By Donna Boulieu, senior product & pricing analyst, for the Resolutions blog series Manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) — also referred to as “retails” — are the eggs of the pricing world….or are they the chickens? Which comes first? Is the development of the MSRP based on competitive market factors, backing into a list price to ensure … Read More
Resolution: Review my marketing plan
by Cari Sass, for the Resolutions blog series Your marketing plan is a roadmap for your branding and promotional goals and activities as well as your intelligence gathering throughout the year. It is set in conjunction with your marketing budget to ensure you have the funds in place to achieve your goals. It could also include your sales … Read More
Your brand is the star in glamour images
From the desk of Julie Massey, visual assets manager I mentioned in my previous post that glamour photographs (also known as beauty shots) of your product are essential for your marketing materials. Because these images are for use in materials you create, you have more creative license to depict your product in a manner that is … Read More
High-quality images are a must!
From the desk of Julie Massey, visual assets manager The reality of the omnichannel marketplace is that you have to be more diligent than ever to make sure your product images are of the highest quality everywhere they appear in order to protect the integrity of your brand. And because there are multiple places product photos … Read More
Think beyond the box
by Dave Wendland Having spent 25 years in this industry – so far – and consulting with hundreds of consumer healthcare product manufacturers looking to make their mark in a particular category or within a specific retailer, I continue to see a common mistake. Too many overzealous manufacturers put all of their time, energy, and … Read More
Do something noteworthy
By Dave Wendland for Drug Store News April 14, 2017 If you are a parent, we likely have many things in common. As my kids were growing up, I would always tuck a little note inside their lunchbox with an inspirational or encouraging thought for the day. In fact, there were times that I did … Read More
Resolution: Visit my top 11-20 best customers
by Steve Choate, business development manager, for the Resolutions blog series As a manufacturer, you spend a large portion of time managing your top 10 retailer list. These are the retailers that generate a majority of your sales and revenue, and require a good deal of your attention. If you’re looking for new opportunities to … Read More
Resolution: Let go of a sacred cow
by Angela Pinkstaff, director of business development, for the Resolutions blog series Before I joined HRG, I worked for two rapidly growing CPG manufacturers. Although they created and marketed very different products, the two companies both suffered from the same challenge: their founders couldn’t let go of a sacred cow. Sacred cows, or untouchable packaging … Read More
Enthusiasm won’t compensate for inefficient processes
by Dave Wendland A product launch is a journey, and yes, it can be a long and tumultuous one. Unfortunately we don’t all have the cult-like following of Apple® as they introduce a new iPhone®. They have the ability to produce a frenzy, expand storefronts, and move users perhaps as well, if not better, than … Read More
Iteration versus true innovation
by Dave Wendland One of my all-time favorite innovators was my father who never stopped dreaming and scheming until he passed four years ago. His philosophy and mantra was simple, “I have ideas I haven’t even thought of yet!” In this post I’m drawing distinction between iteration and breakthrough innovation. I won’t tell you that … Read More