After reading fellow classmate Kelsey Ingham’s blog “A trip down memory lane with K&S Homeworkers”, I really began to think about the importance of adding value to a product to influence consumer choice. Although Kelsey and Sara clearly had the determination to succeed, what they lacked is value for their target market. Perhaps by introducing such tactics as bundling or discounts on a continuing basis they could have increased the loyalty of their customers.

One company that has undeniably created value for their consumers is TOMS. Not only are their shoes affordable, stylish and comfy but they also create another sort of added value through their One for One campaign. This not only appeals to activists who would like nothing more than to sport a stylish pair of TOMS while providing footwear for someone else in need, but also to the general public who see it as an added benefit to buying shoes they are already wanting. They create a sense of community that provides consumers with an interactive experience. Although they cannot identify themselves as a non-profit organization, the way they market themselves and the feeling a consumer achieves after buying a pair, makes up for it.