Uber is making headlines once again announcing their entrance into the credit market with a no fee Uber Visa card. Uber has been no stranger to the news in 2017 as the CEO of Uber was forced to resign, they were abusing customer data, there have been multiple sexual assault claims, and alleged hostile workplace culture. 

With such negative publicity this year, Uber choosing to introduce a credit card with their name on it would not be a good idea. Customers would not trust Uber to not abuse the customer data. Uber’s track record is not favourable as they did not even protect its drivers and passengers. Uber would have even more access to your data with a credit card including financial information and knowledge of your individual spending.

Through the Uber credit card, customers can redeem points for Uber credits, cash backs and gift cards. The integration with the Uber app and the credit card are very efficient and sets them apart from their competitors. Uber may be hoping that introducing an advantageous credit card may steer people away from the negative things the company has been involved with lately. Instead, it is actually making customers question their safety and privacy when using Uber services. Even Apple Inc. threatened to delete its app from its phones because it compromised Apple customers’ privacy. If Uber abused the information they got from customers by simply using their transportation, imagine what they could gain from customers’ financial information.

A fellow Comm 101 classmate explored an interesting question in one of her blogs: How did a high value company gained so much criticism? Within the blog, Solbin talks about how all the scandals against Uber were damaging the brand, and how they promised good customer service but instead took advantage of theircustomers. It is no surprise that after the information revealed about Uber; many customers had a negative perception of Uber. Uber has proven to be an unethical company. The former CEO showed no regard for his customers and sold off their information. The scandals had knocked off $10 billion off of Uber’s value.

An introduction of the credit cards could have been a huge success ahead of all the scandals, but now the credit card may simply be a flop. Uber was once the leading company in the car transportation industry dominating their rivalries, but has taken significant blows to their brand, company value, and reputation.  Although some customers have continued to purchase Uber services despite of the scandals, they may not be willing to use the new Uber credit card. It will be interesting to see if Uber can salvage their brand image, and have success with their credit card launch.

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Netflix has revolutionized entertainment. Nowadays, many people don’t even have cable anymore. It was to no surprise that the Quebec finance minister wants to capitalize on this craze and put a GST tax on Netflix. Between 1.2 million and 1.45 million Quebec households hold a subscription to the service. Netflix is unlike any other streaming company; it is considered a brand. Taxation on a service like this would bring in an excess amount of funds for the government. The minister strongly believes that Netflix is a taxable service, but the only problem would be insuring the company cooperates. In addition to this proposed tax, Netflix is increasing its subscription costs ranging from $1 to $2 more a month. Jeremy Hazen, a Quebec resident and customer of Netflix, discusses that he is not happy about the additional tax or the increase in cost. 

He states that the increase in price may not seem a lot, but it is still a 34% difference of what he was paying prior with the increase in price and the GST. It’s clear most customers are unhappy with Netflix’s increase in cost, but Quebec residents like Jeremy are showing even more displeasure with the combination of an increase in price and an additional GST tax.

Netflix has changed the film industry, transforming the way individuals watch television. No other streaming websites meet the standards of Netflix. Competitors are attempting to recreate what Netflix has been able to accomplish. 

Netflix has more of a selection, their website is easy to navigate, has a variety of high quality original shows, and their videos are in HD. A subscription with Netflix would still be much more inexpensive than having cable. Regardless of  the price increase or the imposition of taxes, customers will continue to purchase the service because there is no sites that meet up to the standards of Netflix.

Personally as a frequent user of Netflix, I would continue to purchase the service despite the price increase or an addition of tax. I understand that Netflix needs more money to create more original shows and bring in other types of shows to broaden its selection. There are no other sites that meet up to the standards of Netflix. I believe the Quebec finance minister’s idea of taxing Netflix subscriptions will economically benefit the Canadian government. It is basically an easy way to bring in money for the government. Needless to say, I recognize the consumer’s perspective as it would not be ideal to pay extra for Netflix. Thinking from the finance minister’s standpoint, I believe it is a smart idea to tax a service like Netflix because it is such an attractive and popular service.

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