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Scenario: Solar-Powered Vacuum Cleaner Most people laughed when Evelyn Ringler explained her product idea: a solar-powered vacuum cleaner

Economics

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Scenario: Solar-Powered Vacuum Cleaner

Most people laughed when Evelyn Ringler explained her product idea: a solar-powered vacuum cleaner. But the concept was practical and the technology used in the vacuum was the same as that used in many electronic toys. After setting up a demonstration booth in a mall in a Chicago suburb, Evelyn felt more assured than ever that her idea would be a hit. Consumers seemed receptive and offered helpful pieces of advice, such as how much they would pay for the vacuum, what colors they would prefer, and why they would not buy the vacuum.

The vacuum itself was shaped like a small saucer, with a filter bag on top and sensory nodes along the edges. After being charged in the sunlight, the vacuum could run for 7 hours, covering a floor area of 600 square feet. As the apparatus lightly bumped into table legs, chairs, and so on, the sensory nodes allowed the vacuum to move around the objects in various directions. This is the same type of technology used in the manufacture of children's racecars and walking dolls.

Evelyn knew that the solar-powered vacuum would be especially helpful to both elderly consumers, who may have a more difficult time with vacuuming, and on-the-go consumers who lead busy lives. The price would be above average but would likely be reduced after Evelyn recouped some of her costs.

After a 500-unit production run and a substantial financial investment, Evelyn set up a multiple-city test market, in a Chicago mall and in an appliance store in New Jersey and several other retail stores in Florida. "It's such a novel idea," Evelyn added. "People will notice it, even if they don't buy it right away."

What advertising strategy should Evelyn plan to engage in now?

e) Reduce advertising spending and modify the market

c) Reduce advertising spending and harvest profits

d) Increase advertising spending to diversify the product line

b) Reduce advertising spending to save resources for later on

a) Increase advertising spending to increase consumer awareness