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Are companies too sensitive to consumer demands?

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JohnSchreimann posted on Wed, May 28 2008 5:09 PM

It seems that companies today are now overly sensitive to consumer demands.  While this is a good thing for them to be sensitive, given that they get what they want.  It's also created some ridiculous scenarios.  Take a recent example of Rachel Ray wearing a scarf in a donut ad.  Immediately the right-wing crank Michelle Malkin blows the whistle saying that it is an Arab khaffiyah (it was not, though why does it even matter if it is?) and that all listeners need to boycott Dunkin' Donuts.  The company immediately yanks the ad at the behest of this backlash.

Is there world where companies are overly sensitive making for a dumber world? 

http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2008/05/27/dunkin_donuts_yanks_rachael_ray_ad/

 

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Considering how activist some pressure groups, as well as government, are, I'm not too sure it's irrational. Either way, firms are sensitive to public opinion.

-Jon

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Twirlcan replied on Wed, May 28 2008 5:51 PM

The term you used to describe Malkin, right-wing crank, is correct.   I cannot say I blame Dunkin Donuts for doing this from a cost standpoint.  Right-wing cranks that boycott your donuts and coffee are not going to amount to much of a loss but the amount of time your staff at HQ spends dealing with these fans of Malkin will add up.  Not to mention they potential burden put on individual franchise owners who likely don't have anyone to answer the phones.

Its too bad they caved in to the pressure but dealing with crackpots is expensive and I am guessing those Malkin fans have more time on their hands than they do brains in their head.  Thats going to add up.

I would love for Dunkin Donuts to do another Rachael Ray commercial with her wearing a Burkha and a suicide vest...but my approval of them is not going to be profitable for their company either.

 

 

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