The Marketing mix of Hewlett-Packard analyses the 7Ps of Hewlett-Packard, which includes the Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Physical Evidence, and Process of Hewlett-Packard. Hewlett-Packard is an American multinational corporation that deals exclusively in information technology products related to. Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded the company in 1939, and the headquarters of Hewlett Packard Company are located in California. Hewlett Packard operates a global program called the “Developer and Solution Partner Program” (DSPP) for system integrators, developers, and software vendors. Hewlett-Packard has become the largest manufacturer of PCs in the world, and it supplies its products to individuals and business enterprises. Some of its competitors are as follows.
- Lenovo
- Sony
About Hewlett Packard
- Type: Technology Company
- Industry: Information technology
- Founded: January 1, 1939
- Founders: Bill Hewlett and David Packard
- Headquarters: California and the United States
- Area served: Worldwide
- Key people: Enrique Lores, President and CEO
- Number of employees: Over 56,000
Table of Contents
Hewlett-Packard Product Strategy
Hewlett-Packard’s extensive and diverse product mix caters to customer segments and aspects of technology and computing needs for various consumer electronics products.
The new Product Mix of Hewlett Packard in 2024 is as follows (Source).
- Laptop and Desktop Computers: HP continues to innovate in the personal computing space with products like the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop PC, which combines the functionality of a laptop and a tablet. They also offer a range of desktop computers for personal and business use.
- Gaming Solutions: HP strongly focuses on gaming, with products like the OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop and various gaming monitors, providing high-performance hardware for gaming enthusiasts.
- Printers: HP’s product line includes a variety of printers, such as business printers, laser printers, inkjet printers, home printers, and large format plotter printers, catering to both home and office printing needs.
- Accessories and Peripherals: This includes a range of computer accessories such as monitors, docking stations, hubs, mice, keyboards, headsets, speakerphones, webcams, microphones, chargers, power adapters, and more.
- Ergonomic and Wireless Products: HP also focuses on ergonomic designs with products like the HP 960 Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard to improve user comfort and productivity.
- Earbuds and Audio Equipment: Their product mix includes audio equipment like the Poly Voyager Free 20 Earbuds, which offer high-quality sound and user comfort.
- Gaming Accessories: HP offers gaming gear like the HyperX Alloy Rise keyboard and various accessories tailored to enhance the gaming experience.
Hewlett-Packard Pricing Strategy
Hewlett Packard (HP) adopts a multifaceted pricing, sales services, hardware products, and marketing strategy that balances competitiveness with value creation in the technology market:
- Competitive Pricing: HP often employs pricing strategies to align with market norms, particularly in highly competitive segments like personal computing and printing.
- Value-Based Pricing: For advanced and specialized products, such as high-performance gaming laptops and enterprise solutions, HP likely uses value-based pricing, reflecting the added value and unique features of these products.
- Product Line Pricing: HP sets different price points within a product line to cater to varying customer needs and budgets, such as offering entry-level to high-end models in laptops and printers.
- Promotional Pricing: HP utilizes promotional pricing, including discounts and bundle offers, especially during critical sales periods like back-to-school seasons and holidays.
- Geographical Pricing: Given its global presence, HP may adjust its pricing strategies based on regional market conditions and customer purchasing power.
Hewlett-Packard Place Strategy
Hewlett-Packard (HP) employs marketing and online advertising strategies and a global program comprehensive place strategy to distribute and sell its products globally:
- Global Retail and Online Presence: HP products are available worldwide through a vast network of retail stores and e-commerce platforms, ensuring accessibility for a worldwide customer base.
- Partnerships with Third-Party Retailers and Distributors: HP collaborates with numerous third-party retailers and distributors, which allows for a wider distribution of its products and services.
- Direct Sales Channels: In addition to retail, HP utilizes direct sales channels, particularly for business and enterprise clients, offering tailored solutions and services.
- Strategic Location of Manufacturing Units: HP strategically places its manufacturing units across different regions to optimize production and supply chain efficiency.
- Localized Service and Support Centers: To support its products, HP maintains service and support centers in various countries, providing localized customer service and technical support.
Hewlett-Packard Promotion Strategy
Hewlett-Packard has launched an initiative, “One Voice,” to promote its brand name, image, service packages, and various personal computers and consumer electronics products. The company has used vehicles to flaunt and display its numerous products and services, which comprise a website arranged by business application.
Employees are encouraged to engage in topics such as networking resources, infrastructure technology, servers, networking, and storage. A “Trade-in is active where the consumer can trade old products with new products instead of discounts.
As promotional activities, some services are provided to individual customers for free within a period. Periodic discounts on many products and consulting services are announced as part of the company’s digital marketing strategy. Hewlett-Packard has formed many tie-ups and sponsorship deals with other technology vendors and companies.
It has sponsored the shirts of “Premier League Club” and also sponsored the “BMW Williams Formula 1” team and later “RenaultF1”. It has also acquired the naming rights for the HP Pavilion in San Jose.
Some Recent Video ads and Print ads for Hewlett-Packard are:
Hewlett-Packard People Strategy
When discussing the “People” aspect of Hewlett Packard’s (HP) service marketing mix, it’s essential to consider various elements contributing to how the company’s workforce directly impacts its service delivery and overall brand image. This aspect of the promotion and integration services mix focuses on employees, customer service, and the broader cultural implications within the organization. Here are some key points about the “People” component in HP’s service marketing and promotion mix here:
- Employee Expertise and Training: HP invests in comprehensive training programs to ensure they possess the technical expertise and soft skills to provide exceptional service. This includes product knowledge, customer service training, and ongoing professional development to keep pace with technological advancements.
- Customer-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes a customer-centric culture among its workforce. This means prioritizing customer needs and feedback in developing products and services and resolving any issues or concerns arising during the customer journey.
- Technical Support and Customer Service Teams: HP’s technical support and customer service teams play a crucial role in the service marketing mix. These teams are often the direct point of contact for customers, providing assistance, resolving issues, and enhancing customer satisfaction through professional and timely service.
- Global Workforce Diversity: HP values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce can bring many perspectives, ideas, and innovations. This diversity also reflects HP’s global customer base, enabling the company to understand better and meet the needs of customers from various cultures and backgrounds.
- Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: HP understands the link between employee and customer satisfaction. The company creates a positive work environment that motivates employees, fosters engagement, and reduces turnover. This includes recognition programs, career development opportunities, and initiatives to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Brand Ambassadors: Employees at HP are seen as brand ambassadors. Their behavior, professionalism, and engagement with customers and stakeholders reflect on the HP brand. The company encourages its employees to uphold its values and standards in every interaction, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: The emphasis on teamwork across different departments and functions within HP ensures that the company can deliver comprehensive solutions and services to its customers. This collaborative culture is crucial for innovation and for addressing complex customer needs.
- Leadership and Vision: Leadership at HP is pivotal in driving a customer-oriented culture. The company’s leaders are involved in strategic decision-making and championing initiatives that enhance service quality and customer satisfaction. Their vision for the company significantly influences how employees align their efforts toward achieving collective goals.
Hewlett-Packard Process Strategy
The “Process” aspect of the service marketing mix refers to the procedures, mechanisms, and flow of activities by which services are consumed. For Hewlett Packard (HP), this includes how their products, software vendors, hardware components, and services are delivered to the customer, the customer service experience, and the efficiency of their service operations. Here are key points regarding marketing mix of HP’s processes in their service marketing mix:
- Customer Engagement Channels: HP utilizes multiple channels to engage with customers, including online platforms, phone support, and in-person services at HP centers. This multichannel approach ensures accessibility and convenience for customers seeking support or information.
- Service Delivery System: HP has established a robust service delivery system that includes direct sales, partner networks, and digital platforms. This system ensures that customers, whether individual consumers or large enterprises, can easily purchase products and access services.
- After-Sales Support and Maintenance: HP provides comprehensive after-sales support, including warranties, maintenance services, and technical support. This process is crucial for customer satisfaction and loyalty, ensuring customers receive timely assistance and resolutions to their issues.
- Customer Feedback Mechanisms: The company has implemented mechanisms to collect and analyze customer feedback, such as surveys, social media monitoring, and customer review platforms. This feedback informs continuous improvement in service processes and product development.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: HP’s supply chain and logistics are optimized to ensure the timely delivery of products and services. This includes efficient inventory management, distribution networks, and partnerships with logistics providers to meet customer demands promptly.
- Online Services and Digital Transformation: HP offers various online services, including cloud solutions, software updates, and online support resources. The company’s focus on digital transformation has streamlined processes, making it easier for customers to access services and support.
- Customization and Personalization: HP provides options for customization and personalization of products and services, allowing customers to tailor their purchases to their needs. This process enhances customer satisfaction by delivering more relevant and targeted solutions.
- Security and Privacy: Processes related to data security and privacy are paramount at HP, especially given the increasing concerns around cybersecurity. HP ensures that customer data is protected through secure transactions and adherence to privacy regulations, building trust and confidence in their brand.
- Training and Development: HP invests in training and development for employees involved in service delivery. This ensures that staff know HP’s products and services and can provide effective and efficient customer service.
- Continuous Improvement: HP is committed to constantly improving its service delivery processes. By leveraging technology, feedback, and performance metrics, HP aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences over time.
Hewlett-Packard Physical Evidence Strategy
The “Physical Evidence” aspect of the service marketing mix refers to the environment in which a service is delivered, along with any tangible elements that facilitate the service or enhance the customer’s experience. For Hewlett Packard (HP), physical evidence in HP’s marketing strategies is crucial in reinforcing brand image, reassuring customers, and enhancing the overall service experience. Here are key points regarding HP’s physical evidence in their service marketing mix:
- Brand Identity and Design: HP’s logo, color scheme, and design aesthetics across its products and packaging serve as immediate visual identifiers of the brand. This consistent branding helps in building recognition and trust among customers.
- Retail and Service Centers: The design and layout of HP’s retail outlets and service centers are crafted to provide a welcoming and professional environment for customers. These physical locations are equipped with demonstration units, allowing customers to interact with products before purchasing.
- Website and Online Platforms: HP’s website and digital platforms serve as virtual physical evidence. They are designed for easy navigation, providing comprehensive information on products and services, customer support, and purchase options. The professionalism and functionality of these platforms reflect HP’s brand quality.
- Marketing Materials: Brochures, product datasheets, and promotional materials are designed with attention to detail, showcasing HP’s products and services attractively and informatively. These materials contribute to the customer’s perception of quality and professionalism.
- Packaging: HP’s product packaging is functional, protects products during shipping, is aesthetically pleasing, and is aligned with the company’s branding. Packaging often includes essential information about the product, enhancing the unboxing experience and providing immediate value to the customer.
- Customer Support and Documentation: Manuals, user guides, and support documentation are part of HP’s physical evidence, offering clear and helpful information to users. These materials are designed for readability and ease of use, supporting the customer’s journey from setup to troubleshooting.
- Workplace Environment: For B2B customers, the physical appearance of HP’s corporate offices and the professionalism of their environments can also serve as physical evidence. This includes the technology used in meetings (e.g., HP products), which showcases the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
- Product Quality and Design: The physical attributes of HP’s products—such as build quality, design, ergonomics, and user interface—indicate the brand’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. These elements contribute to the overall perception of value and reliability.
- Trade Shows and Events: HP’s presence at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events provides tangible experiences for attendees. HP reinforces its brand image and showcases its commitment to industry leadership through product demonstrations, interactive sessions, and visually appealing booths.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Physical evidence of HP’s CSR efforts, such as eco-friendly packaging, recycling programs, and community engagement activities, contribute to a positive brand image. These initiatives demonstrate HP’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, resonating with customers who value ethical business practices.
Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Marketing Mix