Final Project: Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees
(www.countryclutter.com )

Burt's Bees is a line of natural skin and body care products derived from bee hives. Over half of their 150 products are 100% natural. Some of the items contain chemicals, but mostly chemicals that are as least harmful as possible. "At Burt's Bees, we don't waste our time — or yours — pretending to be something we're not. We prefer putting our energy into making the best natural personal care products out there to help you maximize your well-being." (http://www.burtsbees.com/c/story/mission-vision/what-we-are.html) Burt's Bees has been around for 25 years. Their products include lip care, skin care, face and body care, hair care and baby products. The company believes in recycling and going green to eliminate waste, as their packaging for their products is made out of recycled plastic, and each package has just enough product to last until its expiration date if used properly so that none of it goes to waste. "We don't want to create any additional garbage on the planet, and work hard to reduce, reuse and recycle." (http://www.burtsbees.com/c/story/mission-vision/what-we-are.html)  Burt’s Bees also uses its resources and efforts to help the environment also.  “What happens to our holiday gift tins after the holidays? Well, some of them get used for turtles… yes, turtles! Students with the Turtle Rescue Team at NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine use these holiday tins to transport injured turtles to a rehab center. Isn't that a great way to reuse packaging?” (https://www.facebook.com/burtsbees) 
(www.facebook.com )

On Burt’s Bees Facebook page, they inform customers of their products, but also of ways to help save the planet as well.  Although the items are a little costly, customers are satisfied with the results and don’t mind paying a little extra for the quality of the product.  “These are the best products out there......!!!” (https://www.facebook.com/burtsbees)   Burt’s Bees is sold online, at Target and Wal Mart, and in several other retail outlets.

The customers believe in the philosophy that the company got the company started.  The consumers of this product believe in health, preservation, and keeping the planet clean and safe for generations to come.  Burt’s Bees is an excellent product to use for babies.  “This is a great baby shower gift. My daughter just had a baby and she really loves this product.
You won't have to worry about putting any bad chemicals on the baby, because Burt's Bee is all natural.” (http://www.amazon.com/Burts-Bees-Baby-Getting-Started/product-reviews/B004EDYQT0/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt_sr_5?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0) A baby is the most precious thing to parents and they want to do whatever they can to keep the baby safe.  No one wants to use harmful chemicals on their baby’s skin and to ensure this, they use Burt’s Bees.  This last quote is from a happy customer who purchased Burt’s Bees for her grandchild.  It is an accessible product that you can purchase almost anywhere, and is readily available. 
(www.aspenoracle.com )

Final Project: Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder
(www.style.com)

Estee Lauder is a skincare company. The company sells skincare products, make-up and fragrance. "Estée Lauder founded this company in 1946 armed with four products and an unshakeable belief: that every woman can be beautiful. Today, more than 60 years later, that simple notion has literally changed the face of the beauty business." (http://www.esteelauder.com/cms/about/index.tmpl) Its founder, Estee Lauder believed beauty starts with one self. She started her business by visiting women to show them what her products did for the skin. She knew and felt that once someone tried her products that they would love it. She is famous for her quote: “Every woman can be beautiful” (http://www.elcompanies.com/Pages/Estee-Lauder.aspx) this quote is the company’s philosophy and it inspired Estee Lauder to start her own business selling beauty products.  Estee Lauder sales its products at major department stores including Macy’s, on the internet, and at its own stores including outlets, Sephora, pharmacy stores, and beauty salons and spas.

Estee Lauder is now an international company, and I believe this says a lot about their brand and the community surrounding the brand.  Their consumers believe and have believed in their products for many years.  A customer on the Estee lauder Facebook page commented, “I've been wearing it for more than half my life and I just love it. It's very "me". (Victoria Crispo https://www.facebook.com/#!/EsteeLauder?fref=ts)  Estee Lauder has a strong following and a large amount of loyal customers.  On the website, you can chat live with a representative, e-mail your concerns and issues, or you can call to talk to someone.  This makes the customer service veery unique as most companies only allow you to call during certain business hours, or e-mail your issues.  A live chat will get customers the answers and feedback that they need right away.  This tactic will keep customers very happy. "I have been using this for one year. Noticed a difference after one night. It plumps my skin, evens out discolorations, and minimizes fine lines. Leaves a glow. I went without for a week or two, and my skin was dull, and fine wrinkles were more visible. It is worth the price. A 1 oz bottle lasted me over 5 months, and I use it sometimes 2 x a day. I can go without make up, which I haven't done since I was 16!"  (http://www.esteelauder.com/product/10881/4595/Product-Catalog/Skincare/Best-Sellers/Advanced-Night-Repair/Synchronized-Recovery-Complex/index.tmpl#BVRRWidgetID)  This customer has been using Estee Lauder products for over 12 years.  She remains a loyal customer because the products she uses never dissappoint.  Not only are the products great, but the website is also user friendly and easy to navigate. 
 Over the years, Estee Lauder has acquired several brands and continues to do so.  MAC, Bobbi Brown, and La Mer, to name a few, are now under the Estee Lauder umbrella of brands.  These names are recognizable, and contribute to the exclusivity of the brand.  Skin care makes the highest percentage of sales, with make-up being the runner up.  “For fiscal 2010, EL reported net sales of $7.80 billion and net income of $478.3 million.”  (http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Estee_Lauder_Companies_(EL)) . 

(www.evancarmichael.com )

Final Project: Gerber

Gerber
(theuntrendygirl.com )

Gerber has been around since 1900.  Gerber is currently celebrating its 85^th birthday.  In 2006, Gerber became a part of the Nestle family. "Nestlé and Gerber have long, rich histories of supporting the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers." (http://www.gerber.com/AllStages/About/Heritage.aspx) For centuries, Gerber has been distributed to babies all over the world. Gerber provides nutritious foods, juice and snacks that start at infant babies and goes all the way to toddlers at age 2. This is a commitment to assist the baby from infant food until they are fully introduced to table food. It is an opportunity to for the child to "Start Healthy and Stay Healthy", which is Gerber's actual mission. "Start Healthy, Stay Healthy is a unique, integrated nutrition solution that provides products, information and guidance all backed by rigorous science and research to help parents make the right nutritional choices for their little ones from birth to 4 years. Start Healthy, Stay Healthy includes scientifically advanced, high-quality infant formula, and baby, toddler and preschooler foods." (http://www.gerber.com/AllStages/About/Mission.aspx)

Gerber is not only about nutrition and food, there's also a division of Gerber that offers life insurance programs for your child. The program is called The Grow-Up Plan. Information about this can be found at www.GerberLife.com. "You can start your child or grandchild with a $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $25,000, $35,000 or $50,000 whole life insurance policy and lock in a low childhood premium that will never increase. Parents, grandparents and permanent legal guardians may apply when children are 14 days to 14 years old." (http://www.gerberlife.com/gl/view/guide_products/growup/index.jsp?utm_campaign=Impaqt+-+Paid+Search+GUP&utm_source=Impaqt%3APaid+Search&utm_medium=Paid_Search&gacv1=b8005305.1c626.13eee6aaa1a&gacv2=400639&gacv3=&gacv6=growup_product&gacv8=SSSS&gacv9=growup_08&gacv10=H3&keycode=400639&utm_term=gerber-47370863-VQ2-g-VQ6-14104337281-VQ8--VQ9--VQ15-1t1-VQ16-c&iq_id=47370863) There are several plans to choose from, the plans are designed to assist parents in setting their children up for the future. weather they decide to go to college or not, it's up to them, but it's up to the parents to make sure that their child has a chance at a lucrative and successful future.

It is evident that parents and children alike love Gerber products. This gives them a STRONG consumer foundation as well as a large following. On Gerber's Facebook page, not only do they share tips with parents, they also introduce new products, ask for feedback, and open the floor for suggestions and communicate with their customers. They also inform of special promotions, offer coupons, and post pictures for parents to browse. A satisfied customer, Venus Wygant, posted, "Gerber is a class act and always will be :-) thank you Gerber!" (https://www.facebook.com/#!/Gerber?fref=ts). The Gerber community gives parents the opportunity to chat and share stories amongst each other as well as with Gerber. Alyssa Fitzgerald posted to Gerber's facebook page, "Gerber was and still is the top brand I buy when buying for my chiildren :)) thanks Gerber for everything!" (https://www.facebook.com/#!/Gerber?fref=ts)  With Gerber’s efforts to promote health and nutrition, they also are aware of the community, assisting parents with their issues and needs, and putting money away to help parents give their child a future financially.  Gerber goes beyond food to make parents and children happy.

(baby-formula.findthebest.com )