How much do you know about your friends? Better yet, have you ever snooped through their bathroom cabinets or somewhere in their house? I have been guilty of this on a few occasions, mainly at my mother’s house. She is always one to buy the latest trends in makeup and beauty products and I always like checking it out.
I’m sure most of us have been snooped on, as well. I remember this one time when I was listening to the radio on my drive home from working the second shift. The radio DJ was having a party at his home and broadcasting live. Some of his co-workers went into his bathroom and began announcing the contents of his bathroom cabinet to the listeners. Much to his dismay (and probably that of his wife), they announced quite a few interesting items. It told me more about this guy than I needed to know. So when having friends over, be sure to keep your cabinets organized and void of any embarrassing products.
Here is the bathroom cabinet of a young, gay French man versus mine (an American 30-something, married, pregnant mother of 3). What can you tell about us by snooping through our cabinets?
Marketers have known for years that snooping is the best way to find out more about what consumers want and what products they buy the most of. Sometimes this practice of snooping is not so obvious, such as when you are internet surfing; websites and your ISP monitor where you are clicking. Sometimes it’s when you swipe your Club Card at the market or warehouse club. Other times it’s with your permission, such as through survey’s and focus groups. I once took part in a year-long survey of scanning the UPC codes on every item I bought and then setting the scanning device in a holder where it dialed into a computer and submitted my information. On another occasion I took part in a focus group for a major beer company. We got to decide which commercial and print ad would be their next marketing strategy.
We also indirectly snoop when watching our favorite television shows. Marketers have caught on and now product placement happens in every show and on every episode. Just watch an episode of MTV's "Cribs." When each celebrity opens that refrigerator, it is marketing in the making. Every product is always neatly organized showing the brand name squarely in your face. I don't know about you, but my refrigerator never looks that good.
What do you think about snooping? Have you ever snooped or been snooped on by a friend? What are your thoughts on brands capitalizing by snooping on you?
Posted by Shannon Nelson on October 31, 2006 1:24 PM
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