Laptop fastest selling item on Gumtree "Laptops are one of the most requested and fastest selling items on gumtree," says Claire Cobbledick, head of marketing for Gumtree South Africa." South Africans are enjoying greater access to broadband via free wi-fi initiatives and urban hotspots, so it is no surprise that laptops and PCs are a hot commodity - particularly second hand ones. "Laptops are one of the most requested and fastest selling items on Gumtree," says Cobbledick. "There is constant churn in the category which is why it's important to price your second hand computer correctly To assist prospective buyers and sellers, Gumtree has created a laptop price checker that enables shoppers to quickly and easily determine which models are selling at which price. "The checker displays the average selling price of each model and allows you to drag your cursor along the pricing scale to determine the price point at which your laptop will sell the fastest," Cobbledick says. "for example, a Dell Inspiron's average selling price on gumtree is R4,195.26 but if you are willing to drop your price to R3815 you are guaranteed a very quick sale. of course, you could also choose to go for the maximum selling price, which is about R4600 according to the checker." The checker automatically draws Real-Time Information from the classifieds' site to determine what sellers are asking for their various laptops. "While pricing is obviously influenced by the condition and age of the item, as well as demand, it's a great guideline for shoppers and sellers. there is no need to overpay or under price if you have a holistic overview of the market - which has been tricky to establish in the second hand space until now!" Cobbledick advises customers to be careful when selling high-value electronics. "Never pay for an item until you've actually verified that it works as advertised and until you've physically received it. Meet in a public place such as a police station or a coffee shop and if possible, bring a friend with you. If you are receiving payment via EFT, make sure the funding has cleared in your account before handing over an item. We highly recommend using our preferred third party facilitator Shepherd, powered by Standard Bank, for high-value transactions or if you would like to have an item couriered. That way there is no need to meet in person and payment is guaranteed if the buyer accepts the item." Gumtree has also introduced price checkers for cellular phones, cars and properties. The laptop price checker can be viewed online. Source: https://techfinancials.co.za/2015/09/21/old-laptop-fastest-selling-item-on-gumtree/.

QUESTION 1 (20 Marks) E-marketing is the modern approach to the principle of direct marketing, with online marketing as its fastest growing form, with the digital age every business is using e-commerce and Gumtree is not an exception. Using the case study and other examples, discuss in detail ways in which companies can conduct online marketing. QUESTION 2 (20 Marks) 2.1. For most companies like Gumtree, the first step in conducting online marketing is to create a corporate and then a marketing website. B2B marketers also make good use of marketing websites. The key strategy is to create enough value and excitement to get customers to visit the websites. Describe the elements of an effective marketing web site like Gumtree. (10 marks)

2.2. Online marketing continues to offer both great promises and challenges for the future. Discuss the challenges and benefits of online marketing a firm like Gumtree is likely to face in the industry. (10 marks) QUESTION 3 (20 Marks) "Today's companies face their toughest competitor ever. To win in today's marketplace, companies must not just be able to manage their products or service, but also in managing customer relationship, identifying and assessing competitors". Assume you are the Chief Marketing Officer of a local airline company. Discuss the four-step process that you could use in assessing your firm competitors and various marketing strategies that could be used in order to remain competitive in the airline industry.

QUESTION 4 (20 Marks) In delivering high service quality, organisations must identify and close some certain gaps that causes unsuccessful service delivery. Using appropriate examples, identify and discuss the service quality gaps that can cause unsuccessful delivery in an organisation and how they be can closed effectively.

QUESTION 5 (20 Marks) As a newly appointed chief marketing manager of an international clothing brand. You have been approached to advise your company on the use of interactive marketing as a strategy for direct marketing. Critically explain interactive marketing as a strategy for direct marketing, in your discussion highlight the benefits and drawbacks of marketing.

QUESTION 6 (20 Marks) Differentiation is the key to a successful service brand. Assuming you are the marketing manager of "Protea Hotel "a five star hotel, discuss how you would develop a winning service