Gender specific products

a lot of new ad campaigns are promoting their products as either for males or females when really it doesn't matter which gender you are to purchase and use the product. Dr. Pepper and Miller Lite have been the main culprits and i think it is wrong to advertise a beverage for only one specific gender. i know their are certain tactics behind it like trying to sell diet soda to men but do they have to bring it so far where their ads basically shut down the product to the wrong gender. i have posted a couple videos for you guys to watch and see what you think

Do you think that it is right for companies to advertise certain products towards one gender only?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCx1MDBBWkk

Response to Gina P: Social Influences on Consumer Buying Decisions

Do you think reference groups reduce the search and evaluation of decisions?

when purchasing major products in your life such as automobiles, phones and other technology you really want to see what others have thought of the product or experience. these reference groups definitely reduce the search and evaluation of your decision. what others around us think has an effect on us and our own personal decisions. whether its a "cool" thing to have or just something small we still want others to be satisfied with the purchases we make. 

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?