Final Project

Price

The pricing of each product has been carefully selected in order to fit the customers needs and their pockets. For the create your own nachos first starting with a main price the gets you cheese and chips. Then breaking off into the meat section and vegetables which are priced differently due to value. Each pre put together nacho selection is priced due to what they consist of. There will be different price arrangements due to coupons or discounted days. “Price is the sum of all the values that customers give up in order to gain the benefits of having or using a product or service.” Armstrong and Kotler. Marketing Ch.9 Pg. 4

Promotion

Most of Cardenas Nachos will be promoted by word of mouth from customers who have been happy with the outcome of the truck and tell their friends, family and co-workers. “Today, in the average consumer packaged-goods company, sales promotion accounts for 74 percent of all marketing expenditures.” Armstrong and Kotler. Marketing Ch.13 Pg. 37 There will also be promotion activities to attract customers such as doing a discount for students. Another discount promotion will be coupons one placed in a newspaper and others given to companies that are close to the areas the truck will be parked at most the time. There will also be certain days that you can get a certain amount of toppings for a cheaper price then usual. As well as a daily special one of the pre put together nacho selections will be given at a discounted price everyday.

Distribution

Cardenas Nachos distribution starts with the food all products are brought in from locally grown consumers or from California farms depending on the season. Cardenas is to distribute quality and individual selected nachos to each customer in order to fit their needs. 

Product

Cardenas Nachos has the product of individuality by giving each customer the option to create his or her own nacho selection or even the option to try one of our already put together options. The food will all be organic and locally acquired depending on the season. “Products include more than just tangible objects, such as cars, computers, or cell phones. Broadly defined, “products” also include services, events, persons, places, organizations, ideas, or mixes of these.” Armstrong and kotler. Marketing Ch.7 Pg. 55 Cardenas will be recognized for not just its food but as well as its services. Every customer will be treated with the best customer service and always given what they want. Cardenas will also hold an event every Tuesday to attract in customers which will bring them a discount by on the create your own options you will not have to pay extra for the toppings. The truck is a product that stands out by the colors and all who see it so they have to think about what the truck has to offer will recognize it. “Today, as products and services become more commoditized, many companies are moving to a new level in creating value for their customers. To differentiate their offers, beyond simply making products and delivering services, they are creating and managing customer experiences with their brands or company.” Armstrong and Kotler. Marketing. Ch.7 Pg. 4 The product of this company continues from everything to the food we serve to the look of our truck that will attract the customer and give them something to recognize everytime they see it.

Target Market Strategy

Cardenas Nachos target market is men, women, and children. Focusing on families as well as men and women between the ages of 18-40. Each target market is distinguished by where the truck is parked. “Dividing a market into smaller segments with distinct needs, characteristics, or behavior that might require separate marketing strategies or mixes.” Armstrong and Kotler.Marketing. Ch.6 Pg.5

It determines areas that are more populated and what times of days are more populated with one target market rather then the other in order to understand where to park next. Cardenas focuses on maintaining a loyal customer base that will follow the company and gain word of mouth advertising through them. Loyal customers can be gained though customer service and quality product. “ A market can also be segmented by consumer loyalty. Consumers can loyal to brands. “ Armstrong and Kotler. Ch. 6 Pg.17

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Cardenas Nachos advantages are giving the customer a one of a kind experience using their own individual taste to either create what they want or to experience a new type of nacho from our pre made order list. As well as having the ability to switch locations at any time. Making quality nachos with quick and efficient experience. Cardenas Nachos takes food safety very seriously and always keeps the truck clean and under inspection. Cardenas also specializes in always serving high quality foods.

Weaknesses: Switching locations runs high on oil costs

Opportunities: Cardenas Nachos has the opportunity to serve local vegetables to give more help to local farmers. Cardenas can one day move onto another customer by serving more then just nachos but salads to appeal to a healthier customer base. As well as switching locations whenever necessary to appeal to all people in the area and get the name out there. One day even perform catering services to expand the company.

Threats: There are many food truck companies in the Las Vegas area that can either threaten our customer base or locations that might be consumed by other food trucks.

Objectives

Cardenas Nachos company will never stop expanding once one does good there is no reason not to add on or grow further. First we will start with one nacho truck with quality food and great customer service. As time continues we will expand the menu further to fit more customers such as the healthier customer by providing healthier luch options such as salads. Once the truck starts off we will continue on to more locations and more hours. Then one day Cardenas will do catering and maybe even expand off into a restaurant to take it to a whole new customer.

Business Mission Statement

Cardenas Nachos mission is to provide a one of a kind experience using an innovative menu that will have different types of Gourmet Nacho entrees. The selection will be endless with the “build your own nachos” option. As well as nacho entrees expanded from the original and given a new flair with different kinds of toppings as well as chips. Each person will have the opportunity to put their own individual taste into their nachos.

Week 10 EOC: What are the Benefits vs. the features?

Cardenas Nachos provides a one of a kind experience using an innovative menu that will have different types of Gourmet Nacho entrees. The selection will be endless with the “build your own nachos” option. As well as nacho entrees expanded from the original and given a new flair with different kinds of toppings as well as chips. Each person will have the opportunity to put their own individual taste into their nachos. Giving the customer a one of a kind experience using their own individual taste to either create what they want or to experience a new type of nacho from our pre made order list. As well as having the ability to switch locations at any time. Making quality nachos with quick and efficient experience. Cardenas Nachos takes food safety very seriously and always keeps the truck clean and under inspection. Cardenas also specializes in always serving high quality foods. 

EOC:Week 7 The Pitch

The idea that came to my head for the final project would be to do a nacho truck but not just original nachos but gourmet nachos an idea of all different kind of chips ranch, tomato, spinach you can either create your own nacho just pick from our already pre put together nachos. While people are waiting in line they will be given a checklist paper first choosing what kind of chip they would like then what kind of meat and or beans then followed by the toppings. Kinds of chips would include jalapeno, ranch, spinach, blue corn, tri color, traditional corn, and traditional flour. Cheese selections would be sharp cheddar, asiago, romano, and parmesan, Monterey jack, and three cheese Mexican blend. Then the menu would be divided into three sections first for the carnivore which would include grilled chicken, taco meat, sautéed shrimp, pulled pork, carne asade, fajita style chicken or beef. Next would be for the herbivore lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onions, black olives, spinach, pico de gallo, jalapenos, pinto beans and refried beans. Next you could also choose salsa from mild to hot and guacamole.  Then their would be a menu of already pre arranged nachos such as like a buffalo chicken nacho and a Florentine nacho. The name of the truck would be The Gourmet Nacho truck and even the truck design would be fun and stand out to show the fun idea of creating your own nacho with still a gourmet flare. 

EOC: Week 6 Me x 3 Products I Use

Three products I use everyday that I consider to be the best of their market are the iPhone, Monster energy drink, and Dove soap. The iPhone is one of the most popular phones in the phone world today it is made apple and more than 40% of the people who use smart phones has one. Over the years I have had many types of phones and smart phones and by far my favorite is my iPhone that I have been a carrier of since the first week that the very first one came out. The reason I like the iPhone is how easy it is to use it there is only one button on the phone that always returns you straight to home. I love everything it has to offer from all the applications to the easy use. Another product that I think is top notch in its field is Monster energy drink I have tried every other energy drink and today there are so many out there but Monster is the only one I get now. For me I enjoy monster for one main thing I enjoy the taste of them, which is the main reason people pick a favorite in food or drink. I also like Monster energy due to the energy that it provides me it is the only one that wakes me up and does not give me a horrible crash later on. My final product that I use daily is Dove soap. I first starting using Dove when I saw the commercial of women putting soap on mirrors to see the soap scum left behind from other brands of soap. After seeing the results showing that other soap brands leave behind a residue and Dove just leaves you clean and fresh I switched. Now that I have been using dove for a few years now I would never switch I ran out one time and had to revert back to my original soup and you can feel the difference in your skin. Dove leaves you moisturized and smelling fresh with no residue left behind. 

EOC: Week 5 Social Networks and Job Hunts

Companies use various marketing techniques to catch the response of consumers. To understand this you have to understand the stimuli-response which consists of the four P’s: product, price, place, and promotion. Other stimuli include major forces and events in the buyer’s environment: economic, technological, political, and cultural. All these inputs enter the buyer’s black box, where they are turned into a set of observable buyer responses. For the marketer to understand how the stimuli are changed into responses inside the consumer’s black box. The black box leads to the buying attitudes, purchase behavior, and company relationship behavior. With today’s modern technology marketers are now working to harness newfound communications power of their everyday customers. Marketers select their brand ambassadors very carefully, based on customers’ devotion to the brand. Ambassadors are made to know everything about a brand they are loyal to and attract others to this brand using such things as blogs. As a reward they receive product samples and discounts on their favorite brand. Ambassadors are usually hired college students and they usually are hired due to their knowledge of a company as well as the people on their facebook. Ambassadors help organize events such as JetBlue’s BlueDay, now in its third year. Held on 21 college camuses. According to the advertising director for jet blue says that the ambassadors are crucial for the event to be successful. The brand ambassador approach has its critics. For example, some view the practice as underhanded or deceptive. However, to avoid charges of deception, most firms advise their ambassadors to openly reveal that they are representatives. Others worry that brand ambassadors will be perceived as hucksters who promote products because they get free stuff. Though ambassadors are becoming one of the best ways for brands to create brand loyalty.

EOC: WEek 4 Consumer vs. Business Marketing

Business Marketing is the practice of individuals, or organizations, including commercial businesses, governments and institutions, facilitating the sale of their products or services to other companies or organizations that in turn resell them, use them as components in products or services they offer, or use them to support their operations. Consumer marketing is the process used to determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development.

Business marketing is shown in the BE article when it discusses that they need to sell to larger buyers rather then large numbers of small buyers..Also, with GE’s business customers, buying decisions are much more complex. An average consumer buying a refrigerator might do a little online research and then pop out to the local Best Buy to compare models before buying one. In contrast, buying a batch of jet engines involves a tortuously long buying process, dozens or even hundreds of decision makers from all levels of the buying organization, and layer upon layer of subtle and not-so-subtle buying influences. When KTZ wanted the very best performance they looked at the business aspects of BE. The consumer marketing is when BE discusses the partnerships that need to be shared with a company based on products and close collaboration. “I am proud that KTZ and GE are extending our relationship,” said the CEO of GE Transportation. “GE and Kazakhstan have a long and fruitful history of working together.” KTZ made the partnership work due to the business aspects as well as the marketing side. GE is very concerned with partnerships and the challenges of helping customers. “We love the challenge of a customer’s problem,” says the company on its GE Transportation Web site. “Why? It’s an opportunity for a true collaborative partnership. We enjoy the exchange of ideas, whether we’re developing a brand new technology or applying existing technologies in innovative new ways. [We] go to great lengths to help our customers succeed.”“Customer partnerships are at the center of GE and Ecomagination,” confirms GE chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt in a recent letter to shareholders. “We are viewed as a technical partner by customers around the world.”

EOC: Week 3: Demographics- MINE

The generation I am part of is the Millenials also known as Generation Y which is ranged from the year 1977-2000. This generation is full of many different age groups such as tweens, teens and young adults. My generation is known and will be known for is our comfort with technology we do not just embrace it, it is a way of life. We are the generation who were raised with all the new upcoming technology due to that it became part of our everyday lives we saw the beginning of the internet and smart phones. “All generations are comfortable with technology, but this is the generation that’s been formed by technology,” (Armstron & Kotler, Chapter 3, page17).  Our generation is also known for liking things to be custom and personalized. “Young people want to be in control of their relationship with a brand. They want to customize and personalize,” (Armstorn & Kotler, Chapter 3, Page 17). We are also considered the reason for President Obama election due to the way his campaign took place he marketed to our  generation and used technology even text messages to reach us. “Barack Obama was the first presidential candidate to be marketed like a high-end consumer brand,”(Armstron & Kotler, Chapter 3, Page 17). With everything that is said about our generation at this time I do agree with we are different from any generation before us due to all the new things that are put in front of us. As we get older and other generations fade away people will have to find new ways to cater to what we are interested in and how to catch our eye.  I also agree that we do like everything custom and personalized due to all the things we can do with our phones and things like facebook and twitter that you can customize to reflect you there is no need now to blend when everyone is trying to be different even just by the case on their phone.

EOC week 2 Boston Consulting Groups-Video Games

The recession has finally hit the video game industry a business that was thought to be downturn-resistant. Since march the sales have been declining. One of the reason that the gaming industry is going down is now people are playing more games on their phones they are easier to access and cheaper sometimes even free. The gaming systems price might be cut down while others are bringing out sequals of already popular games in order to boost sales. Boston Consulting Group is a prime company to look towards to show strategic planning to find ways in which the company can best use its strengths to take advantages of opportunities. The BCG growth-share matrix consists of cash cows, stars, question marks, and dogs. Cash cows are low-growth, high-share business or products. They produce a lot of cash that the company uses to pay its bills. Question marks are low-share business units in high-growth markets. They require a lot of cash to hole their share, let alone increase it. Dogs are low-growth, low-share business and products. They may generate enough cash to maintain themselves but do not promise to be large sources of cash. Each gaming council is in one of these categories. In my opinion I think that the cash cow is playstation, the question mark is Nintendo, the dog is xbox and the star are the new app games for things like the iphone and ipad. 

Great Customer Service

 Customer service is what makes companies successful when they start and continues to keep them running. At the moment I can not think of something good that has happened to me due to customer service. But I can think of my favorite customer service story so I suppose I can talk about that until something pops in my head if it actually does. I work for one of the leading companies in customer service Nordstrom. When I first started working there I was told a story that many have heard and some have not but it showed me what kind of company I was going to work for and that I would be able to follow by what they live to do. The story I am referring to is the Nordstrom tire story.  Many years ago a Nordstrom store was open in Alaska it took the place of an old tire store that used to be located there. One day an older gentleman walked into the store with two snow tires he said he needed to return them the clerk at the counter saw the price he paid on the side of the tires so he opened up his register and gave the man back his money. Even though Nordstrom is not a tire store but rather upscale clothing store the customer wanted to return the tires. The tires were returned because that is what the customer wanted. Once people hear this story they realize the quality of customer service for this company. It was not the clerks job to do that or a decision that would normally be simply made but it was simple for the clerk to understand that its always about keeping the customer happy above anything.

My Voice

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. – Coco Chanel

From such an inspiring quote by a remarkable woman is what set me on my journey through the fashion industry.  I am beginning this journey as a fashion student with an expected bachelors of science in fashion retail management. Outside of school to keep more updated about what everyday people want out of fashion I work at Nordstrom BP as a sales associate. I have always had a passion for fashion as one would say. Working in the retail side of fashion I get to see the final stage of fashion set in motion. I have learned the value of customer service and that staying updated on everything that is going on in the fashion industry is the best way to be successful. To know that my knowledge of product and customer service is the reason many women leave with a smile on their face and feeling more confident is everything that fashion is supposed to be.  Fashion is a way to express one selves individuality and personality so without speaking who you are on the inside can shine through on the outside. To achieve the goals I have set for myself I plan on experiencing all aspects of the fashion industry by doing everything from design to event planning as well as buying. My options are limitless and I plan on not just being part of one process of the fashion industry but all parts. I look forward to seeing everything that fashion has to offer. 

Week 1 EOc; My Voice

This is my first blog post