"Minivan Pledge" - sign on the dotted line

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/chrysler-offering-60-day-return-policy-with-minivan-pledge/

SUMMARY
Team Pentastar from the company Chrysler has 100% no doubt that customers will love their new additions, the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country minivan's. "Roughly 67 percent of our minivan buyers are previous owners, and the Chrysler Town & Country has won the R.L. Polk Owner Loyalty award in the minivan category nine years in a row. That's a testimonial that is earned by building the best minivan year in and year out, "In fact they are so sure of themselves that people will love them, that they offer a 60-day return policy.. or the "Minivan Pledge" to try out their swift new rides.

CONNECTIONS
By definition of a caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware," Chrysler maintains this policy. They warn the customers that they will absolutely fall in love with any one or two of these new additions, to their collection of already-loved minivans. I think that Chrysler ensures fair, consistent treatment of their customers. Their guarantee is presented in the form of the "Minivan Pledge" the guarantee policy that states

"Team Pentastar is so confident that you'll like its newest people mover that the automaker is giving you 60 days to try a Dodge Grand Caravan or a Chrysler Town and Country for yourself."

REFLECTIONS
I think that the "Minivan Pledge" is quite a genius way to reassure the quality of the considered product to any customer. The fact is, a 60-day return policy can both be considered attractive and effective. It helps to persuade a customer to sign the pledge, and guides them to eventually purchasing the vehicle. It shows the confidence in a company as well as contributes to displaying it's businesses success. Through my eyes, (if i were old enough to have a driver's license and wealthy enough to afford a car) this is something I would refuse to pass up. Well done Chrysler!

"Shockvertising"

SUMMARY
A woman sued Toyota for a $10 million dollar lawsuit for "Terror Marketing" This was a campaign that attempted to promote a new vehicle through shockvertising. They sent her videos, e-mails, and followed her in the vehicle being promoted.

CONNECTIONS
Experts say that this type of marketing will escalate due to the fact that it is "ever-harder to be heard." There are commercials out there that may seem insane, but this is the idea. To get our attention by being different and way out there. Examples of these ads are pigs eating pigs, public urination to mark territory, use a corpse as a plate, and an angry chef persuading people to "try the sauce!"

REFLECTIONS
In my opinion shockvertising is acceptable, but only to a certain extent. Stalking people is not a smart way to promote a product. Especially if you're trying to get people to love the product. Personally, I agree that it is "ever-harder to be heard" nowadays, and to be noticed, you must be different.

6 Recession Strategies From Staples' CEO

SUMMARY:

This article is about the main 6 strategies that Staples has been using in their business. It explains the benefits of the procedures aswell as how they execute them. The 6 steps seem crucial towards the business' success, as it has kept them progressing through good times and bad. The first step of the 6 strategies, is to: Get everyone at the company personally invested in your success.

This involves motivating your company to excel at what they can do. Like become entrepreneurs at a young age, or run their own store. Making your company feel empowered is definentley a positive thing.

The second step is to:Take small, steady steps, not giant, risky leaps.

Basically this step is all about not taking too giant of a risk, and to always keep the good of the company in mind. Taking smaller steps is more benificial than taking a gigantic leap. You never know what could possibly go wrong.

The third step is to:Fill up the gas tank so you're ready to hit the road when business comes back.

Even though economy is slow, doesn't mean you should close down some of your businesses. Take the chance and grab hold of shares while you can, so that when the economy speeds up, you'll be set. Personally I think this is a smart step.

There are 3 more strategies left, so to sum it all up together i'm going to tell you that this approach to the business is complete genius.

Connections:

I chose to write about this article because it made perfect sense to me. At first when i read the title, i had no interest in it whatsoever. But after actually reading it, i could really see how successful Staples had become. But it's not becasue of their success that intriuged me, it was how they got there. I truly think Staples is a giant retailing genius, i believe that what they do is right. And also incredibly smart. Their strategy is not only getting them to where they want to go ( which is everywhere ) but also getting them a huge profit margin.

Personal Reflection:

Keep up the good work Staples! Who do you think i went to this school year to get all of my supplies? It really was easy. It was a huge warehouse, but full of good products that i could rely on to be there. I didn't even have to think twice, and why should I?