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Good customer service can lead to higher profits, even for utilities without competition

A study by Indiana University researchers found that satisfied customers mean increased profits for public utilities, despite lack of competition. This is achieved through lower operating costs and increased trust from customers. The findings suggest that regulators should view investments in customer satisfaction as recoverable costs.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 2, 2021

When salespeople advocate for sellers and customers

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing suggests that salespeople should balance advocacy for the seller with advocacy for the customer. The research team found that high levels of both customer and seller advocacy lead to superior outcomes for both firms. Sellers are advised to encourage salesperson dual agency to their adva...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 8, 2021

Paper: Emotionally appealing ads may not always help consumer memory

A new study by Hayden Noel found that emotionally arousing advertisements can have a negative effect on immediate memory but a positive effect on delayed memory if the level of emotional arousal is congruent with the ad's claims. The research has practical implications for advertisers seeking to develop effective message strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Advertising·DateJan 7, 2021

Extreme political advertising can hurt campaign efforts

A Dartmouth study reveals that extreme political messaging can radicalize supporters, pulling them away from undecided voters. Researchers used a computer model to simulate social media users and found that aggressive communications can backfire, solidifying support among existing backers but alienating moderate voters.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2020

Which product categories and industries benefit most from social advertising

Research found that social advertising is more effective for products that carry status, such as clothing and car manufacturers. In contrast, search goods like electronics and batteries showed no significant improvement. The study used a large-scale field experiment involving over 37 million users of the WeChat social network.

Eyebuy: Sweeping glances can cost you money

Researchers found that customers who were shown product images on a display before shopping walked significantly more miles in the store and made double the number of unplanned purchases. A simple tip is to avoid wandering glances with the support of a shopping list.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 8, 2020

New research determines if political "air war" or "ground game" is most effective

A new study by Lingling Zhang and Doug J. Chung found that mass media advertising is more influential among independent voters, while grassroots outreach is more effective at reaching a candidate's base. The research also suggests that television advertising can persuade undecided voters to change their minds.

UBCO researchers link advertising to uptick in youth vaping

UBCO researchers found that e-cigarette companies leverage various reasons for youth vaping, including stress, curiosity, and social benefits, to recruit teens into using their products. The study suggests that health risks associated with vaping are often overridden by these reasons, making it essential to develop comprehensive strate...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 11, 2020

Restaurant customers frown on automatic gratuities, particularly after good service

Customers with excellent dining experiences express the most dissatisfaction with automatic gratuities. Research found that high-quality service does not compensate for negative customer responses to non-voluntary tipping systems. Restaurants can explore ways to give customers a sense of control, such as providing feedback or adding se...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 10, 2020

How to win back customer defectors

Researchers found that winning back lost customers can lead to increased profits, but requires a failure-tolerant organizational culture that encourages open discussion and accountability. Successful reacquisition management also involves establishing guidelines for employees to follow when addressing customer defections.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 7, 2020

Why smartphones are digital truth serum

A new study found that smartphones increase the willingness of people to disclose personal information online compared to desktop computers. The researchers suggest that smartphone users' comfort and familiarity with their devices lead to a 'safe zone' effect, making them more willing to open up about themselves.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 3, 2020

Marketing researchers identify the three most powerful drivers of effective crowdfunding

Researchers found that investors' forward-looking strategic behavior, social interactions among individual investors, and their expectations on the crowd's behavior contribute to crowdfunding dynamics. Fundraisers can optimize fundraising goals and crowdfunding platforms can predict successful campaigns by understanding these mechanisms.

Researchers find that cookies increase ad revenue for online publishers

A study published in Marketing Science found that cookies increase ad revenue for online publishers, with opt-out users generating 52% less revenue. The study also discovered a privacy paradox, where consumers' stated preferences overstate their actual behavior, and identified demographic patterns among opt-out users.

Paper: Cultural variables influence consumer demand for private-label brands

Researchers found that low-status consumers prefer national brands over private-label equivalents due to their desire for 'heightened status.' However, enhancing the prestige of private-label brands may successfully attract these consumers. The study has implications for private-label marketers targeting developing markets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateDec 16, 2019