A great marketing strategy pays off

[kapsee]

Dell Computers has become a byword in its industry for efficiency and reliability, and it is one of the great American success stories. The strategy of manufacturing computers ordered by customers directly through the Internet has helped the company outperform its competitors. There is no need for Dell to maintain an expensive inventory of assembled computers in warehouses, and costs are further reduced by just-in-time delivery of parts to the factory when needed to fill specific orders. These production, distribution, and marketing practices provided a 10% cost advantage over competitors that used more traditional practices , enabling Dell to make a profit on far slimmer margins. While Dell competes primarily on the basis of price, the made-to-order marketing strategy in combination with flexible manufacturing techniques also makes it possible to satisfy customers with different needs

[sugarglider]

Any marketing strategy should start with the customer - what do customers need/want, where are they, who are they and how do you reach them? The other question you need to answer is - how can I give them what they want/need either better than everyone else or cheaper than everyone else (unless of course your business idea is completely original and unique, in which case, there is no everyone else!) If you can answer these questions in a creative, insightful way you've got a business strategy.

Dell Computers is a great example of this kind of thinking.

[kapsee]

Could not have put it in a better way than how you have. Thanks
Kapsee

[llfwjr]

Dell also hit on the central concept that Ray Kroc built into McDonald's: predictability of experience.

I have purchased a number of Dells over the years and the experience has always been similar and predictable. I know what to expect from Dell in every area of interaction with them - ordering, setup, tech support, quality, etc. Just like I know that if I order a Big Mac in Big Sur, it will taste the same as the one I order in the shadow of Big Ben (assuming there are any McDonald's near Big Ben - and I would be terribly surprised if there aren't!).

[kapsee]

In the ultimate analysis all this boils down to is building human psychology into your business and management concepts. Once you have read that correctly and then adhered to the princilples and values, it always works.
kaps.