Mass Customization
Is mass customization the wave of the future? Why or why not?
Mass customization is the wave of the future, but not for everything. People want to be unique and express themselves with products they use. Think Dell: You can get a computer with just about any configuration in just about any color. Apple just rolled out iPhones available in multiple colors. I know I'm willing to pay more for something that I can customize to my ideal liking, and I'm not alone. When getting bank checks printed using a person's own photo(s) was finally available, and it cost more in the beginning, I immediately jumped at the chance to have my favorite pictures on my checks. Companies like SkinIt allow customers to order phone and tablet cases with any photo or graphic. The item is created and shipped in just days. I know from personal experience. I use them all the time. This sort of self-expression has become mainstream and there is a lot of money to be made in having the customization options available.
What types of products are likely to be never customized? Why?
Products that will most likely never be customized are those with relatively short shelf lives and low costs. Food products such as cereal or juice would be too costly to customize. Although you can order these things with customization such as for a wedding or gift, I don't believe it will ever be a normal purchase.
Mass customization is the wave of the future, but not for everything. People want to be unique and express themselves with products they use. Think Dell: You can get a computer with just about any configuration in just about any color. Apple just rolled out iPhones available in multiple colors. I know I'm willing to pay more for something that I can customize to my ideal liking, and I'm not alone. When getting bank checks printed using a person's own photo(s) was finally available, and it cost more in the beginning, I immediately jumped at the chance to have my favorite pictures on my checks. Companies like SkinIt allow customers to order phone and tablet cases with any photo or graphic. The item is created and shipped in just days. I know from personal experience. I use them all the time. This sort of self-expression has become mainstream and there is a lot of money to be made in having the customization options available.
What types of products are likely to be never customized? Why?
Products that will most likely never be customized are those with relatively short shelf lives and low costs. Food products such as cereal or juice would be too costly to customize. Although you can order these things with customization such as for a wedding or gift, I don't believe it will ever be a normal purchase.