Windows Me (2000)

Windows Me was launched in September 2000, two years after Windows 98 (Windows Me Commercial- let’s just say technology has come a long way). Windows Me was a continuation of the Windows 9x model, but with restricted access to real mode MS-DOS. This was implemented primarily to speed up system boot time; however this feature was one of the most unpopular changes in Windows Me.  Applications that needed real mode DOS to run, such as older disk utilities, were unable to run under Windows Me. PCWorld labeled it the “Mistake Edition”, the fourth-worst tech product of all time. PCWorld  stated, “Shortly after Me appeared in late 2000, users reported problems installing it, getting it to run, getting it to work with other hardware or software, and getting it to stop running.” To add, the System Restore feature ended up restoring malware previously removed by users.   It lasted a little over a year before being surpassed by the NT-based XP.

G4 Cube (2000)

Despite its innovative “cult” design, which landed it a spot in the Museum of Modern Art, the G4 cube was overpriced in comparison to the Power Mac G4, which was offered at the same time, costing about $200 less for the same capabilities plus more. Compared to the Power Mac G4, the G4 Cube didn’t include a monitor; it tended to overheat and included aesthetic manufacturing lines (“cracks”) in the product casing.  After low profits, Apple tried to bundle more software with the Cube while offering a lower priced base model.  This change in marketing efforts did not offset earlier perceptions of the product; therefore Apple discontinued the G4 Cube a year later in 2001.

Motorola Xoom (2011)

When the Motorola Xoom first hit the shelves it became another tablet in a crowded marketplace that most customers ignored primarily because of the lack of differentiation and original price tag.  Even though the Motorola Xoom runs on Google’s latest operating system, Android 3.0 “Honeycomb,” it unfortunately did not catch on with the public. Other issues involved in the the flop of Motorola’s Xoom are that it was launched without Flash, MicroSD support, and 4G connectivity (available as of October 11, 2011). Before October 11, 2011, in order to get the free 4G upgrade, users had to ship their tablets back to Motorola, leaving their devices with Motorola for at least six business days. The core benefit of the Xoom is that it “now” runs on 4G. If Motorola focused their message to the public around 4G capabilities, they would have had a much better competitive edge during their initial launch.

Facebook Deals (2011)

In April of 2011, Facebook attempted to compete with Groupon through a similar daily deals service by launching Facebook Deals. It was tested in five US cities before Facebook saw it wasn’t bringing in the dollars it was meant to. “After testing Deals for four months, we’ve decided to end our Deals product in the coming weeks,” said Facebook after realizing Deals wasn’t one of its strongest features.  Some problems associated with Deals include: offers not properly targeted towards ideal audiences, very little information and no external links for the unknown businesses offering the deal. From a business perspective, its possible Facebook Deals was cannibalizing revenue from Display Ads.

These are only a fraction of the tech products that failed over the years. What other tech products do you know of that were unsuccessful or flopped early on?

Download our Free ebook: “10 Mistakes to Avoid When Launching a Product” and begin planning for a successful product launch!

The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA) requires importers of alcohol products to obtain certificates of label approval or certificates of exemption from label approval for all liquor products prior to introducing them into interstate commerce in order to ensure that products are labeled according to Federal laws and regulations. Making a commercial arrangement with an existing licensed importer eliminates the need to obtain an importer’s permit. This is where you will need an aggressive and strategic plan to compel importers and/or distributors to take on your product.

Branding – The brand name is what will distinguish your bottle from the competition. It should be unique, memorable, and should build an emotional connection with your target audience.  This is a place where you can begin telling your product’s story.  A compelling story will help sell your brand more effectively. If consumers have positive associations or feelings with your brand, then they will be more likely to buy your product than a competitors’ product.

Product Packaging – Packaging is what will make your product stand out on a crowded liquor store shelf.  The brands that you already know or the bottles that have unique shapes and creative product labeling are the ones that grab your attention. Innovation and differentiation are key.

Product Promotion – Promoting through traditional advertising mediums (print ads, television, sampling, event promotion, trade shows) is still necessary, however today new opportunities exist such as online advertising, social media,  gamification, and augmented reality.  These new mediums, especially social media, have redefined the way liquor brands reach and engage their target audience.

Product Distribution – Distribution has to be strategic as it is a key aspect of the success of the product launch, so having the right partnerships is very important.

Owning your own liquor brand is indeed a rewarding business, but capital is necessary to penetrate the market and sustain your business. It takes a passionate, dedicated team and creativity to produce a brand and get a product to be repeatedly purchased in such a competitive marketplace.

Here are 7 basic tips that are essential to the success of any food product launch.

1. Research the Market - Research the market thoroughly and make sure you have a product that is new and unique that consumers will need or want. Also, research local and state food production and distribution laws to determine an appropriate go-to-market strategy.

2. Costs - Find out what all start-up costs will be just to get the product to market, as well as all operating costs once the product is on the market. This includes the cost of production per unit of product, product wholesale and suggested retail price per unit, labor costs, facilities costs, insurance costs and most importantly all marketing costs. All middlemen in the retail distribution channel have a gross margin requirement. Follow this basic rule: multiply your product’s cost of goods (cost of food, packaging cost and labor cost) by 3 and that is an estimate of your expected retail price. You have to design your product financially to insure you have enough money built-in for promotions to be able to sustain the product and to have a profitable food brand.

3. Packaging – Ensure that you adhere to legal guidelines for your packaging and make certain your product is attractive and stands out on the shelf. Continuously monitor everything and be ready to change a package that does not work for a particular distribution channel. Wild Frog Studio has many years of experience in food packaging, and has built strong relationships with packaging suppliers and distribution channels regionally and nationally.

4. Website - Create a website that showcases your new food product in order to build an online presence and utilize relevant social media outlets to create awareness. Most importantly, utilize this important channel for pre-orders which will start generating cash and assist in gathering feedback from consumers, to help refine and determine the level of interest in the product.

5. Create a Winning Retail Buyer Sales Pitch – You need to know what motivates a store buyer. Provide a roadmap for your new product launch and answer the questions on why the retailer should give you shelf space. Understand that the buyer needs to make money on your product!

6. Distribution - The majority of food entrepreneurs don’t understand that distribution is key to the success or failure of their product launch.

7. A Committed Team - Launching a new food product is more difficult and more expensive than most food entrepreneurs are prepared for. Ensure everyone on your team is passionate, committed and understands the product as well as the short-term and long-term goals.

 Source

Below you will find 20 unique and creative package design examples from all around the globe.

Hanger Tea

 Source

Dinner Time Spaghetti

 Source

White Degree Vodka Jelly

 Source

Take Away

 Source

Vitamin Water

 Source

Conto Figueira

 Source

UnderPressure

 Source

Pavla Chuykina & Ann Moiseenko

 Source

Rivero González

 Source

Help Remedies

 Source

Nike Blue Lobster

 Source

Panasonic Headphones

 Source

Scanwood

Source

Metrio Coffee

 Source

Soymamelle

 Source

Alice Potter Herbs

 Source

Gris 12

 Source

Mastercraft

 Source

Nobilin

 Source

Better Half Wine

Source

The demands on packaging are greater than they have ever been due to our growing population. When it comes down to purchasing a product, the majority of consumers look for brands that practice sustainability as well as brands that produce eco-friendly packaging.

According to the Green is Universal poll, “Green in the Economy II,” 78% of consumers believe buying green supports their ethics and values. This percentage is up 9% from 2009 and growing steadily. More people are becoming environmentally conscious and there is larger desire for green products than there was years ago.

· 90% of consumers say companies have a social responsibility to protect our environment

· 77% of consumers say they have a more favorable impression towards companies that promote environmental causes.

There is a lot that can be done to make a product eco-friendly (see my Eco-Friendly Retail Product Packaging blog post). Illustrating sustainability in the product packaging can be the difference in a consumer purchasing your product or your competitors’ product. Even though the data above doesn’t reflect actual buying decisions, it does reflect how sustainable green products shape the thoughts and possible buying behavior of today’s consumers.

Check out our Infographic here which shows the impact of sustainable packaging development and key drivers that influence packaging demands!

Much of packaging today involves expensive resources that not only cost more to produce, but eventually end up going straight to a landfill.  This misuse of resources is not necessary to compete in today’s crowded marketplace. There are a large number of consumers everyday who seek eco-friendly packaging alternatives when faced with the buying decision.

Green packaging goes beyond the materials and equipment used to develop a products’ outer layer.  In order to limit the environmental impact and ecological footprint of a product the whole supply chain must be considered, including the products’ basic function, development, production and marketing. It’s about reducing waste and conserving resources.

Wild Frog Studio client, The Little Chocolate Company for example, had the product packaging designed to stand out on the shelf and to reduce waste and conserve resources. One of their packages, for the Biscottini product line is a biodegradable, compostable, made from clear 100% compostable cellophane, meets FDA food requirements for direct food contact and causes nearly zero environmental impact. In order to reduce the carbon footprint involved in the transportation of resources, packaging production was selected based on close proximity to their store-front.

Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones to make online purchases and download customized apps in order to make their lives easier. Not only does a proper mobile marketing strategy allow you to reach consumers when they are closest to buying, but it is also highly targeted and cost-effective.

Here is a list of 12 Mobile Marketing Statistics every business should be aware of:

• There are 7 billion people on Earth. 5.1 billion own a cell phone and  4.2 billion own a toothbrush. (Mobile Marketing Association Asia)
• 70% of all mobile searches result in action within 1 hour. 70% of online searches result in action in one month. (Mobile Marketer)
• 61% of local searches on a mobile phone result in a phone call. (Google)
• 52% of all mobile ads result in a phone call. (xAd)
• 64% of mobile phone time is spent on apps. (Nielsen)
• 61% of customers who visit a mobile unfriendly site are likely to go to a competitor’s site. (Karim Temsamani at IABALM 2012 via IAB)
• 98% of SMS messages sent are opened, and 83% of them are opened within 3 minutes. (Hubspot)
• SMS has 8 times the response rate of email. (Mobile Marketer)
• 50% of smartphone owners have scanned a QR code. 18% of those have made a purchase after scanning. (Mashable)
• 20% of telecom, 30% of restaurant, and 25% of movie searches are mobile. (Google)
• 9% of smartphone users use their phones to help with shopping and 74% make a purchase as a result. (Google/Ipsos)
• In 2009, 1% of internet traffic came via a mobile device. In 2010 this jumped to 4%. Today, 10% of internet traffic comes via mobile. (Kleiner Perkins)

Contact Wild Frog Studio NOW! (914.428.4645) to see how your business can benefit from a mobile strategy in this ever expanding mobile ecosystem!

According the ABI Research study “Augmented Reality: Adding Information to Our View of the World”, revenue associated with augmented reality will grow from about $6 million in 2008 to more than $350 million in 2014. The processing power of handheld computers doubles roughly every 18 months, creating exponential opportunity and growth for augmented reality technology.

Below are five products that have integrated augmented reality into their packaging, creating a new, exciting, and fun medium to connect with consumers.

1. Thundercats Product Packaging

2. Heinz Tomato Ketchup Recipe Book

3. Wrangler Jeans Product Hang Tag

4. TryLive Eyewear Virtual Fitting Room

5. GQ Men of The Year Magazine Cover

Integrating augmented reality into a product’s packaging is an innovative and inexpensive way to reach and engage consumers, build an emotional connection and drive sales.

What other products have you seen that creatively utilize augmented reality? Let us know in the comments!

Check out the following augmented reality campaigns that have generated worldwide buzz, while increasing the level of engagement between brands and consumers.

1. Lynx Fallen Angels Campaign

2. NIVEA Augmented Reality Campaign

3. Ford’s Grand C-MAX Campaign

4. MINI Pop-up Advertising Campaign

5. Interactive Billboards Campaign

What other campaigns have you seen that creatively utilize augmented reality? Let us know in the comments!

Not only does this statistic include traditional purchases in fashion, beauty and food products, but now women are increasingly becoming the majority decision makers when it comes to computer electronics, automobiles, financial services and travel.

According to She-conomy, a guy’s guide to marketing toward women, women also represent the majority of the online market.

• 22% shop online at least once a day
• 92% pass along information about deals or finds to others
• 76% want to be part of a special or select panel
• 58% would toss their TV if they had to get rid of one digital device (only 11% would toss their laptops)

The products and services women are now buying must be reflected and understood in the way companies design, position, and sell their products.  Companies must pay closer attention to female consumers in order to better understand their needs and frustrations.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!