NETFLIX

Netflix was the first to offer movie renting service to customers online. They have a very only niche of loyal customers. They also do online streaming of movies and TV shows, and video on demand services. Netflix started out has an innovative price leader for DVD rentals, on a subscription basis which offered free streaming to members. But have changed the pricing strategy and customers have to pay a separate fee for streaming videos. Netflix has low fix cost and is able to past on the saving to customers through their low cost strategy. They offer rentals for lower prices than rivals and this is what attracts their customers. Customers do not have to go out and rent or buy movies, they can have it delivered to their homes or stream it online and these are factors of Netflix differentiation strategy.

Netflix Swot Analysis:

Strengths

• Brand Name

• Strong financial position

• Very wide geographic coverage 

• Dominant market share on online rental

• Low fixed cost

• Expertise and experience in e-commerce

• Loyal customer base

• Economies of scale

• Competitive advantage

• Skilled employees in all areas

• Flexibility and competitively low prices

Weaknesses

• Limited movie options

• Some persons don’t understand how to use their product

• Little control over important expenses like shipping, depending on shippers like UPS.

• Reduce demand for their high price subscriptions

• Unable to supply customers with the latest movies

• Vulnerable to technological changes

• Customers have to wait to receive their products

Opportunities

• Offering other rentals like video game

• Growing demand for online streaming

• Strategic partnership with other companies

• Expanding into Foreign markets

• Incorporating movie downloads

Threats

• Competitors launching similar products

• Piracy 

• Improving technological changes

• Slowdown in market growth

• Likely entry of new rivals

• Cost of entry is fairly low web base business

 The industry growth is slowing down, so it may be beneficial for Netflix to extend their line of products. Netflix could incorporate video games and music in their business offer. They could create bundle offers and give customers better quality. In order to survive they need offer their customers more for less. It’s important to keep their present because competition is very present and the market is no longer going growing substantially. Netflix needs to be seeing more than just another company or website offering movies to watch. Other competitors are offering similar products so Netflix has to continue to differentiate itself in whatever way possible and profitable.

Targeting the female consumers

Women are responsible for the majority of shopping in most of the world economies. The female consumers are usually the one’s purchasing the grocery, cloth and school supplies for the kids. But the role of that that the women consumers play goes deeper than simply shopping for the household regulars. The role that the female consumer plays in the economy as developed over the years and marketers are beginning to understand the importance of the female consumers in the market place. According to Kelly Westman, “Today's woman is sophisticated, educated, savvy and, most importantly, more independent than ever before”.
MasterCard Canada conducted a detailed study of 2,088 women that explores their attitude and behavior over their lifetime. The findings identified 5 life stages of the female consumers: Emerging Consumers, New Earners, Moms, The Established and Silver Spenders.

The key findings are as follow:     

• Canadian women are cast in many financial roles through the course of their lifetime, and those roles shape how they spend, where they shop, and how they feel about their finances
• At each life stage, women's economic circumstances are markedly different and their behavior and attitudes as consumers change.
• Canada's most powerful female consumers are the New Earners. Simply put, working full-time equates to more disposable income.
• Motherhood is the turning point that transforms women from individual spenders into the Chief Purchasing Officer of their households, a role they embrace.
• Indulgences: when asked what one thing they would always spend money on to treat themselves, women were most likely to say a food/restaurant purchase (25 per cent), followed by new clothes or shoes (14 per cent). Among Moms, simple treats like coffee in the morning (nine per cent) or a magazine or book (eight per cent) rise in significance

 Another major survey, recently conducted by market researchers ACNeilsen Panel Track and Hardliners, an electronic news service for the home improvement industry, indicates that women now make 80 percent of the decisions about where to go shopping. Women  love to shop but it is important to understand that it is not only the purchase that women love; it's the shopping experience itself that make them tick. Most Companies are finding ways to appeal to women consumers while others are struggling to find their footings and as result women are still underserved in many consumer categories.  The companies that are capitalizing on the opportunities to satisfy the women consumers are the one’s who understand the things that makes them tick. Women consumers, more so than men, care about whom they purchase from. Women will pay a premium for a product or choose to shop at a particular store if they feel that the business owner is trying to make a difference in the world. Most females will support a retailer or identify with a brand if they feel that they can trust the company and its products. Once they find a store that they feel comfortable dealing with, they are loyal supporters. Jennier Reed, vice-president of public affairs says, "Canadian women generally embrace their role as important drivers of the consumer economy

Woman, none the less, aren’t hardwired and they are enticed by different taste. "Advertising to women is about learning the truth, and the truth isn't about the product- it's about the person using it," wrote Joanne Thomas Yaccato, president of the Thomas Yaccato Group in Toronto, in her bestselling marketing book, the 80% Minority (Viking Canada, 2003).
Women spend more time and put more effort in their shopping habits than men do. Women spend a greater deal of time seeking out bargains and deals. Working with a limited budget, women consumers are the ones that find the means and ways to manage the household. Jennier Reed, vice-president of public affairs says, "Canadian women generally embrace their role as important drivers of the consumer economy. Understanding women consumers and targeting them successfully takes good market research, good marking and the offering of quality products.

TOYOTA

Toyota is a well establish company in the automobile industry and it strive itself on excellent operational procedures. Toyota markets vehicle in more than 170 countries and pride itself on its unique marketing strategy, structured around quality maintenance and its method of operation.  Each car that is made at Toyota has already been purchase. Toyota only makes vehicles that have already been order by its customers. By doing this Toyota cuts down inventory cost as well as any associated labor cost to do with inventory. Parts for the cars arrive just in time for them be used in production. The system is well organized and efficiently operated at Toyota. Intelligent mechanical equipment make light weight of task which would others wise take many days to complete by hands. Some structured task like welding and painting are done by machines.

 

                                  A video on Toyota’s production system

The work area at Toyota is very well structured and it facilitates the flow of production. Each section is has a job to fulfill in the production process.  Toyota is also big on safety and following procedures to avoid accidents and mishaps. Toyota has one of the most successful production systems in the automobile industry and it has been recognize with many rewards. Day to day operation is closely monitored as Toyota tries to maintain quality in products and operations. Toyota has been around for long time and his able to operate a state of the art facility. Toyota has also received the ISO 14001 for being environmentally conscious. Toyota's main aim is to have sustainable long-term growth, while staying focus and building on their differentiation strategy. Toyota as showed commitment to the environment, by attempting to create a hybrid model for every car they sell on the market. Toyota products differentiation and pricing strategy make the Company quite distinctive in the market.

The Company is determined to use a pricing mechanism that will give it a competitive edge over its main competitors. Toyota has taken a bold step in being a leader in sustainable development. This position will need some innovations which translate to expenditure. Toyota is recognized and symbolize with quality. Toyota uses various marketing tools wisely in order to create their image in consumers mind. The quality and prices of Toyota's vehicles set them apart from competitors and as gained Toyota allot of loyal customers.

AMAZON

Amazon is a great example of a modern day trend setter in the internet revolution.  Amazon started in the United States and as grown into a multinational electronic Commerce Company.  As online retail leader, Amazon has separate retail websites in countries like Japan, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Canada, France, China and Spain. Amazon is also likely to launch websites in other developing countries around the world.

The introduction of Amazon.com has change the retail environment drastically. Before Amazon, retailers who engage in E-commerce had an easy ride in terms of direct competition.  Amazon has brought competition to the door of many companies.  Amazon websites as made the market environment more competitive because it has reduced market boundaries. By Bringing products and offers from many different companies, Amazon has provided more options for customers.

Amazon has come a long way from the original dream of just being an online bookstore. Amazon does not spend allot on commercial marketing and has there personalize and direct marketing to thanks for their success. Most customers who shop online would have shop at an amazon website at least once.

Amazon is like one big online retail mall at the fingertips of shoppers around the world. Customers can find just about anything on Amazon at the lowest price around.  Amazon has partnered with allot of companies, like Target, Timex Corporation and Sears Canada to name a few.

Competition is good for any retail market and Amazon has made the online market very competitive. Customers around the world are benefiting from cheaper prices due to Amazon involvement in the market.