An Example of Subconscious Purchasing Decisions

[catherine]

I love this article (http://occupymonsanto360.org/blog/millenials-rejecting-mcdonalds-at-record-pace/) about McDonald's. Apparently, they've launched a marketing initiative to put their McWraps in green labels, because it's been proven that if people see food with a green label they perceive it to be healthier than foods with red or white labels.

Apparently Millennials are not lovin' McDonald's and that demographic has declined by 16% since 2007. That generation apparently values sustainability and organic food (Go Millennials!), and so this is McDonald's lame ploy to keep them as customers.

My point being, we've talked in the past about being immune to the psychology of marketing, but here's a very simple trick that works because you aren't even aware of how your perception is being colored (excuse the pun)

[rosarugosa]

Catherine: Thanks for sharing. That's fascinating about the green labels. I'm no millennial, but I virtually never touch that crap!

[Jilly]

How could that work? I mean, I go there with the boys because they love mixing the soft drinks, the fries are their favorite and they get to play in the play thing. We were there for the little one's preschool graduation day lunch, and you do not even get to see what the wrappers on anything are until you have decided, ordered, paid for the food and are waiting for it to appear on a tray.

I am certain about this because my daughter told me to order one of those. I did. I did not see it until I was carrying the tray to the table. I had grilled chicken something, with salad and very light on the dressing/sauce and it was yummy.

I usually have a salad or just coffee when I take them there, and this sandwich thing was a nice surprise.

[fidgiegirl]

I suppose people could look around and see the wrappers, or see them sitting out behind the counter, or see them in ads . . .

I have been mustering the courage to check out GF options at McD's for my blog. I figure it would be good to know, especially when travelling. Definitely not my first choice, but sometimes one gets caught in a tough spot for options.

[ApatheticNoMore]

It can work by: you decide to try the product, it comes in a green wrapper, when you get it the green wrapper makes you feel good about your purchase and that's it's healthy (of course this assumes you do no further research), you feel good about Micky D's and come back again and maybe order the same thing.


My point being, we've talked in the past about being immune to the psychology of marketing, but here's a very simple trick that works because you aren't even aware of how your perception is being colored (excuse the pun)

or alternately doesn't work at all, it may work on some, but anyone who is really serious about sustainability and has some knowledge of the issue is unlikely to be fooled by a *literal* green package.

[Zoebird]

Unless they start sourcing local/organic/pasture raised, I doubt millenials will just start going to McD's.

[Spartana]

Hmmm.... I'm at a MacDonalds now for a unhealthy breakfast of sugar cookies and coffee. They weren't in a green package but maybe if they were I'd think they were healthy :-) Healthy sugar cookies?? Ah the dream!! I'm really only here for the coffee and free wi fi (currently travelling) but the cookies ARE tasty :-)

[Tussiemussies]

Maybe they would see the wrapper in board ads or TV commercials? Have not watched TV in a long time so I don't know if they are running commercials...

I had a class in college where they went over some pretty sly things that had been done in marketing. It can be very powerful. My DC once said he watched some TV with his children and saw a commercial I think for waffles. Then when food shopping he grabbed those waffles.....

[KayLR]

All the ubiquitous pink crap must be working for the Komen Foundation. There must be something about it (the color thing) that works.