My last PC purchase free essay sample

My last PC purchase, was a laptop that I purchased through gateways direct sales. Some of the advantages of purchasing via online direct sales are; customization of order, cheaper prices, and the convenience of not leaving my home and having the PC shipped directly to my door. When purchasing my computer I viewed the cons of purchasing direct being not able to have a knowledgeable sales person to help you incase you had a question, not being able to compare competing products side-by-side, and not being able to interact with the product. The advantages of purchasing a computer through a retailer would include being able to use the PC, compare them, find one that meets my needs, and ask knowledgeable sales people about the advantages and disadvantages of competing products. Todd Bradley essentially completed a SWOT analysis of HP and realized that HP was putting resources into market where dell had the competitive advantage. We will write a custom essay sample on My last PC purchase or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Mr. Bradley also noticed that there was an opportunity for HP in the Retail PC market. Some strategic assets that HP had for competing in the retail channel included previous experience and relationship with retailers and distributors. Mr. Bradley made personal visits to retailers and distributors to help eliminate problems and logistic errors that continue to slow down the movement of products, and create personal relationships. Mr. Bradley increased marketing for HP within retail outlets well focusing all ads on there market niche, in every add HP added to visit your local retailer, focusing on the more personal side of PC sales. Mr.Bradley focused on getting everyone on board with his new process and idea, from the manufacturer all the way to the retailer. Dell and HP have different strengths and weaknesses. It is not logical to compete where another company already has a huge advantage. It is important to exploit a company’s strengths to seize new or old that others have overlooked to gain a competitive advantage. For HP to maintain an advantage over Dell they should think of creative ways to offer more personalization to a consumer’s PC in the retail outlet with help from a knowledgeable sales associate. They could also create a larger variety of models for people for people of different needs. Lastly HP should focus there marketing at steering the consumer away from online computer purchases by making them aware of the advantages of purchasing in store. In order for Dell to improve its business and compete more successfully with HP, they should focus on the online computer market where they have a distinct advantage, well maintaining exposure with in retail outlets. Dell should focus on drawing customers out of the stores and on to the internet by advertising the amount of customization, personalization, and support available to there direct customers. Dell may also attempt to encroach on HP’s strong retail market by placing very high end computers in stores to create a reputation of dell being superior to hp. Then can then use the high end computers to connect consumers to there online market place. In the battle between HP and Dell the importance of knowing our strengths, weaknesses, and the opportunities is illustrated. Often times, companies forget that they are an individual entity and rather then exploiting their individual strengths and taking advantages of the competitions weaknesses they just emulate the actions of the competition. Companies must Zero in and focus on what the competition is doing so that they can react accordingly. It is often necessary to use advertising to get the consumer onto â€Å"your playing field† From this case it is also apparent that today’s market place is fast paced and ever changing, because of this it is increasingly important for companies to be innovative to stay ahead.