Concept Testings
We help clients evaluate customer expectations and response prior to proposed product launch to gauge its reality, effectiveness and success so that necessary amends in product strategy can be undertaken.
Buying products online
As billions have warmed up to evaluating and buying products online, the Consumer Durables supply chain and communications have evolved alongside. This direct interaction has enabled Brands to listen to customers and act on game changer and criticism accordingly.
AGR’s consumer insights
AGR’s consumer insights and experience in the supply chain industry has been instrumental in key decisions by OEMs, Branding and Advertising companies and Investment firms.
Capabilities
- Concept Testing
- Partner Identification & Network Expansion
- Customer and Dealer Satisfaction
- Competitive Intelligence
- Market Assessment
- Social Media Services
- Customer Advocacy Score
- Branding and Advertising
- Market and Supply Chain Assessment
- Background Checks
- Others
Partner Identification & Network Expansion
With an existing strong rolodex of reputed business houses built over years of research, AGR can support OEMs in quickly identifying and shortlisting business partners in different countries across the world to grow market footprint. Our multi layered filtering methodology helps companies select best fit partners swiftly offering a shorter time to market.
Customer and Dealer Satisfaction
AGR uses two proprietary frameworks POSAT and Customer Advocacy Score to objectively assess satisfaction, dissatisfaction level of customers and distribution partners . It serves as not just diagnostic measure to identify root causes but prescriptive as well to facilitate roll out of appropriate remedial measures to win the perception battle. The framework covers competition to enable objective benchmarking across functions so that effective steps can be taken to identify irate, retain and also win back lost customers.
Competitive Intelligence
By keeping a close track of stakeholders and actions taken by competition, we help clients Decipher Operational and Strategic Plans of Competition so counteractive measures can be drawn to wrest higher market share.
Market Assessment
We have a strong understanding of the sector to conduct in depth opportunity assessment across markets. AGR can support OEMs and Component manufacturers in making informed decision on entry strategy whether for a new market, product category or aftermarket.
Social Media Services
Using proprietary artificial intelligence tool, we scroll and analyze scores of digital medium conversations to obtain unparalleled insights, trends and perceptions from wide section of users and non- users of a given brand vis-à-vis competing brand. Coupled with Human intelligence, we are able to draw actionable insights for OEMs.
Customer Advocacy Score
Our comprehensive CAS studies assess brand awareness and gauge customer loyalty for the top consumer brands and reasons for recommendations. The module attempts to assess expectations of customers from Consumer Product Segment, Industry Trends and Challenges which will shape future demand scenario.
Branding and Advertising
Linguistic Checks –We undertake linguistics checks to ensure the brand name and phonetics is in conformance with the cultural, religious, regional and political sentiments and ethos of consumers worldwide.
Brand Perception: We believe customers’ perception is client’s reality. We study various facets of the brand, its personality and positioning and detect disconnect if the promise is not in sync with customer’s expectation. The study helps brand owners reconnect with users well to increase market share.
Customer Journey Map: We study the entire experience of customer’s journey starting from awareness to final selection stage to obtain insights on preferences, influencers, evaluation criteria and defining moments during their decision making process
Market and Supply Chain Assessment
Investment companies need to understand competitive strength of companies before investing. AGR, with numerous studies covering the Supply Chain Dynamics in the consumer durables industry is able to provide an accurate market assessment required for investment evaluation.
Background Checks
In the global economy, the difference between a good and a poor decision is often background information. AGR helps clients Rigorous Background and Reputation Check. Our background research helps provide the context and information necessary for making informed decisions.
Others
Raw Material and Component Usage Predictions.
Assignment Examples
Customer Journey Map
AGR conducted an extensive brand perception & journey mapping in branded windows category for a leading UPVC windows manufacturer
Brand Perception
Conducted consumer perception and customer satisfaction to help a premium consumer brand transition in smart living segment
Brand Positioning
Assessed the current brand proposition in one product category to support frame new hypothesis for brand transition in a new category.
Linguistic Check
Conducted linguistic check for a leading battery manufacturer to support launch a new brand globally.
Supply Chain Intelligence
Conducted distribution and supply chain practices of competition to benchmark and improve the practices of a leading home durables brand manufacturer.
Knowledge Center
- Market study to help a printing company
- Market opportunity assessment
- Home Solutions Products
- Consumer appliance product
- Partner Identification
Market study to help a printing company diversify into printed electronics for consumer durables
CHALLENGE
- The company, a leading player of decals in the automotive sector was keen to diversify into printed electronics
- The company had the investment capability and superior printing technologies but had never forayed into the consumer durables market
APPROACH
- The AGR team had to identify the printed electronics technologies in Taiwan and China in the consumer durable segments
- A range of durables namely refrigerators, microwave ovens, televisions and washing machines were researched wrt to their market sizes, key players, imports, manufacturing locations along with a host of other details
- The intricate global value chain of the durable companies had to be understood in order to identify the decision makers, influencers and finally that point in the chain where the purchase orders were getting placed for flexible printed electronics
VALUE DELIVERED
- The company not only has a detailed understanding of the durables market and its supply chain but also has used the leads we generated to connect with the key stakeholders
- The technology has been procured and experts have been roped in to start pilot production
Market opportunity assessment for infant feeding and weaning products in India & South East Asia
CHALLENGE
- For one of its potential investments in a baby products manufacturer, the client was evaluating market growth opportunities in India and South East Asia
- The company further wanted to prioritise the markets based on various considerations and identify potential partners in the target markets
APPROACH & MATHODOLOGY
- The project design included market sizing, segmentation, growth prospects, value chain mapping, competitive scenario and studying regulations, including tariffs
- AGR conducted in-depth telephonic interviews across various market actors across the value chain, including market and industry experts to validate the key findings
- AGR identified key success parameters in the industry such as product customization, pricing, availability in various retail touch points and brand value in childcare segment, for the target geographies
- We also identified key prospects (using AGR’s Partner Assessment Framework), with whom the brand could potentially partner with to expand its business presence; some of them capable of handling not just one but multiple South East Asian countries
VALUE DELIVERED
- Basis the opportunities’ scan, AGR team helped the client team in identifying the key markets and consequent market entry imperatives
- AGR provided the client with a detailed understanding of the key markets as well as challenges therein, enabling them to undertake an important investment decision
Research to analyse consumer perception of a premium Home Solutions Products
CHALLENGE
- One of the global players in the Indian Home Solutions sector wanted to penetrate further and improve its brand perception
- Competition was intense and the brand had no direct connect with end consumers
APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
- Avalon conducted a detailed brand assessment survey with over 800 interviews across key cities (Metros & Tier 1), to help chart a brand development strategy
- The study focused on understanding the buying behaviour and the complete buying experience process, including purchase needs, information seeking, choosing brands and after sales
- Assessed the current brand awareness and satisfaction with the client’s products & services
- Interviewed dealer partners to understand their expectations and also disconnect
Research to analyse consumer perception and satisfaction of a consumer appliance product
CHALLENGE
- One of the oldest player in the Indian Consumer Appliance sector and leader in one product category was looking to extend leadership in another product category
- Client’s leadership position in existing category did not lend any advantage in new category. Competition was intense and customer expectations meant need for major transformation in product development and positioning
- Client was keen to test various brand positioning hypothesis to derive premium value
APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
- AGR stepped in to set up offshore multi-skill hub with required resources in MumbaiAGR conducted brand perception study interviewing over 100 channel partners and 600 consumers to understand the customer satisfaction, current experience and current brand perception
- AGR tested new product proposition with consumers and channel partners to understand their views and relevance of hypothesis
VALUE DELIVERED
- The report helped the client understand the functions which needed overhaul to support brand transition in the new product category
- The hypothesis checks also revealed the need for emphasis on certain product features to position the product in the premium category
Partner Identification for a leading Japanese manufacturer of vacuum flask and thermal insulating lunch box in India
CHALLENGE
- Japanese manufacturer wanted to evaluate distribution structure and build a universe of potential partners (distributors) for vacuum flask and thermal insulating lunch box in selected metro cities of India
- There are multiple distribution models practiced in India for retail market. Every model requires manufacturers to make a trade-off between the degree of control and their reach
- Choosing the right distribution model or combination of models – and managing the channels carefully are therefore the key to succeeding in India’s complex retail environment
APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
- Potential partners were identified by AGR through a mix of desk research and existing repository
- AGR conducted 20 face-to-face interviews with Distributors/Dealers, Wholesalers, Importers, Manufacturers and Modern retailers across 3 metro cities in India
- Distribution practices for domestic/imported products across traditional, modern retail and e-commerce was documented through open ended discussions
VALUE DELIVERED
- Premium brands (both domestic and imported) for vacuum flask and thermal insulating lunch box were identified, distribution models and its share by type of retail segments was identified
- Premium brands in product segments, premium brand characteristics, high demand SKUs, seasonality in demand, most practiced distribution model for traditional and modern retail, commercial terms, etc. helped Japanese manufacture to choose correct distribution model for entry in India
- Potential distributors willing to work with Japanese manufacturer were short listed and initial meetings were arranged by AGR