Originally when Starbucks began they targeted the young college students, with slightly higher than average income levels. After this initial target market Starbucks has since realized that they could target specific neighborhoods and social classes. Different customers are more willing to pay for luxury good now more than ever. With that in mind, through Starbucks aggressive expansion techniques they have begun targeting almost every demographic.
“McDonald’s is planning to capitalize on the public’s willingness to pay $4 for a cup of coffee by hiring baristas and dropping espresso machines in 14,000 of their fast-food outlets. Meanwhile, Starbucks, with business lagging, is fighting back with an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” strategy, by offering heated breakfast sandwiches and adding drive-through windows to some of their locations.” (Tancer, 2008)
As McDonalds and other chains realize the money in luxury coffee more companies will begin to enter the marketplace. One the other side of the spectrum you have the small local coffee bars that were around before Starbucks took over the marketplace. These smaller coffee shops have their core customers who will not give their business to anyone else. These smaller coffee shops can offer specialized products and services or serving to the local markets needs. However Starbucks has a much larger buying power then the local smaller coffee shops giving them a competitive advantage. Coming back to our original quote, we believe that McDonalds has a customer base that is extremely large that now has the option to get their coffee where they get their breakfast already. McDonalds also has an extremely large bargaining power and runs each franchise with impeccable automation. McDonalds cup of coffee costs a lot less money than Starbucks and tastes the same in a lot of cases. One of Starbucks biggest competitors is the economy; Starbucks provides a luxury good that will be a good that people cut out when they want to save money. This has been witnessed with the recent closing of over a hundred Starbucks stores.
Tancer, B. (2008, January 10). Brewing Battle:Starbucks vs. McDonalds.
Current State of the Economy 2012
We all realize now that the recession we are in globally is the biggest one we’ve had since the great depression in the 1929. What we don’t know is this will be a much bigger recession than the great depression. All analysts are saying the worst is over but there is no greater indicator that when everyone agrees on something, the opposite is usually true. What is the current state of the economy 2010? This may me the most important article you ever read because it reveals the truth about what is really going on with our economy. So put on your seat belt because this may be a rocky ride.
By now you probably have heard of what is going on in Greece. Riots and people are rebelling against the decisions made by its country. You may not know why. The economy obviously is in bad shape just like anywhere in the world and with an unemployment almost at 10%. The people of Greece need help. Greece agreed to a 144 billion bailout loan from other countries but in exchange, Greece agreed to raise taxes to 24% and other things that will affect directly the people of Greece. Worst, this bailout loan is only expected to help Greece for only 1 year and they will be back to square one then.
What is causing this major breakdown in Greece are many things. Each country as a central bank and each central bank as a license to print money without having anything to back it up, no assets to guarantee the value. This particular problem started in 1971 when the law was removed where each country had to have assets i.e. gold or silver as collateral. So now each country in a sense as a license to print money for free which is beginning to show its affect with the Euro dollar; The euro dollar is in such bad shape that it is causing major issues for not only Greece but for every country in Europe.
This is not it. What you are witnessing in Greece will be spreading to other countries. As long as all countries are deeply in debt like they are and printing money for free, this economy disaster will continue. Portugal, Italy and Ireland will be next. It will be follow by UK, Japan, China, US and every other country. Not each country will experience this economy crisis like Greece is but it will at different levels but none the less things will get worst, a lot worse before it gets better. The Real Estate Market will keep dropping; the stock market will get hit again drastically. If you think your banks are safe, think again. If you have a large sum of money in the bank, try to make a large withdrawal and see what happens. Your bank will make all kinds of excuses as to why they will need a few days to get your money. Banks in Europe are already not lending anymore. Here in the U.S. over 100 banks closed in the last 2 years when before that 100 banks had not closed in decades.
Here is the U.S. the unemployment is near 10% according to the official statistics but what they fail to tell you is that these stats are not counting the people that are not eligible for unemployment anymore and the people that are working part time. So unemployment in the U.S. is closer to 17%. The same is true for every country. Now, because of all of these break downs in the economy, the unemployment rate is expected to increase to almost 25% in the U.S. It will rise in your country as well.
The good news is that now you know the truth. It won’t be a shock when this major economy crisis hits your country. You can now prepare yourself and take your future in your own hand. Don’t take on a new debt unless it is pure assets. Reduce your exposure to the stock market; keep your cash in a safe place. The best thing you could do is inform others of what really is upcoming. Letting friends and family, especially your children know will help them drastically dealing with these events.
To your success,
Ghyslain
“My happiness depends on your success”
New and Used Motor Home RV Values – Blue Book and NADA
Unlike the guides for automobiles which are based on analyses of actual car prices, the Blue Book and NADA guides are based primarily on a percentage of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (M.S.R.P.). These guides may be nowhere near the actual current resale value.
The guides include many options in the M.S.R.P. so it is hard to know which, if any, options you should include. This makes it easy for options to be charged twice. A better way to find the resale value of RV’s is to look at other mobile homes of the same class, make and model. Check for similar amenities and base your price on that. If you are looking to buy a used RV, these comparisons can help you determine if the price quoted to you is a fair and reasonable price.
Motor home RV values should be based on actual selling prices of similar mobile homes, taking into consideration factors like age and overall condition. Are there dents or leaks? Has the unit been properly maintained on a regular basis? Do all of the appliances work? If this is a motorized rig, what is the mileage? Is it above or below the average? Does it run well for the mileage? Check all accessories that came with or were added, such as the air conditioner, satellite dishes, back up mirrors, awnings, solar panels and kitchen appliances. Does it all work? If you are selling your rig, making sure all of these items are in good condition can greatly increase your selling price.
Use the Blue Book and NADA values as a starting point and then adjust your price, or offer if you are buying, up or down according to the condition of the RV. You can increase the value of your motor home by sprucing it up. Add new curtains, makes sure it is spotless and update appliances. These simple maneuvers can add hundreds to your selling price. There are many variables in motor homes to be considered. Is it a towable or motorized? How many can it sleep? What appliances are included? What does the maintenance record tell you? If you have a late model motor home to sell, you may want to have an appraisal done to insure that you bet the best price possible. Some large RV dealers provide this service and will even broker a deal for you for a small fee.
The type of RV you want to sell or buy also has an influence on your profit or cost. Obviously, a luxury motor coach will garner a larger selling price than a travel trailer or pop-up camper. As a potential buyer you need to just decide how much you can spend for an RV, what type of motor home you want and what amenities you consider necessary, than with all of this in mind start looking around. There are dozens of online sites you can browse and check out the class of mobile home you want. Many of these sites have interior and exterior pictures along with a list of amenities. Of course you will want to find a dealer in your area so that you can physically inspect the used rig yourself before you buy. Ask to see the maintenance record if available. If you are buying from a dealer ask about a warranty.
The Blue Book and NADA guide are useful tools as a starting point. You need to take into consideration the age and condition of the unit, as well as amenities available. Nina Romanov