That same psychology applies to an array of merchandise in today's competitive marketing arena: products such as office equipment, consumer electronics, housewares, home appliances, sporting goods and transportation specialties. The difference in a product's appearance can make a world of difference in a customer's buying decision. Yet, thousands of these items -whole product categories - are still being vended to their potential markets as faceless look-alikes. They carry no discernable identity, no "brand outreach," no visual differentiation between one manufacturer or the other. With all other aspects of quality and value being equal, such items fall into the common commodity classification.
Herein lies a gold mine of opportunity that manufacturers are coming to realize: the opportunity to build a solid image of superior quality and a heightened degree of consumer appeal for their products through the addition of a unique surface decoration. Manufacturers are now placing greater emphasis on the final appearance of their products. As the final step in the manufacturing process - and a relatively easy one - an eye-exciting decorative coating is the company's final opportunity to trigger a purchase decision for its product at the point of sale.