What’s the value of a product?
To finish a task? To get from point A to point B?
A Mercedes can get me to the store to buy a loaf of bread, but then again, so does an old Geo Metro.
Is it reliability? Good customer service?
A pair of Nikes wear the same as many other shoes that cost half the price of a pair of Nikes.
Is low price the name of the game?
If that were the case, Adobe would have gone out of business long ago.
Maybe it’s the experience?
After all, people will pay more money for the same loaf of bread at a nice grocery store, since Walmart can be so, well, Walmart.
My Grandfather owned an Ace Hardware store many years ago. At the time, he told me that Ace Hardware batteries were actually Duracell batteries with an Ace Hardware label and packaging.
Ace Hardware batteries were cheaper, but many customers would reach past them for the Duracell, despite my Grandfather’s knowledge. They thought they were better, but in actuality, they were exactly the same battery – as batteries go.
So, then, where was the value?
A label?
As I review products, services and applications, it can often be difficult to determine the value. What I find to be important, maybe completely different to someone else.
Customer service, warranty, reputation, image, support, experience, cost, price, longevity – the list could go on for a while!
There are so many things to consider, and I think it’s important to present as much information as I can, and let you, the reader, make your own decision.
What do you think?
What do find to be the most valuable aspect of an app, product or service? Or top three? It could be hard to boil it down to one.
Do you prefer an objective take, or do you think it’s more effective to add personal opinion and bias?
I can see how both have their advantages, but I’m curious as how you weigh-in.
And as always, whenever we review something on ChurchMag, if you have experience with whatever we may be covering, please, weigh-in.
Your voice is valuable to all of us.
[Image via snacktime2007 & Lif…]
Matt says
I like an all around review. Objective and subjective weigh equally for me since every situation is different. My situation may be different than yours, so it should be my job to adjust what I take from your point of view, not your job to adjust to mine. Because after all you as the author know less about me than I know about you. Well, unless you read my blog too. 🙂
Eric Dye says
Thank you for your thoughtful input. I really appreciate it!
Calvin Koepke says
Definitely user-experience. Apple’s iPod’s are only popular because of the interface and the experience of a great touch-screen.
But as soon as someone sees a new product with a better interface, they’ll pay the couple extra bucks to get it.
Just my two cents 😉
Eric Dye says
I think that’s why light apps are doing so well. Don’t give us so many features, we want it to look good and feel natural to use.
Antoine RJ Wright says
Enjoyed this piece.
Branding and Trust economies. A little understood matter in terms of Christian marketing. Branding isn’t just a label, it’s a trust contract. You can’t manufacture that simply from Gospel or need, you’ve actualy got to also present value as something that is of relevant gain. Those that have made such a jump get to become the object of acquisition by those looking.
Eric Dye says
Thanks, man.
😉