On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 17:09:09 GMT, Xane T. wrote:

A corollary to this whole thread: Why do razor blade companies compete
against themselves with multiple kinds of razors? I can understand
having different levels of quality (Sensor, Sensor XL, etc), or having
different uses (for coarse hair, for sensitive skin, etc), but most
razor companies simply make multiple kinds of razors with little
explanation as to any kind of differences in them. Wouldn't it make
more sense to promote one kind of razor as better than the
competitor's brands?

Well, like toothbrushes, sugar, salt, and a number of other consumer goods,
there aren't any real differences between one brand and another. They
have to differentiate their product _somehow_, so they do it by
marketing surveys, test groups, and that sort of thing. In a world
where there are no real differences, having a larger number of choices
be from your company is one way to increase market share.

It's all marketing bull****, nothing more. They send you a "sample"
for free, only their blades fit that handle, and for reasons they understand
but don't make any sense, men won't throw away a perfectly good handle -
so we'll keep buying blades from 'em.

Dave Hinz