Questions from Readings

1)What are some of the benefits of direct mail compared to electronic means of marketing?
2)Bar codes seem so promising, but what are some of the possible concerns with their use?
3)Do you think e-marketing techniques will replace traditional forms of marketing?
4)Besides the types of business and examples that are mentioned in the article, what are some other companies who would benefit from direct mail efforts? How would they benefit?


When comparing direct mail to electronic mail, it is easy to see the negatives and positives. I think the most beneficial thing about direct mail is that it gives the consumer a personal connection with your company. Also I believe people delete emails within seconds by just reading the subject line. If they actually get something in the mail that’s tangible, more often than not they will at least look at it. Although direct mail is more time consuming and costly, it could be worth it in the end. When reading the article about bar code advertising, I was very intrigued because I haven’t heard of such a thing. I believe that a huge concern is that not everyone has the phone capabilities to access these advertisements. And I am skeptical that for the ones that do have correct phones, how many will take the time to download the software and actually use it when reading a magazine. It is neat to think that they are trying to combine magazines advertisements with the internets. To think that one day e-marketing will take over the more traditional forms of marketing just shows you how much we have advanced with technology. I believe that one day it could become the only form of marketing because of the technology we have, but I don’t believe that will happen anytime soon. Everyone is so used to the traditional ways, that it would be hard to totally eliminate all of them, as some companies are so called “old school” and won’t ever switch to e-marketing. I believe companies such as fast food chains, supermarkets, and small business would benefit from direct mail. Everyone enjoys coupons along with an advertisement, and these typed of companies have been doing this for years. People are more likely to just clip coupons out while reading the paper or magazine, rather than log onto the internet to print out coupons. It would greatly benefit them because although it might cost a bit more then e-marketing, the proof is in the pudding that traditional ways of marketing really are worth the cost. Do you often get emails for sales or discounts, and actually act on them and use them? Out of all the ways to market a product, which way do you think makes the most sense?