XM is available by TV, iphone app, car serice, and many others.

Developing and Managing Products - Amazon.com


On November19, 2007, Amazon released the Amazon Kindle. This electronic software/hardware digitally displays e-books and other media. Since then it has met lots of success, from its international sales to being implemented into the iphone on the form of an application. Sony came out with the Sony Reader as competition to the Kindle but with little success. The picture above features the comparison between the Sony Reader (Left) and the Amazon Kindle (Right). The amazon Kindle has generated a lot of popularity over two years and looks promising for the years to come.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sales Promotion & Personal Selling - Ben & Jerry's

Free Cone Day can be seen as an effort toward Social Responsibility but I see it as nothing else other than a sales technique. Ben & Jerry's is the most successful ice cream company. My opinion is that they are using this free cone day to get more potential customers to try their products and eventually come back due to their good experience. Free cone day is usually scheduled to coincide with earth day and with other days to give to charities, but if giving away free ice cream isn't enough to get more people in their store - the pressure of customers' friends will.

Sales Promotion & Personal Selling - MetroPCS

Metro PCS has met success since 1994 but has become more popular now - not completely because of its release of the push-to-talk feature or the GPS friend locator, but because now it has been promoting itself at a new level. Metro PCS service stores have been popping up all over New York and raking in some serious business away from its competitors AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to name a few. It's amazing because they don't offer the iPhone like AT&T, the Sidekick like T-Mobile, or the Blackberry like Verizon. They simply advertise their policy - No contracts, just "$40 for Unlimited Calls & Text" This appeals to cell-phone consumers' hearts. They just don't want to go through the pain of worrying about the next bill and the surprises it might bring.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Advertising & Public Relations - Campbell's

Campbell's was trying to improve their image by making their product pink - the color of Breast- Cancer awareness. This is one example of how companies try to "reach out" to their consumers. Doing this will increase sales because people will find a way to support breast cancer awareness - buying cans are "donating" to the Breast Cancer awareness fund. Many companies are utilizing this strategy by coloring their products pink - from Yogurt lids to M&Ms. People feel better when they are purchasing a product that will help their causes.

Advertising & Public Relations - Motorola / Verizon


The advertisement for the new Droid Phone By Motorola comes on as a very strong competition for the iphone and G1 smart phones. The commercial features the phone being deployed by fighter jets and falling into fields in pods- just like sci-fi movies. The phone is marketed to come off being a "robot" which symbolizes smart technology - what people look for in these new smart phones. Another mysterious commercial features a list of things that the iphone doesn't do that "Droid Does", not mentioning what droid is but only when it comes out. The phone happens to run more different apps that the iphone does and features a keyboard. Only Verizon users can
use the Droid, the same way iphone is used by AT&T, and the Sidekick and G1 is used by T-Mobile.



Monday, November 9, 2009

Pricing Strategy - NYC Paintball


On Saturday November 7th, My friends and I visited NYC Paintball in Long Island City (Queens) for my birthday party. We wound up spending a fortune there and it came to my attention that this place makes lots of money. This is most likely because there is no other Paintball facility in the New York City area. We probably spent about $70 each person for 4 hours of play, 1000 paintballs, mask, body armor, gun, and pod magazines. I Had a great tme either way and I'm sure that their business did as well. Just in our group they made about $600. Not including many of the other people who frequentely visit on a regular basis.

Pricing concepts - Activision


For anyone who knows anything about video games, they know that keeping up with the latest concoles and games can burn a hole in their wallet. Activision is releasing their long-awaited Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The regular pricing for XBOX 360 should be around $59.99 but anyone who's been waiting for this game for as long as I have would be paying $125.00 (Not including $25 for the Deposit) for prestige edition - The gaming package that includes Night-Vision goggles, an online token to download the original COD, and other exclusive extras. Activision also has a number of other packages available with the release of this game and continues to harvest money from gamers.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Retailing - Trader Joe's


I talked to an employee at Trader Joe's who mentioned that Trader Joe's is a very succesful company. One way they stay in business is by selling private label products - they account for about 80% of their total products. Their niche is selling organic, healthy and dieting foods (non-gluten) as well as foreign foods like swiss chocolate, etc. Trader Joe's employees work to create an environment where people feel like they are exploring different cultures by trying different foods. Their early competitor was 7-Eleven - Trader Joe's has been around snce the 1960's and has more than 280 stores in 23 states.

Retailing - Subway

In the middle of a recession, Subway has managed to pass the 30,000 mark in their number of restaurants. Subway is one of the most successful franchises because many people eat there. They serve sandwiches quickly and are known for the healthier choices offered compared to other fast food restaurants. It recently entered the Franchise 500 and continues to meet success almost every time a store is opened. There have been many steps to get to this position, but subway looks like it could be around for a long time.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Product Concepts - Firmenich & 50 Cent


In 2010, Firmenich is a worldwide chemical manufacturer that happens to sell cologne. The company developed a reputation for excellence since its director of research and development, Lavoslav Ruzicka, won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1939. They are using 50 Cent's name to distribute a new cologne called Power by 50 Cent. They are using this brand to market it not only to men in America but hope to distribute it worldwide. The cologne itself has a dark wood core, resembling the wood panels used in Bentley cars along with other scents like coriander, nutmeg and lemon leaves. What a coincidence, the price for the smallest bottle happens to be $50.50!


Product Concepts - Toyota




The new 2010 Toyota Prius brings optimism because not only do we get an eco-friendly vehicle, we also get a car that can go 48MPG City / 45 MPG Highway! Not only that, it was voted one of the most reliable on cars.com. This sounds great for Toyota, catering to those who look for quality, those who want eco-friendly vehicles, people looking to save money on gas and people looking for a nice looking SUV (As if one exists). This car is known as the most fuel efficient hybrid of its kind and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. (except all around the world)

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Segmenting and Targeting Markets - General Mills

Turn your T.V. on Saturday Mornings and General Mills dominates the commercials. Same with Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and other channels that kids usually watch. General Mills knows exactly who they want to sell their products to and they won't stop at the big picture. For example, General Mills is using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) mainly used by small companies that want to target Niches to find out how they can sell their products to people who suffer from Celiac Disease (A disease that prevents people from eating certain foods). Only 2% of the population suffers from the disease but General Mills will stop at nothing to sell their products to whoever they can. Another reason why the Internet is very useful to businesses who want to know who will buy their products.

Business Marketing - AOL

AOL (America on-line) has been famous on the Internet since the Internet itself became famous. AOL is best known for AIM (America Instant-Messaging), AOL Video Chat (Similar to Skype), and it's original E-mail service. AOL sells advertising space on its sites and programs to companies like Ford, Proctor & Gamble, Purina, and recently IKEA. IKEA chose AOL because IKEA wants to target 18-24 year olds that are in or going to college. AOL is used by many young people that have e-mail accounts and use AIM on their cell phones and laptops. AOL shows video and square advertisements when their services are used and IKEA is using this to market to their target age groups. AOL is one business that sells to other businesses so that they can sell to consumers.

Persuaders: The science of selling - Chevrolet

If anyone has seen Transformers 2 this past summer, they know that if the movie was a big advertisement, it would be selling the 2010 Chevy Camaro-the one above in this picture. The movie's partnership with GM was a great success because it's nearly impossible to get this car now due to the thousands of sales made. This car has problems from quality issues to transmission defects but it just isn't stopping car lovers from buying the Camaro. I mean look at it and tell me you don't want this car in your garage... GM was clever to use their car in this movie - a movie targeted at men who most likely love cars as much as robots. This car won't transform into a robot but it did transform the way people looked at Camaros- Cars that haven't even been sold in years.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Consumer Decision Making - Rocawear

Rocawear is a clothing line started by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and Damon Dash. This international company sells in the UK, Japan, Canada, Europe, Korea, Middle East, and Russia. The company itself states that they sell to the "young and hip consumer". This company is well known since it's start ten years ago probably because of its owner Jay-Z. He is an opinion leader that has great influence of young people such as urban teenagers and people who listen to hip-hop. Since his name is known to these consumers, it would be easy for Rocawear to market to the urban areas. In 2007, new clothing was released that was targeted to yound men who didn't wear hip-hop attire, consisting of polo shirts, jackets and certain jean styles - along with shrinking the giant logo and the baggy clothes. Rocawear is expanding their market using name recognition and continues to be a successful company despite economic times.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Consumer Decision Making - Xinri Electric Bicycles

Xinri is an electric bicycle (E-Bike) manufacturer that is changing transportation in China. Electric bikes are pedal operated but offer an electric boost for speed. E-Bikes are in greater demand in the past few decades becasue E-Bikes can easily get around traffic and they are faster than regular bicycles. They also don't consume gas or pollute the environment. Zhang Chongshun, an auto parts factory executive created Xinri when he saw the opportunity to fill a need for commuters who were stuck in traffic in crowded Chinese cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong. Lots of people in China ae turning to Xinri's E-bikes because they are more affordable and safer compared to motorcycles, more environmentally friendly than gas-powered cars, faster and less tiring than regular bicycles, and more comfortable than the crowded mass transportation in China. Xinri saw needs in China and is prospering because they are helping fulfill those needs. Last year they produced 1.6 Million E-Bikes.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Devloping a Global Vision - McDonald's

In 2003, McDonald's came up with the idea to change it's slogan from "smile" to "I'm Lovin' it". For those of you who have ever seen a McDonald's bag, you've seen that slogan in many different languages. The reason they changed that slogan was to market to everyone from around the globe. Smile could be translated into different things because it is just one word. But when people read "I'm lovin' it", it's just a way for McDonald's to get inside these people's minds to have them thinking what they're reading. The same way that McDonald's franchises change the appearance of the small restaurants to culturally attract people in the area where the restaurant is located - from looking fancy with waiters to McDonald's in snowboarding areas - McDonald's is trying to keep their customers coming. That's one reason why they spent $823 Billion in 2008 on Global advertisement. If you thought Starbuck's was a great global company, wait till you hear about McCafes...

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Developing a Global Vision - Volkswagen (VW)

Martin Winterkorn, Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group, said "We've done a lot better than the competition in this crisis". He's talking about VW, a company that barely survived during WWII because the UK claimed "...it is quite unattractive to the average buyer..." Volkswagen is a global power that has lots of potential. Mr. Winterkorn also said "We are going to continue to step on the gas to become a leader in the automotive industry by 2018" Despite the economic mess that the World shares in today, Volkswagen has seen its global market share increase from the single-digits to 11.7% so far this year, with its sales slipping just 2.1% : while the industry as a whole has suffered a 14% drop in sales. Toyota, VW's rival sold almost 9 Million vehicles, while VW sold 6.3 Million but that's pretty good in dark times like these. There are rumors that VW plans to buy Suzuki - something that could contribute to Volkswagen's global vision of become the Auto Industry's leader.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Social Responsibility, Ethics, and the Marketing Environment - Toyota

Toyota, the global leading brand of cars acknowledges their responsibility to create a business that contributes to society. They are the most fuel-efficient full line manufacturer. Cars produce high amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, the most common greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Toyota deals with this problem by creating many different hybrid car models that reduce the amount of CO2 into the air. In early 2008, Global sales of the Toyota Prius reached 1 million, which is estimated to reduce about 4.5 Million tons of Carbon Dioxide.Also in 2008, they released six models that are rated to better than 30 miles a gallon on highways- they are the Corolla, Matrix, Solara, Yaris, 4-cylinder Camry, and Scion xD. They prove that is possible to help save the environment and be the biggest automotive sales giant at the same time.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Social Responsibility, Ethics, and the Marketing Environment - Coca-Cola

In 2000, Coca-Cola was sued for discrimination against its employees. In this lawsuit, African-Americans were fired more than caucasians and caucasians were offered more higher positions in the company. After the lawsuits, Coca-Cola put a better management practices into effect, creating one of the world's top 10 diverse companies for employment. One example is their 26th rank in Fortune Magazine's Top 50 Companies for Minorities in 2004. I believe it is important to have the best people working for your company, but I think that there are many talented, hard-working people in all races. The focus shouldn't be on diversity, but on having an open-mind...

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Strategic Planning for Competitive Advantage - Dell

The most basic way for executing your strategic plan is to outline your goals and the obstacles you'll have to overcome to obtain these goals. One good example of this is Dell. They cut out the middle-man by creating customized P.C.s for their customers online. They ship it directly to their customer, giving the customer exactly what they want without having to deal with salespeople, crowded technology outlets and leaving their home. Another thing that is crucial in their planning is this equation: Promise + Experience = Relationship. They get repeat customers because they did it right the first time. I wish more companies worked like this...

Strategic planning for Competitive Advantage - Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the best companies, if not the best, worldwide. This company caters to it's customers in every aspect. They have changed the look of their bottles many times to attract customers. They have a variety of different types of drinks. For those who do not want to sacrifice taste for health, they've developed Coke Zero, which i gotta say isn't bad at all. This company knows that personal branding in not a self-promotional campaign, but about getting the customers to recognize that a specific company is fulfilling your needs.

Monday, September 7, 2009

An Overview of Marketing - Sony & Microsoft Today

In 1 week, the new PS3 Slim beatdown the XBOX 360, Wii, and Nintendo DS Lite... wait for it... 3-to-1. Boom! Sony is enjoying the Massive sales jump- 1000%. Despite Microsoft's plan to reduce the price on XBOX elite's 120GB system and eliminate the 60GB altogether, Sony just crushed whatever momentum Microsoft was hoping for... ouch

An Overview of Marketing - Microsoft's Past

Microsoft is a Giant company. Everyone who knows anything about technology knows this. Bill Gates is probably the richest man in the country, if not in the world. All because he decided to create MS-DOS based PCs. In the 1980's Microsoft launched it's Windows program that opened up a lot of... windows. Since it's start the company has been accused of everything from monopolistic business practices to anti-trust, however Microsoft remains in the Fortune 500...