Discussion questions
1. Co-branding
Co-branding can be highly creative and may offer extraordinary opportunities for marketers and consumers alike. Would you agree? Research co-branding using the Internet and the Ashford Online Library. Discuss some examples of effective co-branding, and share links to their web pages for your classmates to access. Then, respond to the following:
a. Why might two independent brands find co-branding beneficial for their overall marketing strategies?
b. What are the best conditions for a successful co-branding opportunity?
c. Speculate on an example involving two products that are currently independent, but would likely benefit from co-branding.
Explain your rationale. Respond to at least two of your classmates' postings.
2. eBay Takes On Amazon
Visit and explore the websites of eBay, GSI Commerce, and Amazon.com. Read the required Steigrad article. Respond to the following:
a. Consider the article's statement, "The deal will take eBay one step further away from its decelerating auction model while strengthening the company's fulfillment and customer service operations, two of Amazon's strengths."
• Why might eBay's auction model be "decelerating"?
• How will the acquisition of GSI "strengthen eBay's fulfillment and customer service operations"?
b. Was the acquisition of GSI a complementary or supplementary fit into eBay's strategic portfolio of products? Why?
c. According to the article, analysts estimated Amazon's 2010 revenues to be $44.93 billion, while eBay's was only $10.47 billion. How effective might this acquisition be to achieve the goal of "chipping away at rival Amazon.com Inc.'s lofty online retailing business."
d. Was this acquisition a good strategic decision? Why or why not?
Explain your rationale. Respond to at least two of your classmates' postings.