Tag Archives: Comm 101

QR (Quick Response) Codes

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We’ve seen them on Skytrain platforms or just hanging out at the mall. The tiny square with smaller squares inside that is located in some corner of the advertisements. What I’m talking about are QR Codes.

QR Code (Wikipedia Mobile Page)

Originally designed by Toyota’s Denso Wave to track the vehicle manufacturing process, in 1994, have now become what companies use as part of their marketing campaign.

At the time of production, Denso Wave created a new product, the QR Code. It was capable of “storing more information” and took up less space than barcodes.

In the age of smartphones, Denso Wave have created a new market, the advertising firms targeting smartphone users. These firms recognized the effectiveness of allowing a customer to simply scan a code with their smartphone; both parties gains valuable information over the Internet through its use.

By entering a new market, the company runs the risk of having its product be ‘rejected’ by its customers.

Next Round: Apple vs. Acer

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In response to Han-Ching Chang’s blog post about the competition between Apple and Acer, I feel that Apple, currently, still have the first-mover advantage. The basis for this competition is that Acer has launched a lighter and thinner laptop (Aspire S3) than Apple’s Macbook. More importantly, Acer’s price is below that of Apple’s. This puts the Aspire S3 in substitute competition with the Macbook.

Since the Macbook is already established as a light and thin laptop, Apple has gained a strong foothold targeting these customers. Prior to the Aspire S3, Apple was able to set high prices and people were still willing to buy the product because of the benefits that a light laptop could give. With the introduction of the Aspire S3, Apple’s market share in the lightweight laptops category will be reduced. Further reduction is expected as Lenovo is also planning to produce lightweight laptops as well.

I agree with Han-Ching that the more “cost-conscious” customers will gravitate towards Acer’s product; however, those who buy Apple products for the name and prestige will without a doubt remain faithful to Apple.

Recipe for Profit

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The familiar phrase of “’You can’t cut your way to profit’” doesn’t true anymore, at least not for small business, as posted by the Globe and Mail.

The 5 steps listed are:

1. Develop a Spend Strategy
The importance of an effective strategy proves to be able to reduce spending, and with reduced costs, the break-even point will be lowered.

2. Just One is Never Enough
You would have a higher risk if you put your money all on one thing.

3. Consolidate and Leverage
Suppliers will tend to give a lower price, if you order the large quantity (Ex. Costco), thus, reducing your costs. However, what if your business doesn’t need a large quantity, how would you obtain that reduced cost? By inviting other retailers to orders together, everyone can benefit from the lower price.

4. Manage Relationships
Maintaining a close relationship with the supplier is important because you depend on them to deliver the products in a timely manner. Furthermore, it never hurts to have a strong and trustworthy network.

5. Monitor Progress
Last, but not least, monitoring the progress of the business is always important. Since the economy is volatile, anything can happen!

Profit Growth

On the topic of food…

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As I chanced upon Stephen He’s post about “The Horrors of Dining Out in China“, I recalled my own personal trip to China and the restaurants I visited there.

I completely agree with Stephen that eating out is unavoidable as a visitor. Additionally, the statistic that one in ten times we dine out we will come across “gutter oil” is truly frightening.

I understand that competition within the restaurant industry is ruthless and that price and taste are important factors in determining the success of a business. However, cutting price by using the cheaper (and more disgusting substitute) “gutter oil”,is unacceptable.

Not only is it bad press if the restaurant is found out, but it can also harm customers’ health. Even if a specific restaurant isn’t found out, as Stephen said, “[customers’] willingness to dine out decreases”. After all, your health is worth more than the little bit of money you save when you purchase a dish. To the restaurant owner, it is also a better choice to not use “gutter oil” as it would show that you care about the customer, which will help build customer loyalty in these greasy times.

Your food has arrived!

What’s in a name?

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Names are what we use to identify a firm or individual.

Hence, a name change is an action that requires a lot of thinking on and a decision that shouldn’t be made hastily. Why give up what has been established for something brand new? Specifically, “‘why would a company change its name’”?

The company, Achiever Inc., formerly known as, I Love Rewards Inc., did exactly that; they changed their name.

Name changes are often an effective way to remarket the brand or to better reflect what the brand represents. There are also cases where a name change occurs due to copyright infringements. However, once a company has successfully changed its name and perhaps its image as well, it can lead to a change in the brand’s position. In this way, the brand may be relabelled in the consumers’ views as a new product catering to a different consumer group. Difficulties with a new change includes: rebuilding the brand to the previous level and regaining consumer recognition.

*Ring Ring*

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Landlines vs. Cellphones

From what I gathered in the article, “Low wireless rates lure more Canadians into cutting cord on landline”, more and more Canadians are opting for wireless phone service only.  By 2016, studies show that one-third of Canadians will cut their landline phones and just have cellphones.

So why would people do that?

The article states that competition from the many phone companies have been driving wireless rates downward. I feel that as more and more people are always on the go, cell phones become more and more useful, since people can be in contact with others at all times. Furthermore, a cell phone offers more functions than a landline, such as data and apps. Cellphones also add benefits to people by offering convenience and greater privacy, unlike landlines where others can unintentionally eavesdrop on your phone call.

However, on the negative side of things, there is the controversy about cellphones and radiation. So, until the day when cellphones emit miniscule amounts of radiation even for long periods of talking, landlines will still be in existence.