Think Consumer


Book Description

The availability of a wide range of branded products makes the selection of the right type of goods a difficult process. This is particularly true in the case of goods whose characteristics consumers do not have complete information about, which they can only learn about after purchasing (experiencing goods). A trade mark quality guarantee facilitates consumers’ choice by sending quality signals. It also enables a trader of branded goods to differentiate the quality of his goods from those of his competitors. Accordingly, trade mark protection is said to enhance economic efficiency, and thus the production of quality goods, and reduce consumer search costs. In order for this to work, however, among other conditions, the trader must maintain consistent quality over time and across consumers. Otherwise, trade mark protection will enhance artificial product differentiation, and thus distort competition. To date, despite its profound significance, the quality guarantee is seen as performing an economic function that trade mark law is ill equipped to deal with. As a result, this function is not enforced under trade mark law. Contrary to mainstream thinking, this book argues that the quality function of a trade mark should be recognised and enforced through trade mark law. What is at stake is far from insignificant: it is about bridging the ever increasing gap between the legal rationales for trade mark protection and the economic consequences of this protection in practice. The book is also about how consumers should shape their relationship with trade marks and what role law should play in constructing that relationship. By giving independent legal substance to the quality function, trade mark law encourages a trader to improve the quality of his goods instead of simply improving the persuasive or advertising value of the mark, which, in turn, enhances artificial product differentiation, increases rather than decreases consumer search costs, and distorts competition.




The Transformational Consumer


Book Description

This book uses stories and case studies from several industries to show how companies can rethink their customers, products and services, marketing, competition, and even their culture. The goal is a positive customer relationship that results in revenue growth, product innovation, and employee engagement.




How Customers Think


Book Description

Despite the time and money spent on market research, 60% to 80% of new offerings fail.




Personal accounts


Book Description

Personal Accounts : Fifth report of session 2006-07, Vol. 2: Oral and written Evidence




Committee Prints


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Twenty Million New Customers!


Book Description

Most of the world’s population is in the dark when it comes to the consumer patterns of gay men. But in Twenty Million New Customers!: Understanding Gay Men’s Consumer Behavior, you’ll leave all the dark, homophobic myths behind where they belong--in the closet--and come out into the light. In its colorful and informative chapters, you’ll see why gay men are a vital consumer lifeline to today’s clothing industries as you tap into revealing psychological characteristics that will benefit any business manager. A scholarly yet personal, poignant study, Twenty Million New Customers! is a mixed shopping bag, taking you on a day-in-the-life tour of the buying patterns of 44 gay men. As an up-to-date catalog of scholarly data, it helps you see how “mainstream” businesses can tailor their marketing methods to this rapidly expanding demand in a competent, professional, and ethical manner. As a commentary on lifestyle, it transports you to unexplored consumer behavior territory that most people still consider “deviant.” Specifically, you’ll read about: in-depth, personal interviews from gay consumers real-life problems and market needs of gay men consumer behavior as political protest self-concept, identity, community, and culture the creation and maintenance of gay consumer subculture research methods and managerial implications of the study A recent survey estimates that over six percent of U.S. consumers openly acknowledges themselves as gay--clearly a priceless niche. So if you’re a gay man trying to get the skinny on the latest bodysuit trends, a marketing scholar involved in quantitative methods research, or a manager interested in retiring your old, outdated business savvy to the closet and exchanging it for a flashy, new, informed sense of marketing pizzazz, read Twenty Million New Customers! It’ll shut the closet on the harmful myths surrounding gay consumerism and open the door to success.




Financial institutions and the Nation's economy (FINE)


Book Description




Food Stamp Reform


Book Description