It seems that news media feel that they have a God-given right, if not a responsibility, to add even more anxiety to our already fragile psyches.  The media hype surrounding Washington’s unwillingness to set aside their political aspirations for the benefit of U.S. citizens caused a frazzled mother of two college-age kids to ask me whether she should call her broker and cash out of all her stock holdings.  Let’s take a look at the reality behind the fear mongering. (more…)

A Lesson from Panera Bread Co.

In my February 28, 2011 post, Buying Customer Loyalty, I railed against reward programs.  One restaurant chain, Panera Bread, has proven my point via the type of rewards it offers.  Yes, I have a Panera card.  I’m not above taking discounts offered even though I don’t advocate discounting to my clients. (more…)

Real protection…

…or another marketing gimmick?

Hyundai recently announced a trade-in guarantee.  Buyers of a new Hyundai will know immediately what trade-in value they’ll receive on their next purchase.  Sounds great.  Is it as good as it sounds?  Let’s see. (more…)

In a June 3, 2011 article in Booz & Co’s strategy + business entitled “A Sweet Victory”, Reed Holden and Mark Burton highlight Hershey’s victory over Nestle in the Krackel vs. Crunch war. (more…)

Here’s another take on coupons.

Will it fly?

Megan McArdle, in her May 11, 2011 article, Discriminatory Pricing, in the Atlantic, suggests that coupons are simply a way to distinguish between markets that exist for your offerings.

She says “…mostly what coupons allow you [the seller] to do is sell a product at a high price point to people who are brand loyal and can’t be bothered to clip coupons, while selling at a lower price point to people who care more about price, and place a lower value on their own time.”  She does acknowledge that the latter buyers aren’t very loyal. (more…)