Snap-on Incorporated,
headquartered in San Jose, California, is the leading developer and
manufacturer of tools and diagnostic equipment for the professional
automotive technician.
Snap-on has
been a DRB client since 1990. DRB works on the Scanner product
line, a hand held diagnostic tool. DRB introduced the tool in 1990 and
has launched several versions of the Scanner and other Snap-on product
lines for the past eleven years.
DRB Services:
Advertising, Packaging, Media Relations
Challenge:
To launch the
Scanner and establish the market for a hand-held diagnostics tool
in the automotive aftermarket.
Strategy:
DRB launched
the initial Scanner with advertising focused on education and practical
information of value to the technician. Spread ad formats were used
consisting of a single page, 4-color product ad, and an adjacent single
page, 2-color advertorial, highlighting specific repair
tips and information.
Press releases,
Scanner demonstrations and regular updates of press contacts helped
to maintain effective press relationships
Introduced the
Scanner and established market acceptance for the hand-held, all-purpose
diagnostics tool
Created demand
for the Scanner from technicians and mechanics by educating them on
how to use the Scanner to improve their shops bottom line
Established strong internal
marketing/training to ensure product acceptance and promotion by independent
dealers (Snap-on trucks)
Developed a free training
video on how to use the Scanner that was distributed with the product
Generated press releases
that were distributed to key editors and sent the Scanner to editors
for their evaluation and use
Designed and produced
contemporary packaging to distinguish the product
Provided sales messages
for the dealer and reinforced advertising
Utilized satisfied customer
stories to reinforce the value of the product to the technician in terms
of their investment, and Snap-ons commitment to the automotive
aftermarket
Results:
Successful penetration
of the automotive aftermarket and strong initial acceptance of the Scanner
as a viable option to more expensive, dedicated equipment
Feature articles in key
trade publications legitimized the marketplace for hand-held scan tools
in general, with the Snap-on Scanner being established as the tool
of choice (Today, the Scanner is the #1 Scan tool in the automotive
aftermarket and is even used at the factory/dealership level).
Video and training materials
created by DRB have successfully educated technicians on the ease of
use of the product, and stimulated product exposure resulting in increased
demand for the Scanner at the dealer level
DRBs product packaging
has reinforced the Scanner product value and offered aggressive discount
programs, creating unparalleled dealer support and promotion in the
field
DRB continues to place
appropriate articles in key trade publications for the purpose of educating
the marketplace and maintaining the Scanner as the tool-of-choice,
thereby strengthening Snap-ons position as the market leader.