Archive for July, 2018
Jul
19
In many ways I am a cheapskate. I seek bargain prices and special deals for things that I consider generally mundane. However, there are some things and services that trigger brand loyalty in me.
For example, I much prefer flying on Southwest Airlines. They have the best frequent-flier program in the industry, there are no assigned seats, they are the best about rebooking flights without penalties, and they have a wonderful vibe to go with all the other things that one requires in flying these days.
Certain products also have characteristics that insure my loyalty. I like Kleenex brand tissues for example. They’re just a bit softer on the nose, less scratchy, which is important when you have a cold or are otherwise sick. I like Harry’s razors too. They were a gift from Jessica and Aaron, but I prefer them so much that I don’t like shaving with any other brand. (When traveling, I carry disposable razors, but that’s strictly for the convenience factor.)
I know that there are some foods that I prefer in brand names, but I can’t recall offhand which ones they are. I’m on a treadmill at the moment and I am unable to look in the pantry. Of course, there’s practically no food in the pantry anyway. Oh, I do remember a couple of things: I like Paul Newman’s spaghetti sauce and Frito-Lay queso in a jar.
What triggers loyalty to a specific brand? For me it has to be something that offers sufficient differentiation over it’s generic rivals. Quality has to be sufficiently better to warrant the higher cost or the extra effort to find the product or service.
I am curious: what things do you consider should be purchased by brand?