Comments on: Bad Branding Strategies

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:06:44 +0000

It’s interesting how having corporate responsibility has become a successful tool in masking the real brand identity of unethical business decisions. Almost every major corporation has made a substantial effort to use positive press on “going green” in some way to try and influence positive customer feedback about their particular brand. It is true we have preconceptions on major familiar brands and can make choices within seconds regarding their services or products. But now, more than ever, it seems like everyone needs internet access while shopping to justify whether or not companies are actually “Fair Trade” or “Organic.” Yes, their products may hold true, but the means of obtaining generally lead to other unethical downfalls. (Deforestation, child labor, or inefficient processes.)

By: wattsy

wattsy — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:49:58 +0000

Thanks for your comment Martin. Good point, I can see what you mean, as Best Buy are focusing on price in there brand name. My main reason for putting Best Buy as an example of a catchy brand name is for the fact that the consumer would think they would get a better deal compared to competition. I think the name Best Buy would entise the consumer to go out of there way to stop into the store. Even though the name does not really give you an idea of what would be in the store. It might make the consumer curious and stop in. Where as Computer World seems really plain as a name, and would not entise me to stop into the store.

I have never been in a Best Buy store, but we do have a Futureshop on Prince Edward Island. When I was researching this topic Best Buy came to my attention and stuck in my mind. But I can see your point though, on how good reputations can make you think certain brand names are catchy.

Thanks for your feedback on this topic Martin.

By: Martin Bishop

Martin Bishop — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:46:08 +0000

I found your site via Whisper and I agree with Steve that it’s a great idea for a blog.

To this specific topic: I was surprise that you included Best Buy as an example of a catchy brand name. I don’t think that it’s any better than Computer World; maybe worse since it’s a name that focuses on price as the differentiator.

Do you think that the reason you like the Best Buy name is because it has a good reputation (rather than the other way around)?

By: Whisper | The Weekly B.S.

Whisper | The Weekly B.S. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:11:51 +0000

[...] the University of Prince Edward Island, BUS442 – 4th year business class – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada Bad Branding Strategies A blog on dumb branding [...]

By: wattsy

wattsy — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:59:28 +0000

thanks for your comment Steve, I checked out your column. There are a lot of interesting topics covered in it.

By: Steve Cranford

Steve Cranford — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:33:07 +0000

We will tomorrow include a link to this post in our column, The Weekly B.S. While professionally we disagree with portions of what is offered in your post, nevertheless the core topic is an excellent one. We also admire how your Blog is being used as a teaching tool.
Very well done.
Steve Cranford
CEO
Whisper