16 Muse, Choices and Brand Loyalty

 I like the blog format. Although as you have seen formatting is not my thing cutting and pasting questions for my previous posts reeked havoc on formatting. Although I think you should present one question so that the answering of multiple questions does not confuse the response or you the reader. It is not perfect but I appreciate getting my thoughts down in this format.

My Muse.... As I believe advertising to be a manipulation of society I make every effort to consider that manipulation in my purchases. I try to pinpoint the affect it has on me when I see it. So many items advertised I don't even use cereal for example, I don't eat cereal.  Although I can see the power a Lucky Charms commercial has on kids over their parents, magically manipulated and Frosted Flakes, Tony can real them in for sure. Folgers coffee for example is not the best part of waking up in my opinion. The product is watery, tasteless and not coffee at all. All I hear in drug adds are the side effects, how scary. 

They say that advertising promotes competition, lowers prices and encourages a greater range of choice for consumers but after brand loyalty has been established is advertising going to change someone's mind? Encourage them to switch brands? My mom used Tied my sisters use Tide I don't because I don't like the smell and there is an environmental component to laundry and waste that has directed me to a free and clear product. I don't remember seeing and advertisement for it, more personal preference I guess. If all of the sudden Tide was more expensive than any other detergent other firm. Firms would not need to advertise that, you would see it on the shelf. In fact if I am looking at BBQ sauce I will always buy the less expensive brand no matter what.

I am still a guy that likes my Land End khakis, LL Bean Bluchers and Adidas Stan Smiths. Brand loyalty is a powerful thing. Advertising has not changed that in thirty years for me. My wife will show me adds for less expensive similar products and I just say nope.

Movies for example. I almost never go and prefer a less expensive matinee. I don't receive the benefit of the less expensive child's ticket anymore but it wont be long before the senior ticket becomes attractive. I much rather go to an independent showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show or the drive in. Don't get me started on Netflix.

It was interesting to learn about the four types of market structures that I guess I was aware of but not aware of there differences. It was also interesting to learn about the different opinions on advertising and its affect on pricing on sales. Liquor advertising is an interesting topic but like many things I look at time, and distance. I will not drive across town to buy a bottle of Mount Gay Rum to save $5 if I can get it a block away however if the store a block away didn't have Mount Gay Rum I might or I would just not drink rum and tonics.  I wont go to a Rockies game unless the Red Sox are plying either but demand does drive up the price considerably no matter where the Sox are playing.