By Udofia Unyime
Customers and social media Influencers have taken advantage of the Slogan/Phrase “Customer is always right” to disseminate false, negative, defamatory and unverifiable remarks against reputable brands in Nigeria in the name of “Product Review”, and by so doing, tarnishing the product’s reputation and overall brand image.
The recent outcry from a first time customer over the amount of sugar contents in one of Erisco Foods Limited products, Nagiko Tomato paste, has been trending in all social media platforms across the country, and a debate has arisen in response to the step taken by the Brand owners to confront such a traumatic and damaging statement against the company.
While we acknowledged the fact that “Product Review” which is very significant in businesses and form part of strategic Management & Marketing decision making process, such evaluation by customers should be constructively verifiable and not harmful to the company.
Unlike the Consumer Protection Council, a regulatory agency to protect the Manufacturers/Producers/Companies rights also becomes imperative because of the irreparable damages/losses it might cost the owners of the company. Offenders should be brought to book and prosecuted in line with the law to serve as deterrent to others.
As law abiding citizens, we should refrain from engaging in any form of sponsored blackmail that will cause havoc to investors and further have negative impact on the economy.
As we struggle for market share, healthy competition among industry players is highly recommended and should be one of the core value of every brand.
There’s so much opportunity in the market place to sell your product.