Discussion Responses
Post 1
The discussion highlights the benefits of the B2B buying process. I agree with the post because B2B buying process influences large purchases and makes the process formal. However, the post fails to acknowledge that the markets have different consumers who may prefer small purchases. Thus, the B2B process may not be practical to the general market. Businesses must utilize B2B and other mechanisms of buying processes.
Post 2
The post underscores the structure of the business-to-business markets. The foundation of such markets rests on the ability to build market relationships and capture market forecasts. I agree with the post based on the principle that B2B targets a smaller market audience than existing consumer markets. Therefore, the purchase process is only formal because buyers understand their consumption behavior.
Post 3
The post indicates the importance of market research. The focus on buying a new truck for a buying center characterizes the role that market research plays in consumer decisions. I agree with the post because influencers, users, and gatekeepers are essential stakeholders in product consumption. However, I cannot entirely agree with the post where it refers to the role of influencers in determining the decision to buy a new truck. In most cases, the organization makes the market decision by looking at the consumption trends.
Post 4
I agree with the post because it maps factors that affect the business buying situation. The post highlights the extent to which people will use the business-to-business model. There are different market needs which include modified rebuying, straight buying, or new buying. For this reason, the post resonates with the need for businesses to decide on the purchasing process depending on the factors of engaging in modified buying and other forms of buying.
Post 5
The post explains the need for a salon to reduce market variability by limiting its services and training its employees. All these enhance the effectiveness of the business-to-business buying process by increasing the product diversity, such as waxing and spa services. I agree with the post because training improves the quality of services employees in a salon will offer. Therefore, variability increases the level of competition in the market.
Post 6
I agree with the assertion that attempts to reduce variability are difficult. The post indicates that different specializations and techniques in stylists appeal to other clients because of their diverse needs and wants. However, I have to disagree with the post where it suggests that business owners may fail to control the final products and thus afford to reduce variability. The post underscores that business variability is a critical factor in edging competitively in the market.
Post 7
I agree with the post because it acknowledges the events where service failure occurs. The post effectively prescribes that service recovery is a critical mechanism of addressing service failure by focusing on the desire to regain customer confidence. The example from Ritz-Carlton hotel reinforces the market principle that companies should immediately handle recoveries when the customer returns the products. Enhancing service quality depends on addressing all the complaints that the customers raise.
Post 8
The post highlights the importance of service recovery for the success of any business. I agree with the post because companies need to acknowledge any customer complaint to address problems with a service failure. Successful service recovery makes customers recognize the brand and appreciate factors of empathy from the businesses. I believe that service recovery depends on market communication, which makes customers feel appreciated.