Month: March 2011

I found an interesting post from Hyun Ho Yang’s blog. He shared a video clip showing how Domino’s put so much of their effort and time in taking the best pictures of their pizzas for their commercials to attract customers. Furthermore, as Hyun Ho mentioned; “Domino’s are now telling consumers to take a picture of their own ordered Domino’s pizza and send in pictures of them, so they can show the pictures in their commercials”.

I also think this is a brilliant idea for two reasons. First of all, they can increase sales because people have to buy pizza in order to take a picture of it. Also, Domino’s can build a long term relationship with customers by asking people to participate in this event and compensating them for their effort by offering cash rewards.

Secondly, it is pretty disappointing whenever my pizza is delivered. While I am waiting for my mouth-watering pizza, I am imagining the same pizza on a leaflet with stretched cheese when picking up a slice and piled up toppings. However, once I open up the box, my expectation flew away. Where were all the toppings and long flowing cheese that I saw in the picture? Repetitive incidents have shaped me to distrust advertisements and commercials. If pizza restaurants post pictures of the actual pizza that their customers are getting, these pictures would be reliable. I would definitely buy pizza from them.

image taken from http://dealcetera.com/dominos-pizza-canada-coupons-4-off-large-pizza-coupon-when-you-order-online-at-dominosca/

During my service I was fortunate enough to work with a great leader, Sergeant Diaz Anthony, who has influenced my academic goals. I worked in the 4th Chemical Company with Sergeant Diaz. When work ethic reached a low point and good leadership was scarce, he took the initiative and restored the core values of the US army; loyalty,duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. He set an example for all to follow and gained the respect of soldiers. These experiences have influenced me to become a leader worthy of respect in the field of business.

1. Folgers Coffee

2. Ponds

3. Cingular

4. Mr. Clean

5. Mielo Vacuum Ad

6. Smart Car

7. 3M Security Glasses

Click pictures to visit the source

After visiting Matias’ blog, I couldn’t stop thinking of the video clip he posted. It was one of the best commercials I have ever seen. This ad shows the power of guerrilla marketing. I believe guerrilla marketing is the most effective and efficient strategy in that those images are indelibly imprinted on people’s minds with a relatively low marketing cost. Of course, Public Relations and other marketing strategies could be one of key components to gain publicity; however, consumers tend to respond quickly to those unusual and eye-catching advertisements. Advertisements I posted above deliver the messages companies created and want consumers to receive very easily within a few seconds. I would like to say “marketing=creativity”.

image taken from http://flyerscoupons.ca/new-mcdonalds-coupons-mail-today-march-15-2010-upto-36-00-savings-canada-843

Just a few days after I came to Canada for the first time, I had to go to McDonald’s because McDonald’s was the only place around that area. I ordered a Big-Mac meal, and the cashier told me the total would be $7.xx. I was so shocked because it was more expensive than any other Big-Macs in different countries. Since then, I have avoided going to McDonald’s for meals since there are other substitutes with a better price.

I also acknowledged that McDonald’s food was unhealthy as well as other people believe. Not only the price, but also the quality made me to hesitate before consuming McDonald’s meals. However, my attitude towards McDonald’s has shaken hard after I received the discounted coupons a month ago. Moreover, I got so tempted to have lunch at McDonald’s since it was only $4.49 for lunch. As a student, managing my budget has always been an important issue, so the discounted coupons really drew my attention. Eventually, I also got hooked by their marketing tactic and had Big-Mac again.

Last week, students got free coffee from McDonald’s. Of course, I had not only free coffee but also other menus as their marketing team intended. I believe McDonald’s aggressive promotional pricing and tactic are very effective and efficient for students because they understand students and their needs. I just got McDonald’s coupon for this month. You know what? I am going to McDonald’s again.

image taken from http://www.viralblog.com/mobile-and-iphone/ipad-2-compared-to-its-competition/

Thinner, lighter, two cameras for FaceTime, HD video recording, and more features, iPad 2 will be in the market on Mar, 11^th in the states and Mar, 25^th in Canada with listed features above. It is surprising that the price of the new iPad is going to start at $499, which was the same price for the first generation iPad.

Typically, Apple has been well known for skimming pricing (a.k.a. market-plus pricing), which is setting a relatively high price and reducing its price as competition increases. However, they adopted different strategy this time, which really surprised me. They could have charged a premium price with advanced features; however, they applied apply penetrating pricing (a.k.a. market-minus pricing), which is setting a low price to attract new customers and grow market share, for the latest technology.

It is safe to say that Samsung Galaxy Tab is the only competitor in the tablet market. Galaxy Tab is sold at $599 which is $100 more expensive than the iPad 2. By offering a high-tech product with a nominal price, Apple is able to get rid of the last competitor and take the whole market share. This is the Apple’s strategy behind the price.

Samsung must be astonished by not only the new features but also the price of iPad 2. Samsung has to step up to secure its market share, and it will definitely be the challenging task. Without doubt, Apple takes the big lead by introducing the new iPad. I would really love to see how Samsung reacts.