How are You Catering to the Need for Convenience? part 2

Friday, December 15, 2006 at 02:10pm by Gina Laverde in Life

So, it seems that the need for convenience is often a determining factor in many consumer purchases these days. While many people would like to try new products that seem enticing � the thought that they may not have time to learn to use them, or that they may not have time to use them at all, often stops the purchase.

But, oftentimes products that offer convenience take a toll on our wallets, our health and the environment. Sometimes consumers don�t realize the effect that their purchases have on others. So, it becomes the innovative entrepreneur�s responsibility to create better quality convenience, educate consumers and convince them to make the permanent switch to these superior products.

Crap manufacturers have made the responsible entrepreneur�s job that much harder.

There are some modern role models though — companies that seem to have a handle on quality convenience, price, environment and economy. No company is perfect. But, I thought we may be a bit inspired by these folks who are doing SOMETHING right.

Trader Joe�s: Trader Joe�s is one of my favorite places to shop because they offer a delicious variety of prepared organic foods that take minutes to cook. And cost significantly less than frozen and packaged foods at the standard super market. Their foods pack in tons of nutrition (well, as much as you can pack into a t.v. dinner) These meals can be conveniently popped in the microwave or oven and be ready in no time, and their boxes are recyclable. Shopping at TJs saves money health and the environment. Most foods and other products in their store are fair trade and offer support to sustainable farming. You can also find just about any specialty baking or cooking ingredients, meat, cheese, fish breads and other whole groceries. Their customer service is top notch and their shops are very clean and well �organized.

They offer a large unique selection of premium wines at VERY low prices. Their company buys directly from California vineyards at the peak of the season. At this time, farmers sell the previous years� wine at low bulk prices. Trader Joes buys smart so that we, their customers can save.

The downfall: Trader Joe�s does not have a very extensive produce section and I am always forced to go to a local fruit market for my produce needs. This is not convenient, but I settle for it. Members of my family will not shop Trader Joe�s because of this. They opt for larger stores that have EVERYTHING. They pay more and often get less quality for convenience sake.

Toyota: Toyota is a regular guy�s car manufactured by a luxury manufacturer (Lexus). Toyota�s reliability and durability offers owners less time and money spent servicing. They are consistently rewarded for their reliability. And the quality is hard to contest for the price. Many of their autos are fuel efficient, roomy fully loaded, and very safe. A Toyota can live for upwards of 12 years and provide its driver with the excellent performance throughout.

Toyota company produces over 200,000 US American jobs and about half of their cars are made in the States. These autos are manufactured on an assembly line unlike many American cars, though. Each Toyota car is put together by a machine � not a person. Therefore, recalls are most likely due to machine malfunction. And recalls can almost always be placed on an entire year�s worth of a particular model. Ford company, for example has their cars built by individuals. So, when there�s a recall � it may just be in a cluster of cars. That doesn�t make for much consistency and reliability.

The Toyota also has the highest resale value of any manufacturer.

Toyota recently released their Hybrid Prius (meaning first). This car is a whole lot more affordable than luxury hybrids and offers the awesome gas mileage and environmental advantages.

The downfall: Many Americans want to buy American names. Some models are less reliable than others. Outside car body is not as durable as some true luxury cars�like Mercedes. These cars are built to save you in an accident � that�s good!!. But car bodies often suffer in accidents.

These two companies have taken many modern needs onto consideration when creating their product. And, as long as they market convenience, value and price � they help to convince their customers to make smart purchases.

The world is in dire need of better, smarter products. How is your product or company going to lend a hand in the fight to stop consumers from settling for crap?

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