Marketing 230

Marketing the Table- Mate

anybody

A University of Phoenix student

Item Description

Table-Mate is a unique item that is easily produced, available at Heartland America.com for $29.95 or from Table-mate.com. This product is multi-functional and sturdy for everyone, and can hold up to 50 pounds. These small tables fold up for convenient storage and fast access. The Table-Mate comes in two matte finishes both white and a wood grain to blend into most homes. The number of uses for the Table-Mate grows daily and the people that have purchased the Table-Mate are happy with the versatility an reliability.

Table-Mate (2004)

Evolution of the Table-Mate

The Table-Mate has gone through several evolutions to accommodate for different target markets. The original Table-Mate was a simple elegant design that would simply slide under the couch or chair for the consumer making a table that sat directly over the consumers lap. Now they have evolved the Table-Mate into a product that is more convenient for children and a version designed to accommodate handicapped individuals. These evolutionary steps are vital for the company to stay competitive in the market place.

Pricing

The Table-Mate is simple and the cost to manufacture this item is very low. The modest $29.95 reflects that the item does not cost much to create and the price is perfect for everyone to obtain this product. The closest competition for this product is the old style fold up diner trays that are made of low grade metal and tin or top heavy wood. This design is lightweight, durable, and sturdy making this the better choice. The highest cost part on the Table-Mate is the three-level hinge to increase flexibility and the top that is made of durable plastic.

I think that there should be a bulk rate on this product for consumers that have larger families or want to give them as gifts. The current low grade metal and heavy wood diner trays are available in sets of six. Given the price...