In Focus

3 brands with winning discount strategies

Introduction

Some companies have an inherent understanding of discounting and promotional strategies. These companies are able to create a strong sense of value for their products and services, even when they are on sale. Their customers feel thankful when they get a given product or service at a low price, yet they still see great value in the brand and would indeed pay more for the product or service in the future.

Other companies, however, struggle with the concept and execution of discounting and promotional strategies, and thereby end up devaluing their brands with each communication and sale. Poorly planned and executed online discount promotions can come off as desperate fire sales that forever scar a brand's reputation in the eyes of consumers. One-time sales very well may become permanent price cuts when companies realize that their customers will no longer tolerate their regular pricing.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at why companies discount their products and services. We'll also review several examples of companies that promote their discounts online without harming their brands.

 

Comments

Sean Cheyney
Sean Cheyney October 8, 2008 at 3:05 PM

Absolutely excellent article illustrating the examples of who's doing things right. Companies like the ones you show understand how to discount properly without cheapening their brand.

In terms of the first comment here, he's off base. First, most people don't want to scroll down in one endless page. Second, the top notch content you'll find on this site (like your article) each and every day is freely available to anyone who wants to consume it. People are very naive if they think the content is not going to be ad supported. The content, including the advertising layout on this website, are very professionally done.

Finally, as a part of the advertising and marketing community, I'd be laughing and scratching my head if iMedia didn't take advantage of the opportunity to showcase the first class array of sponsors that flock to iMedia.

Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernandez October 8, 2008 at 10:39 AM

It is unfortuante that your well thought out blog post is spread out admidst three web pages.

The publisher's motive appears to be manipulative so one is exposed to ads.

I stopped reading once the tactice became evident.

Where else do you have your work published so I may read it in professional manner?