Explain, with examples, the different types of relationships that a company can build with its customers

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

At one extreme, a company with many low-margin customers may seek to develop basic relationships with them. For example, Proctor & Gamble's Tide does not phone or call on all of its consumers to get to know them personally. Instead, it creates relationships through brand-building advertising, public relations, and social media presence. At the other extreme, in markets with few customers and high margins, sellers want to create full partnerships with key customers. For example, P&G sales representatives work closely with Walmart, Kroger, and other large retailers that sell Tide. In between these two extremes, other levels of customer relationships are appropriate. Beyond offering consistently high value and satisfaction, marketers can use specific marketing tools to develop stronger bonds with customers. For example, many companies offer frequency marketing programs that reward customers who buy frequently or in large amounts. Airlines offer frequent-flyer programs, hotels give room upgrades to their frequent guests, and supermarkets give patronage discounts to "very important customers." Other companies sponsor club marketing programs that offer members special benefits and create member communities.