Customer Service

customer service can either be extremely helpful or just out right frustrating. I have T-mobile for my cell phone service and i had a really bad experience the other day. all i wanted to do was pay my bill over the phone because they allow you to do so but i had to go through voice automated services way too many times. usually this is an easy process but it shows how inconsistent customer service can be within companies. Things like this are frustrating and it definitely has an effect on whether customers will return to your service. i know that customer service is also a helpful thing with building relationships with customers but a lot of people have bad experiences.

What was the worst customer service experience that you have gone through?  

Response: Matt Tolen, Brand recognition

Do you think that Brand recognition comes only from advertising, or do the products also meet the standards the customer wishes better then available substitutes?

for me, action speaks louder than words and advertisements so i think its all about how satisfied the customer is with specific brands. The available substitutes may be just as functional and useful but certain products just work the best. Some people may get drawn in with the ads but it all depends on how satisfied i am as a customer. if i am happy with a specific brand i am going to stick with it. and when i recognize a brand and have a positive image its because i felt they created a successful product not just a cool advertisement.  

Social Media Marketing

A Facebook page is the quickest and easiest way to get a web presence and exposure for a new product. With millions and millions of people on social media sites these pages are very important for building product awareness and its a great marketing tool. it allows people to make comments and also give feedback which can be useful information in future projects. I personally run the facebook page for the company i work with now and it really gives us an edge when customers come into our store with deals from coupons and groupons that we offer. 

Response: Allison Ray: Shipping

Have you ever gone to buy something online, and once you see the shipping price decide not to buy it anymore? Are you more likely to search for a product offered on a website with free shipping site wide, rather than a website not offering free shipping site wide?

i personally do a lot of online shopping just because i think its quicker and easier. i usually tend to find items with free shipping or i come across certain deals where if you spend a certain amount then they will include free shipping. if i want to purchase an item and the shipping charge is a ridiculous amount, then yes i will try to find another site where i can get it cheaper but if i feel the product id of less quality then ill go ahead and pay for the shipping.  

Government regulation

Do you believe self regulation is more or less effective than governmental regulatory agencies?  Why?

Not necessarily, i feel that government agencies are necessary when dealing with regulating large financial structures. Matt brought up a good point when he talked about the case of the large bank HSBC and money laundering situation. The international bank admitted to laundering money for drug cartels, organized crime, and others.  The bank was forced to pay a large fine $2 billion and a managers have been fired.  Although the government does have regulation on banks many time that regulation fails to work,  when this happens and people, like those at HSBC, are left to  regulate themselves.  although not everyone is going to take advantage or break the rules when no ones looking, there are those who will and for that reason the government needs to regulate some organizations. Alot of large financial companies have problems like this as well. major CEO's will pay off government agents in order to get away from the problems they may have.

Do you think the fine on HSBC and more government regulation will stop something like this from happening again?

Marketing in Pro Sports

In the U.S. professional sports are sought out to be Americas past time and a major important piece of our cultural experience. with sports fans in every single state its only right that companies market themselves through sports teams and organizations. If you have ever been to Fenway Park or any sports stadium in that matter its obvious that these places are the mecca of advertisements. with so much exposure of major media and television, its only logical to try and make a deal with a major sports team. Jay-Z for example, is a hip hop star who uses all of the New York Sports teams to promote himself and his music.

What are other ways in which companies can market themselves through professional sports?

response to Kendra and Sean: Brands

today, there are thousands of products and thousands of different brands. so how do you choose just one? Branding is a major part of selling and customers will buy products based on brands they have preferred in the past. Kendra and Sean made a good point about how MacDonald s has become one of the largest known brands in the world today. the main reason for this is the fact they sell fast food that people enjoy for a very small price. i personally have bought cheaper items with no name brand that turn out to be perfectly fine, but most consumers are tricked into buying products with the most reputable brand. 

so What is the main reason people are loyal to brands?