This article provides a detailed response to: How do emerging trends in consumer behavior impact Make vs. Buy decisions in product development and marketing? For a comprehensive understanding of Make or Buy, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Make or Buy best practice resources.
TLDR Emerging consumer trends in sustainability, personalization, and digital/omnichannel experiences significantly impact Make vs. Buy decisions, influencing product development and marketing strategies to align with consumer expectations.
Emerging trends in consumer behavior significantly influence the Make vs. Buy decisions in product development and marketing. These decisions are critical as they directly impact an organization's ability to innovate, maintain competitive advantage, and align with consumer expectations. Understanding these trends helps organizations decide whether to develop capabilities in-house or outsource them to meet market demands effectively.
Impact of Sustainability and Ethical Consumption
One of the most prominent trends affecting Make vs. Buy decisions is the growing consumer emphasis on sustainability and ethical consumption. Consumers are increasingly favoring products that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced. According to a report by Accenture, a significant portion of consumers globally are more likely to purchase from companies that demonstrate sustainability credentials. This shift in consumer behavior compels organizations to reconsider their product development and marketing strategies. For instance, an organization might decide to make its products in-house to ensure control over the supply chain, guaranteeing that all materials are sourced ethically and processes are environmentally friendly. Alternatively, companies might buy from suppliers who can prove their commitment to sustainability, thus aligning the product with consumer expectations without the need for in-house development.
Real-world examples include companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's, which have built their brand identity around sustainability and ethical practices. These organizations often opt to make critical components of their products to maintain strict quality and ethical standards, demonstrating how Make vs. Buy decisions are influenced by consumer trends towards sustainability.
Moreover, marketing strategies are also impacted as organizations choose to highlight their sustainable practices and ethical sourcing in their campaigns. This not only requires a deep understanding of what consumers value but also necessitates that organizations have genuine sustainability practices in place, which can influence whether they decide to develop these capabilities internally or partner with external entities that align with their values.
Explore related management topics: Supply Chain Consumer Behavior
Technological Advancements and Personalization
Technological advancements have led to increased consumer expectations for personalized products and experiences. According to Deloitte, personalization can significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions, with a large percentage of consumers expressing a preference for personalized products or services. This trend pushes organizations to adopt more sophisticated technologies in product development and marketing to cater to individual consumer needs. The Make vs. Buy decision becomes crucial here as organizations must decide whether to invest in in-house technologies and capabilities to offer personalized products or services or to collaborate with external partners who specialize in these technologies.
For example, Nike has leveraged technology to offer personalized shoes through its Nike By You platform, allowing consumers to design their sneakers. This level of personalization requires significant in-house capabilities in both technology and manufacturing, showcasing a strategic Make decision influenced by consumer demand for personalization.
In marketing, personalization trends necessitate advanced data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to tailor communications and offers to individual consumers. Organizations might opt to buy these technologies from specialized vendors to quickly adapt to market demands, illustrating how consumer trends towards personalization affect Make vs. Buy decisions in both product development and marketing strategies.
Explore related management topics: Customer Relationship Management Data Analytics
Shift Towards Digital and Omnichannel Experiences
The shift towards digital and omnichannel experiences is another consumer trend profoundly impacting Make vs. Buy decisions. With the rise of e-commerce and digital platforms, consumers expect seamless experiences across all channels. A PwC survey highlights that omnichannel shopping has become the new normal, with consumers valuing the ability to switch seamlessly between physical and digital shopping channels. This trend challenges organizations to integrate their operations and marketing strategies across multiple platforms effectively. The decision to develop in-house digital capabilities or to buy/lease technology solutions from external providers is critical in ensuring a cohesive omnichannel experience.
Companies like Target and Walmart have invested heavily in their in-house digital transformation to create seamless omnichannel experiences, indicating a strategic decision to make these capabilities internally. These investments allow for better control over the consumer experience, from online shopping to in-store pickups.
On the marketing front, creating a unified brand experience across all channels requires sophisticated digital marketing platforms and tools. Organizations may choose to buy these solutions from external providers to leverage their expertise and quickly adapt to the digital landscape, highlighting how the trend towards digital and omnichannel experiences influences Make vs. Buy decisions.
In conclusion, emerging trends in consumer behavior, such as sustainability, personalization, and the shift towards digital and omnichannel experiences, have a profound impact on Make vs. Buy decisions in product development and marketing. Organizations must carefully consider these trends and their implications to make strategic decisions that align with consumer expectations and ensure competitive advantage in the market.
Explore related management topics: Digital Transformation Competitive Advantage
Best Practices in Make or Buy
Here are best practices relevant to Make or Buy from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Make or Buy materials here.
Explore all of our best practices in: Make or Buy
Make or Buy Case Studies
For a practical understanding of Make or Buy, take a look at these case studies.
Defense Procurement Strategy for Aerospace Components
Scenario: The organization is a major player in the aerospace defense sector, grappling with the decision to make or buy critical components.
Make or Buy Decision Analysis for Professional Services Firm
Scenario: A professional services firm is grappling with increasing operational expenses and competitive pressures in the market.
Technology Acquisition Strategy for Professional Services Firm in Digital Space
Scenario: The organization, a global professional services provider specializing in digital transformation solutions, faces a pivotal decision in its growth trajectory—whether to build a proprietary platform to deliver its services or to acquire an existing platform.
Electronics Sector Make-or-Buy Decision Analysis
Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized electronics manufacturer specializing in consumer audio equipment.
Strategic Acquisition Plan for a Fintech in the Digital Payments Sector
Scenario: A leading fintech company specializing in digital payments is at a strategic crossroads, deliberating a make-or-buy decision to accelerate its product development and market penetration.
Strategic Make-or-Buy Decision Analysis for Metals Industry Leader
Scenario: A multinational firm in the metals industry faces critical Make-or-Buy decisions amidst fluctuating commodity prices and increasing global competition.
Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies
Related Questions
Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.
Source: Executive Q&A: Make or Buy Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024
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