Marketing a Controversial Product

in Forum: Marketing
Source of this discusssion: /media/episodes/3717/RD-March-31-2007.asp Page description: Nancy Jarecki of Betty Beauty knows better than most what it takes to market a product that is sure to stir up controversy, having cornered the market on dye for �the hair down there.�
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Apr. 12 2007 at 9:28 PM
ethnicomm Posted by: ethnicomm
If I may step into the fray...I was a buyer for one of Canada's largest hardgoods retailers and have successfully sold to most of the hardware/DIY, warehouse club and mass merchandisers here.

I did not sell "sensitive" products but I did sell products that one would consider non-essential...products that were a couple of years ahead of their time. Educating the buyers was a huge challenge. It was a tough sell but I found that instead of trying to talk about the features and technical specifications, I was more successful if I just stated in plain English what the benefit would be to the buyer and the retailer. I didn't even talk about the benefit to the consumer - that was only after I had them on board with the concept.

Maybe you could try that approach. Talk about the margin opportunity, the niche segment that the buyer/retailer can exploit and then the fact that it helps couples connect?





A good idea is a good idea NOW![sup]TM[/sup]

ethnicomm inc. | sales | marketing | web | strategy consulting
Apr. 13 2007 at 4:28 PM
Martyvan Posted by: Martyvan
Thank you for the ideas.  I'll put them into action!C&M Couples (cmcouples.com) | Action Wipes (actionwipes.com)
Apr. 13 2007 at 4:47 PM
houseofjerkyjanie Posted by: houseofjerkyjanie

I really don't think bettybeauty products will take a lot of educating.  Just a lot of marketing to get the word out, which it seems you've done a good job of.  Retailers shouldn't question, if it will sell.

Blondes can have it all now!  And crazy colors, will interest many I'm sure.  Sooo...how long does it last?

Great thought you had in Rome!



Edited by: houseofjerkyjanie - Apr. 13 2007 at 5:01 PM
Beef Jerky,
Buffalo Jerky |
Venison Jerky |
Turkey Jerky
Apr. 14 2007 at 12:52 PM
hostclick Posted by: hostclick
Jeff/Nancy,

Well I get for example that with any controversial product it all depends on how you "spin" the products marketing.  The terminology used in marketing the product (choosing "safe", "friendly", and "fun" names/terms) but I would be interested in how you deal with opposition.  People bent on the fact that your product is morally wrong or that it doesn't live up to claims (and hence in some respect is false advertising).

Or how to best educate users on your product without having your marketing sound like your "angle".

Nancy - The reason I take issue with your product being called controversial is there is no opposition.  In fact once you get past the taboo word(s) it's actually a fun product that I have a hard time imagining anyone would take issue with.

Again, I in no way meant to offend or hijack this thread just thought it was worth discussing further.  Thanks for listening.


Apr. 14 2007 at 1:34 PM
Martyvan Posted by: Martyvan
Hostclick....you have a good point.  I am very interested in what response you get about dealing with opposition.  I don't think you were being offensive at all.  And seeing that Nancy isn't much of a participant in this log, I wouldn't worry about it.  We'll just have to find our answers somewhere else.
C&M Couples (cmcouples.com) | Action Wipes (actionwipes.com)
Apr. 15 2007 at 3:27 PM
onthebeach Posted by: onthebeach

Martyvan,

Nice looking products and very tasteful Web site.   Where do you market your products?  Seems like a perfect bridal shower gift, anniversary gift, etc. 

Vicki

 

 

 



Edited by: onthebeach - Apr. 22 2007 at 10:28 AM
Sexy lingerie for women of all shapes and sizes.

Apr. 15 2007 at 8:33 PM
InactiveMember Posted by: InactiveMember

What's the deal with the dye? I understand why it might be controversial but I suppose this is like buying condoms. Condoms are a "controversial" product depending on who you ask. Matter of fact is the best approach in my opinion.

This is the sort of product that I personally could not imagine using but I suppose it is for younger, more self-expressive types. Probably finding the right retailers is important. Tatoo shops, hair salons, spas.

Apr. 15 2007 at 9:42 PM
Martyvan Posted by: Martyvan
Onthebeach, thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it!  We currently sell to resorts and spas.  The line is "spa-inspired", so it was a good fit.  We have a special formulation of our massage creme for massage technicians.  Many spas now offer "couples massage", so our products are a prefect enhancement and rounds out a couple's experience.  Many resorts are using our Inspire Romance Travel Sets as an amenity to their romance packages. 

Once we establish ourselves a bit more, we'll target other markets such as retail. 
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