How does one determine the value of products and services i.e. haircuts? For most of us conditioning determines buying behaviour. We are most likely to continue with our current service provider until a significant enough reason to change occurs. There are various reasons that crop up – poor service, provider not available, increased distance between you and the provider, and last but not least price. All of these items taken together affect our value perception.
I was recently travelling to San Francisco and as usual, I realize that I needed a haircut after I arrive there. Walking down Union Street, I saw a salon that did not require appointments and got a haircut. When I went to pay, the stylist surprised me with the price - $16. Granted, there is not as much to cut these days, but I have not had a haircut for that low a price for a very long time. In contrast, my son needed a haircut a couple of Sunday's ago. We were walking through downtown and spotted a salon, close to Robson Street. His haircut ended up costing me $75. I fully appreciate that the stylists are well trained and accomplished, but he just needed a very basic cut, after all he is just 14.
I cannot justify the price I paid for my son's cut, given the price I paid for mine, the difference was too great. And to top it off, the $16 haircut I received was one of the best ones I have received in quite a few years. So how does this affect The Portables? The perception of value.
At The Portables we have spent the last two years improving the efficiency of our operation. Through a significant investment in equipment, a rationalization of our overheads, and successful negotiations with our key suppliers, we are able to offer better value to our clients. Today, we will announce significant price reductions in a majority of our portable hardware and graphics. This reduction does not come at the expense of quality, service, or after-care support. Our reputation is very important to us and affecting the quality of our products was not an option.
In a recent client survey that we conducted, the message was loud and clear. Our quality and service were appreciated, but could we please adjust our prices to take into consideration budget squeezes being felt in all sectors? In essence our clients need a lower priced haircut that is of great quality and is accompanied with exceptional service. Today, The Portables delivers.
