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JJ New Product Development at PCH. Publishers Clearing House. PCH was founded in 1953 PCH’s name is synonymous with sweepstakes marketing In 1985 PCH started offering a wide range of merchandise to its customers In1999 pch.com was launched. Vision. Be a pioneer in the direct mail industry
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JJ New Product Development at PCH
Publishers Clearing House • PCH was founded in 1953 • PCH’s name is synonymous with sweepstakes marketing • In 1985 PCH started offering a wide range of merchandise to its customers • In1999 pch.com was launched
Vision • Be a pioneer in the direct mail industry • Convert pch.com to the PCH of the 21st century
What is a Stage-Gate Process ? A stage-gate process is a conceptual and operational road map for moving a new product project from idea to launch
Stage • It is a process where action occurs • The members of the project undertake keys task to gather information needed to advance the project to the next gate or decision point • Each stage costs more than the preceding one
Gate • Preceding each stage is a decision point or a gate which serves as a Go/Kill • Gate also provides funnel where mediocre projects are culled out • Gate deals with three quality issues • Quality of execution • Business Rationale • Quality of action plan
Discovery Stage • PCH has an ‘Idea Bank’, this bank is managed by the Product Development Group • Ideas are gathered from various departments within the company - - Marketing, Creative, Marketing Operations etc….
This is gate is also known as the gentle screen gate Is there a Market attractiveness for this new package ? Yes - - ‘GO’ ; No - - ‘Kill’ Can PCH develop this new product ? Do we have the resources ? Yes - - ‘GO’ ; No - - ‘Kill’ Any legal limitations to develop this new package ? No - - ‘Go’ ; Yes - - ‘Kill’ Gate 1 – Idea Screen
Stage 1 - Scoping • A focus group is conducted • Market research is also done • What other companies are doing to attract new customers ? • On what basis other companies are segmenting their customers also know what would prospective customers like to buy from PCH • Do we have the market to develop this new package ? • Do we have the resources available ? • Typically 30-45 days are spent on this stage
Gate 2 - Second Screen • Gate 2 has to pass the ‘must meet’ and ‘should meet’ criteria • Here the package is re-evaluated - - information from stage 1 is also discussed • What was the reaction of the focus group ? • If PCH received a positive reaction then – ‘Go’ if not – ‘Kill’ • Financial calculation are also touched here • Pay back period = 3 months ? 6 months ? If it is more than 6 months then – ‘Kill’ else ‘Go’
Stage 2 – Detailed Investigation • Here the customer needs are looked into • Do they want music related products ? Jewelry product or magazines ? • A target audience is also defined here • A business case is developed • What is the cost to manufacture ? • Financial calculations are looked in detail • Risk factors are also assessed during this process • Any specific geographic area to be mailed • Cross functional teams are involved - -Creative, Marketing, Marketing Operation and I.S.
Gate 3 - Decision to develop • This is the final gate prior to the development of the project • When should this package be mailed ? • Do we meet our budget ? If yes - - ‘Go’, No – ‘Kill’ • Do we have a timeframe for this project ? If yes - - ‘Go’ , No - - ‘Kill’ • Departments involved - - Purchasing, Marketing and Creative
Stage 3 - Development • Package specifics are discussed here - - Color of package, size, numbers of inserts, type of paper to be used, types of products to be promoted in the package • Volume to be mailed is decided during this stage, based on the volume purchasing orders for papers and other components for the package • Departments involved - -Creative, Purchasing, Products and Promotions
Gate 4 - Decision to test • Financial information is re-reviewed as there could be changes after the test package has been developed • For example: A particular color may cost more/less than other color • Are we still in plan with the budget ? Over budget ?
Stage 4 - Testing & Validation • A ‘Final Team Review’ meeting is conducted where marketing, purchasing , legal sign off the project • The departments involved go over the package one last time to ensure everything is according to plan - - proof read the copy, paper quality etc.….. • Finalize to launch and operational plans
Gate 5 - Go to launch • If the testing and validation is approved then go to launch else go back to Stage 4 and get ready for launch ASAP
Stage 5 - Launch • Full production • Deliver the package • Track orders • Fulfill orders • Post launch review (how did the package versus projections) • Learn from mistakes
Thank You ?s