So as criticism of the market economy loses its steam, criticism of marketing that helps sell these products has heated up. Advertising critics often disregard the important consumer benefits of advertising. Here is just a sample of how consumers gain knowledge from advertising that helps them make more informed decisions. That new cereal packed with fiber and dried fruits may sound like just the thing for the kids' healthy breakfast. Gives a picture in concrete terms of the advantages of specific products, which helps consumers make decisions about what product may be best for them an anti-histamine for allergies that doesn't cause drowsiness, for example.
Competition is real when people know their alternatives.
The superior or more economical product that no one knows about will benefit few consumers. Compares attributes of one product with another similar one, so that consumers can learn about improvements or innovations that may make a product more attractive or suitable for them. Burger King used this technique in comparing its flame-broiled Whopper to McDonalds' fried Big Mac. Encourages product improvement and innovation among competitors, which can lead to lower prices for consumers. Once an innovative product becomes popular, other companies follow the lead and may offer price incentives to switch to their product.