Don’t cut quality, consider the value of a bottle in hard times

dont-cut-quality-consider-the-value-of-a-bottle-in-hard-times<p>My friend went to the salon where she's purchased brand name hair care products at a discount for years, only to find it empty, out of business. Without a bottle of the miracle solution she was after, her hair has suffered endlessly. Nobody wants to leave customers behind when money gets tight. Learn how to maximize the value of your bottle product and succeed in a harsh economy.</p> <p>My experience, I mean, my friend's experience is not uncommon. Things are tough in this economic climate; many of us are finding our favorite hangouts, restaurants and even full specialty stores deserted over night. Your quest to find the right bottle won't matter if you aren't equipped to lead your business through a financially pressing time.</p> <p>An article in the November issue of <i>GCI Magazine</i>, <a href=http://www.gcimagazine.com/business/manufacturing/packaging/132996153.html>Price vs. Value: Packaging's Role</a>, by Craig Sawicki covers a few brief guidelines to keep in mind when marketing a bottle product in bleak economic periods.</p> <p><b>Consumers want a bang for their buck </b><br /> Cash and change may be high commodities, but consumers are still willing to shell it out, with rollover expectations, that is. People tend to suspect that a product that demands a loaded price in this financial climate will reward them with special benefits. So, if you really want consumers to choose your product over similarly priced alternatives, let quality set you apart. <b> </b></p> <p><b>Don't cut costs by cutting quality</b><br /> What's the first thing that comes to mind when funds are running low? Most of us ponder how we can tighten the belt on spending by cutting corners. This may include producing a less expensive, knock-off formula to take the place of your full-fledged bottle product. This is a shortcut that won't pay off. Customers may not notice a specific ingredient change up or small alterations to a service package, but they will recognize the mother of all red flags: a decrease in quality. <b> </b></p> <p><b>It's about the little extras </b><br /> Here's where things get tricky. Though logically you should scrimp and save, nothing sets a quality product apart than an extra feature. It may seem counter-productive to spend extra money on production, but profits generated from a little bottle add-on will far outweigh initial costs. Consumers see a helpful accessory (a scoop included as a bottle counterpart, in the article) as a little something special for them, from your company. If that doesn't reaffirm quality and money well spent then I don't know what will. <b> </b></p> <p><b>Find a spot in the middle</b><br /> On one extreme you have the pull to be the best, breaking the bank to keep your product as-is but displaying it as a steal for customers. This could rapidly result in a loss for you. On the other extreme, you scale your product down, resulting in a you get what you pay for scenario, in this case, cheap. Changes will have to be made, no doubt, that's one of the challenges a struggling economy places on business owners. Just shoot for a spot in the middle and you'll be fine.</p> <p>All in all, this is a tough time for businesses and strategy has never been more important. Stand firm on the quality of your product, while you witness other brands scrabble to come up with cheaper, sub-par versions of their goods. Consumers will ultimately recognize that while others played the money game, you've been offering them quality all along. Once that happens, you won't be able to keep a bottle on the shelves.</p> <p><b>Tips for packaging in a tough economy? Share them in the comments!</b></p>