I love this ad.

According to UBC Blogger, Vicky Wu, Samsung‘s success from their release of the Galaxy S3 was largely influenced by timing the release between Apple’s “gap” period between their iPhone 4S and 5.

The reason why I wanted a blackberry is on the top right corner

So What’s my choice? Currently, I am a proud owner of a while Samsung S2. I love my phone; it’s my source of scheduling and communication. However, there are glitches: my music player freezes a couple times a day, and the speakers occasionally blast even with headphones on. Embarassing, I know.

Despite the glitches, I’ve never been much of an Apple advocate. Banning the S3 is “bad sportmanship” by my definitions. So my obvious choice would be the S3. A couple years back, when the endangered and almost extinct Blackberry was Apple’s main competition, I almost gave in to a purchase of a Blackberry just for their flashing LED light that would tell me who I just got a text message from.

Guess what? The S3 has it!

Best of Both Worlds

In this case, I guess I’m Samsung’s type of consumer that emphasizes on the functional needs of the product (my LED light). As a consumer, I searched internally (experience with blackberries) and externally (playing with my friend’s S3) to recognize my desire for the S3. Since the S3 isn’t cheap, my perceived benefits for research exceeds the costs and I gain an internal locus of control by taking initiative to research. As an owner of the S2, I concentrate on the performance risks of the S3, such as their glitches in the sound system. Although an obvious alternative would be the iPhone 5, I take their brand and price into consideration and would choose the S3 over Apple anyday.

Samsung all the way.

Personalization: making things suitable for your own needs and wants.

Seems to be quite the growing trend. Coca Cola, a Fortune 500 company, has introduced its “freestyle” vending machines  in Toronto, Canada in May. These machines are expected to appear all over Canada within the next while.

Preview of the Newest Vending Machine Technology

According to Susan Krashinky from Globe and Mail, “Companies want to create loyalty by making customers feel special. Allowing them to make personalized choices is one of the easiest ways to do that.”

I agree. There have been too many times when I’ve stood in front of a food stand wondering if I could order a chili hamburger instead of the typical chili dog, or mull over two almost identical looking shoes for too long. I would love for all products to be customized for me at no extra charge. Hence, I think Coca Cola’s got it right with their new vending machines. Not only does this “freestyle” machine bring a new experience to consumers when fiddling around with a vending machine, but Coca Cola’s brand also expands product knowledge, especially with the lesser known brands such as Fresca.

I’m looking forward to having “freestyle” vending machines at UBC soon. I’m sure our students will love products that are geared “just for them.”