MacDonalds has managed to market itself fantastically well to the consumer on all levels and you have to take your hat off to them.
When they announced the "Cloud WiFi" had been installed I thought wow they are now looking to get businesses involved and build up a loyalty from them too. I can't deny it I was impressed and thought they were a forward thinking company.
Until NOW due to their issues with car parking they have instructed "MET Parking Services Ltd" to discourage their customers by enforcing very unfair parking fines.
I have recently discovered that they have a strict rule on car parking which means that unless you can all turn up at exactly the same time and get parked and leave within a 60 / 75 / 90 min restriction then there is no point trying to meet there. It may be that this is their goal and driving the business man away from their eateries even late at night is what they want to do.
A £4.39 meal can very quickly turn into a £104.39 meal if you don't keep an eye on the time, I know it's fast food but then why have WiFi in the first place?
See this clip from Watchdog in 2010 where members of the public have been heavily peanalised for using the restaurant more than once in a short period too.
http://bbc.in/oneUKg
They have gained a parking fine of cash from this "PAST" customer and lost a lifetime of future sales. Not such good marketing in the end then because they stopped valuing their customers and focussed on dealing with a small issue by force not power.... What your customers say about your business is far more powerful than anything you can say whether that be positive or NEGATIVE!
This simple blog is just one of the tools available to let you know what it is we do. Many businesses miss simple opportunities to promote themselves effectively using what is termed as social media. To put it into real terms social media is a party on line where all forms of word of mouth referral goes on. I have found a simple but effective way of promoting your business to new and existing customers. Give me a call on 07990 640 374 or email me on realtimemarketingonline@live.com
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Saturday 27 August 2011
WH Smith customers lose out to small print with McDonald's special offers
Here is a classic example of how large companies use psychology of the British shopper to get more sales.
McDonald's will have researched what % of WH Smith customers also buy from them. Then in an attempt to increase sales they have an exclusive offer for their customers. Which is where the vouchers being handed out all over the country come into play.
On the face of it this looks great until you go to redeem your offer.
On the small print you can see " not valid at restaurants with a drive through "
How many McDonald's do you know that "DONT" have a drive through?
If you went to use an offer but found out at the counter you couldn't would you go or pay the full price?
Answer these questions and you will see how making you feel awkward will get them more sales.
On the plus side for those who read the offer correctly sales in the towns and cities high streets should increase and the consumer will be happy too.
The offers are good value and legitimate the term of the exclusion is where the issues lie.
Have a great weekend :-)
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