3 Random Observations from Last Week.

Random Observation #1

Restoration Hardware and their 12 pounds of catalog

There are most likely hundreds of UPS drivers nursing sore backs, thanks to Restoration Hardware and their heavily shrink-wrapped package of (9) catalogs–weighing in at a ghastly 12 pounds, per household. I am guessing that the Sears Wish Book of yesteryear was merely a postal David, compared to this direct-mail Goliath.

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Maryland's State flag. Top of the fluttering heap.

Random Observation #2

From a visual branding standpoint, Maryland’s State flag has reached the apex of the 50 candidates. The striking design has the application flexibility build into its soul.

Jeeps

Cleats

Planes

Uniforms

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Random Observation #3

As a newly minted member of the Dollar Shave Club–where each month (or 2) you receive an environmentally friendly package of razor blades–that drastically undercut the gigantically priced Gillettes and Schicks of the facial follicle world. As an add-on, I recently included a 3 oz. tube of Dr. Carver’s Shave Butter with my order. Great stuff! It has been over 50 years since my cheeks have felt so smooth.

According to the Homeland Security website, “You are allowed to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per container.” 

For some reason, while being scanned and probed at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (which proudly flies the Maryland State flag), my tube of Dr. Carver’s was confiscated by TSA authorities, who claimed that it was 6.0 ounces–or 2.6 ounces over the legal limit. I might have questioned decision but was anxious to catch my New England-bound flight and wasn’t up to spilling my guts regarding any other potential TSA over sites–that would eventually make their way to my permanent record

Simple mathematical error by the TSA official? 

Perhaps. 

However, I am thinking that Dollar Shave Club may be suffering the effects of a conspiracy orchestrated by shaving’s “Big 2”. I promise to keep you posted. –Doug.

Confessions of a Mobile App Speed-Dater: One Night Stands with Online Brands

As with many ADD-riddled entrepreneurs and perfectionists, I very often find myself “on to the next thing”. This drives my wife crazy–but after nearly 30 years of marriage and two teenage boys with similar wiring, she just shakes her head and take a deep breath.

As someone who is strapped to a “flickering screen” nearly 26 hours a day, I have developed (and overcome) several online addictions. 

1. First it was font collecting. 
2. This was followed by the harvesting of music.
   Do you remember the challenges of finding particular songs and albums in the pre-iTunes/Napster world? I spent years searching for, “The Best of Louie, Louie”–scouring every used record store.
3. With the dawn of mobile devices, my latest obsession is online apps.

There are two categories of apps that offer the flickering metallic shine that quickly sucks me in.

1. GAMES
2. TO-DO LIST GENERATORS 

From a brand longevity standpoint, it is extremely interesting to watch new games emerge, ignite and then quickly burn out. Draw Something, Angry Birds, Words With Friends, Letterpress, Dots–I’ve been there and done that. 

Just today, I deleted Boom Beach in favor of its predecessor, Clash of Clans.*

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*BTW:
In researching this post, I now see that there are tactics and strategy guides now available for this particular online attack app. Suddenly my infatuation has begun drifting with the thoughts of the next new thing. In games, I am looking for entertainment–not an advanced degree requirement!

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I like To-Do Lists where you have little boxes that when selected, provide a nicely executed check mark and a pleasing sound. Todo, Any.DO, Wunderlist, and Clear have all appeared on my mobile device at one time or another. For the time being, the to-do list app of choice is Asana. Check back with me next week, my app stock rotates on a regular basis–one of the advantages to having limited space on my mobile devices.

What does this mean from a branding and marketing perspective? As in fishing, the more lines that you have in the water, the better your odds for a fresh fish dinner. There is a real challenge for app developers in creating brands that stand the test of time–or at least 3 months. With shelf-life that short, app love and marriage may require great time and effort. –Doug.

EYMER: Chevron’s pick for PitPack

Rack ready for installation in one of Havoline's xpress lube centers.

PitPack allows the Havoline xpress lube centers to quickly and efficiently replace your vehicle's motor oil.
 

So if you're any normal wine-sipping American consumer, you surely understand the concept of ‘wine in a box’.

In place of the traditional glass bottle with the foil and cork, Boxed wine, consists of: a plastic bladder, a handy spigot, a decorative cardboard box. And let us not forget the bucket full of fermented grape juice.

When you are a high-volume motor oil distributor–like one of Chevron/Havoline’s xpress lube centers, emptying quart can, after quart can of motor oil makes very little sense–for many different reasons.

Voila! This is where Havoline’s new, PitPack product enters! Motor oil in a box!

So, the next time that you are sitting in the pits awaiting an engine fluid exchange, ask your technician to show you the PitPack.

Soon, you will be the big shot–when you tell them that you know the firm that designed the product mark (logo).

EYMER BRAND Laboratories + Think Tank!

Then you wonder–what will they be working on next?