Is branding bad?

[vh_bu98]

Almost every thing that is sold has some kind of branding. So is it bad to display a brand?

I recently visited my alma mater and purchased a sticker to put on the back windshield and a license plate frame. I am proud of my alma mater, but is it too much since I graduated 10 years ago?

How about this situation? I was at a BMW dealership today and almost bought a cap with the BMW logo on it. I thought, I wouldn't wear a hat with a Rolex logo so why would I wear a BMW logo? I also wanted to get a M shirt because I liked how it looked, but I thought wouldn't I be a poser since I don't own a M series. Of course I saw a really cool looking BMW gift set that has a key chain, money clip and business card holder but they all have the BMW logo. Do I really want to buy it just because it has the BMW rotunda?

[Terry Newton]

I think branding is great. There are brands that you automatically think of quality when you hear it's name. An example is the very watch we wear and talk about here primarily: ROLEX . I hear the names like: Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Nakamichi, Polk, Bose, Montblanc, Dell Computers, Honda Lawn Mowers, Sony Televisions, etc. and I think; quality.

Why? Because of the jealousy protected brand name. A name that has a set of principles and values behind it which protect it and put it out there for all to see and associate it with; quality.

I'm not rich by any means so I work hard to buy things that I know and trust are going to last. If a brand let's me down I don't go down that path again. An example is a lawn mower that I bought several years ago which was a Toro. I had always heard good things about them and decided to get one of the Personal Pace ones. That is a mower that is supposed to keep up with the walker. For me that was a great idea, if it worked, as I walk extremely fast. The mower turned out to be a hunk of junk and I have never bought another one. I have bought Honda Lawn Mowers since and have been extremely satisfied with the motors on them. They will last what seems like forever as they are so well built.

I have no problem with branding and look at it as a good means of judging value and protecting the money I work hard for.

My .02 cents.

Terry Newton

[vh_bu98]

I was thinking of branding along the line of a name. We can all agree that Rolex makes high quality watches, so most of us don't mind purchasing a Rolex watch. But how about when Rolex brands other items such as shirts, hats and etcetera? Obviously Rolex doesn't make these items directly even though they carry the name. What are the thoughts of these branded items? And how about a person who doesn't own a Rolex, but wears a Rolex shirt or hat? Does that make them a poser or an enthusiast?

[oneillba]

I have no problem with branding. Sometimes I wonder why people buy products with the brand on them, essentially paying the company to advertise for them. While I really wonder, I've purchased items with company logos on them personally, because I like to be associated with that brand. Who knows why. There are corporate types that stay up late at night thinking how to "get us".. Welcome to the madness.

[Ashley]

Personally, I would not buy an item just because it had a certain logo on it. And by that, I mean an item that the brand does not represent. i.e. A keychain with a Mercedes logo on it. I'll definitely take the car itself, but not any of the knock-off items the company sells solely as extra profit.
However... if it's a beautiful purse that is made by Burberry, or some amazing shoes from Christian Laboutin, I am all for it!

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

I think branding is great. There are brands that you automatically think of quality when you hear it's name. An example is the very watch we wear and talk about here primarily: ROLEX . I hear the names like: Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Nakamichi, Polk, Bose, Montblanc, Dell Computers, Honda Lawn Mowers, Sony Televisions, etc. and I think; quality.

Why? Because of the jealousy protected brand name. A name that has a set of principles and values behind it which protect it and put it out there for all to see and associate it with; quality.

I'm not rich by any means so I work hard to buy things that I know and trust are going to last. If a brand let's me down I don't go down that path again. An example is a lawn mower that I bought several years ago which was a Toro. I had always heard good things about them and decided to get one of the Personal Pace ones. That is a mower that is supposed to keep up with the walker. For me that was a great idea, if it worked, as I walk extremely fast. The mower turned out to be a hunk of junk and I have never bought another one. I have bought Honda Lawn Mowers since and have been extremely satisfied with the motors on them. They will last what seems like forever as they are so well built.

I have no problem with branding and look at it as a good means of judging value and protecting the money I work hard for.

My .02 cents.

Terry Newton

hmm...good info, Terry! i need a mower, thanks.
ahh, yes, to the point: what was it again?
ahem: i think branding of t-shirts and the like is a marketing tool, so I try not to market a company's products for them; people see celebrities who are making big $$ wearing their logos on clothing or posing in cars or ski slopes(you name it). Somehow, it makes people feel important or a member of an 'elite' group. I just don't want to be part of it. As ponted out above, however, branding also serves to identify either a quality product or service or the lack thereof...for example, Marriott, or Four Seasons, Mercedes, and Rolex. Mixed bag. No Rolex Shirts for me, speaking strictly for myself and not criticizing anyone who choses to wear that stuff.
best,
dan

[Terry Newton]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

I was thinking of branding along the line of a name. We can all agree that Rolex makes high quality watches, so most of us don't mind purchasing a Rolex watch. But how about when Rolex brands other items such as shirts, hats and etcetera? Obviously Rolex doesn't make these items directly even though they carry the name. What are the thoughts of these branded items? And how about a person who doesn't own a Rolex, but wears a Rolex shirt or hat? Does that make them a poser or an enthusiast?

OK, I missed the point .

I do not wear T-shirts with a brand on it. You're right = POSER!

Terry Newton

[seantk]

I like branding. I wear Harley-Davidson Tshirts and hats quite often

I would not wear a Rolex shirt or hat as I do not want to draw unnecessary attention to what I wear on my wrist

Sean

[vh_bu98]

I agree that wearing or displaying products with a brand on it is advertisement, but is that a bad thing?

Wife and I just went to a concert yesterday and she picked up a 3 Doors Down t-shirt. We usually pick-up a t-shirt at concerts as a memoribilla. She did the same when we were in Austin and went on a Segway tour. She liked the design. I picked up shirts and hats at Whistler and Tahoe. I usually purchase these branded items because I like the design and it appeals to me.

And to be honest, I find branding adds character to the item. I find the idea of wearing plain t-shirts with nothing on them boring.

[Scarface]

Branding is not bad branding is great I earn my bread and butter from this activity

[rainman_16]

Originally Posted by Scarface

Branding is not bad branding is great I earn my bread and butter from this activity

I was just about to say the same thing

Television advertising does work

[Incurable]

Oh yes, bad... very, very bad.

[East Bay Rider]

I think we all look pretty good

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I think we all look pretty good

Has anyone commented on the caps when worn outside?

[Lisa]

I dunno - I guess it's kinda whatever floats your boat. I'm not consistent in flaunting brand names. Back in my bicycling days I loved wearing t-shirts with Shimano or Specialized on them, and I had a few decals of bike-related stuff on my car windows. But I would never wear a purse, for example, with the designer's name printed all over it. And I really tire of seeing all the "OU" (University of Oklahoma) stuff around here. I don't have the decal of my daughters' school on my car window becase I don't want to advertise where my kids go to school. I like the Rolex-engraved rehaut (but who else can see that, anyway?) but wouldn't really want to wear a t-shirt with the Rolex logo. I think I'd be happy to sport a brand that's nich-ey and shows that I have a special interest, rather than to show that I spent a load on a purse.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Has anyone commented on the caps when worn outside?

I always wear a baseball hat. Usually it's Red Sox but my neighbor saw me wearing that Rolex one and commented. It's in semi-retirement now as part of my beginner collection of Rolex stuff.

[Lisa]

A thought on the Rolex caps - would it be possible to make your own? My mom-in-law has a fancy-schmancy sewing machine with embroidery programming. I guess there are copyright concerns...?

[mdtddd2007]

Branding. For me shows what I like. So I 'll buy and wear. Nothing to really show off.

[hienpham04]

When I liked the design, the brand is appreciated as well.

[Terry Newton]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I dunno - I guess it's kinda whatever floats your boat. I'm not consistent in flaunting brand names. Back in my bicycling days I loved wearing t-shirts with Shimano or Specialized on them, and I had a few decals of bike-related stuff on my car windows. But I would never wear a purse, for example, with the designer's name printed all over it. And I really tire of seeing all the "OU" (University of Oklahoma) stuff around here. I don't have the decal of my daughters' school on my car window becase I don't want to advertise where my kids go to school. I like the Rolex-engraved rehaut (but who else can see that, anyway?) but wouldn't really want to wear a t-shirt with the Rolex logo. I think I'd be happy to sport a brand that's nich-ey and shows that I have a special interest, rather than to show that I spent a load on a purse.

Fabulous Lisa. I didn't know you were a cyclist. Awesome .

You don't ride anymore? There are a lot of us spandex gurus here. Cool.

Terry Newton