This is the twenty-seventh day of a 30-day trial. Follow the link to Marketing Ideas En Masse to find out more.
Billboards are shooting up everywhere taking shots (espresso) at Starbucks. In Western Washington (home of Starbucks) hundreds of these billboards are beginning to appear even right next to Starbucks.
McDonald’s has erected a billboard in sight of Starbucks headquarters declaring, “four bucks is dumb.”
If Dunkin’ Donuts’ taste test commercials were the schoolyard equivalent of blowing spitballs at the coffee giant from afar, then the latest from McDonald’s is like pulling a wedgie. Starbucks employees driving northbound can see the billboard on their way into the city.
Another billboard slogan jabs, “large is the new grande.” The two phrases are displayed on 140 billboards in Western Washington, some of them near Starbucks cafes.
It is pretty clear that Dunkin’ Donuts’ and McDonald’s Coffee are taking stabs at Starbucks market share (even with Starbucks Gold Card Marketing Strategy) . I have to wonder how the economy plays in people’s quest for better deals. Starbucks is on the pricey side and personally I think their coffee is plain and bland. I would much rather go to my neighbor Ristro Coffee or Dunn Bros. Coffee in Fargo.
No related posts.
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Viddler
YouTube
McDonalds Anti Starbucks Marketing Campaign Marketing Ideas #20 |: Marketing Ideas #20 McDonalds Anti Starbucks .. http://tinyurl.com/5h68lm
I have to agree that paying 4 buck, sometimes even more is completely ridiculous. However, I won't even go into a McDonald's in Philly with my family. There nasty. But I have never once seen a dirty Star Couple of Bucks.
I like that Star Couple of Bucks. ha. I agree to an extent that what they charge is rights to be a part of the "club". As money gets tight I have a feeling a lot more people will be dropping out of the Starbucks Club.
What McDonald's is really doing is trying to capture that crowd that only wants those few specific drinks they know and like. Meanwhile I heard Starbucks offers over 1,100 different drinks, thats crazy.
Awesome! Simply Awesome! AND you know what? Black coffee to black coffee, Mc D's has a better brew. In fact, Burger King coffee is one of the best coffees I have ever had.
…I hit send too soon. Anyway, Starbucks is an excellent story of branding. It's almost a Harley Davidson-esque level of marketing/branding success.
I am done now for sure.
@BigPappa, Starbucks is an amazing branding success story, I have to completely agree with you on your taste in coffee. I cant stand Pikes Place Black Coffee that Starbucks offers, it is so watered down and flavorless (would rather have Folgers).
The Mcdonalds ice coffee is not that bad almost as good as starbucks I am sure it is working for them most of my friends are no going to starbucks as much as we used too every one is try to save a few bucks these days
I have to agree with the sentiment of the McDonalds ad. That said, though I would sooner go to a McDonals for coffee than to a Starbucks, McDonalds is also not the cheapest/best option most of the time. It is probably cheaper/better than Dunkin Donuts (I live in Boston so I know all about that depressing chain. Here is how I rank my preferences:
1. Make my own coffee (grind beans, brew in French Press).
2. Buy a coffee at a small local bakery or diner.
3. Buy a coffee at a convenience store like Store 24 or Seven-Eleven.
4. The crappy free workplace coffee from hermetically sealed packets.
5. McDonalds coffee.
6. Dunkin Donuts and other copycat Dunkin Donuts chains.
7. Everyplace else.
8. Starbucks.
I will note however that unless you live near a non-urban roadside softserve place that McDonalds is typically the best deal on soft serve ice cream in the city in my experience.
Rob
Why did people start paying four bucks for coffee anyway? I give the campaign a thumbs up!
In this economy price will be more of a factor than brand (in most cases). You can already see the affects as Starbucks closed a bunch of store recently.
In Canada we are dominated by Tim Hortons. I don't think anyone can knock them out of the top spot. Respected brand + quality products and good pricing = An unstoppable company.
Steve
@Driveway Sealing, Brand goes a long way to supporting a company through tough times.
Tim Hortons all the way! They are definitely top dog in canada
[...] All marketers strive to have a product recognized by everyone and their mother like Coke Cola or McDonald’s. I heard once that Ronald McDonald is more recognizable to young children than Jesus. I guess that [...]