The competition has introduced a new model which is very appealing. It costs a bit more, but offers a lot of attractive features that the old model just can't match.It is more family friendly. It gets better fuel economy and offers the same power. It is gaining popularity by the day.
The advertising department has tried everything. They run ads saying that the new truck is "all show and no go". They run false commercials saying that the new engine is not as powerful and that the truck will cost you more than it actually does. Yet, anybody who goes to the competing showroom for a test drive buys one! .Sales at the old dealership are falling fast. It's almost over.
THEN, the general manager gets a great idea! He takes the tired old truck design and paints a giant American Flag graphic on the side. He puts chrome wheels on them and a snappy gun rack in the window.
The sad fact is that this sort of advertising does work. The new TV ads have the Mom saying that this truck has a dependable history and that you can't "trust" the newer design! The new truck is un-American because it doesn't display the flag! The new truck is selling better in Europe, so it can't be as good for you! The new truck is too "preppy" because wealthy celebrities drive them! And of course, It costs too much!
In the end, it's the consumer who loses in this scenario, because they let advertising tricks and snappy new salespeople sell them the same old crap.
There's a saying in the south: If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig! A pit bull with lipstick is still an ugly dog.
