Creating defensible competitive advantage and differentiation are something we’re all familiar with. Here’s one product that tries something a little different. I’ll give them points for trying, but really, how defensible is this?
Introducing Throx. The cure for the missing sock.Yes it’s short for “three socks”.
- 3 socks — for when you lose 1.
- 3 socks — for the price of 2.
- 3 socks — last longer than 2.
When I first saw all this, I thought, you’ve got to be kidding me. But, this is no joke. Throx is a real, AWARD WINNING product! And the guy who created this product, Edwin Heaven, is defined as an “inventor”. He was even on CNBC! Watch the video for yourself.
So where to begin?
First: “the cure for the missing sock”
Is this really that huge a problem? A sock goes missing or gets a hole in it, you buy another pair, or two! Who needs the hassle of keeping track of a spare sock?
Second: “3 socks for the price of 2”
Now that’s a defensible competitive advantage. Not!
Third: “3 socks last longer than 2”
Yeah, well 4 last longer than 3!
Fourth: The name: Throx
Sounds too much like “anthrax” and “pox”. Note to marketers. Don’t name your product something that sounds like a deadly chemical, a disease or an affliction. Anyone remember Ayds appetite suppressant. While named before the AIDS epidemic, the similar sounding name permanently damaged sales of the product once the disease spread.
So Throx, best of luck, but I don’t see a huge success in your future.
But just in case there is a market for “3 instead of only 2” products, I’m officially calling dibs on the following:
3 earrings aka Threerings ™
3 two-way radios aka Threekie Talkies ™
3 mitts aka Tri-Mitts ™
Note: the mitts are each designed with a patented reversible thumb slot so they can be worn on either hand!
And finally:
3 layer thick processed cheese slices (for those really indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches you always wanted, but never have the nerve to ask for) aka Fromage a Trois ™.
Sorry couldn’t resist that one.
Got suggestions for other numerically challenged products, leave a comment.
Saeed