To understand the marketing concept, ii is only necessary to understand the difference between marketing and selling. Not too many years ago, most industries concentrated primarily on the efficient production of goods, and then relied on "persuasive salesmanship" to move as much of these goods as possible. Such production and selling focuses on the needs of the seller to produce goods and then convert them into money.
Marketing, on the other hand focuses on the wants of consumers. It begins with first analyzing r.he preferences and demands of consumers and then producing goods that will satisfy them. This eye-on-the-consumer approach is known as the marketing concept which simply means that instead of trying to sell whatever is easiest to produce or buy for resale, the makers and dealers first endeavor to find out what the consumer wants to buy and then go about making it available for purchase.
This concept does not imply that business is benevolent (慈善的) or that consumer satisfaction is given priority over profit in a company. There are always two sides to every business transaction-the firm and the customer-and each must be satisfied before trade occurs. Successful merchants and producers, however, recognize that the surest route to profit is through understanding and catering to customers. A striking example of the importance of catering to the consumer presented itself in mid-1985, when Coca Cola changed the flavor of its drink. The non acceptance of the new flavor by a significant portion of the public brought about a prompt restoration of the Classic Coke, which was then marketed alongside the new. King Customer ruled!
1.The marketing concept discussed in the passage is, in essence_________.
A) a form of persuasive salesmanship
B) the customer-centred approach
C) making goods available for purchase
D) the practice of turning goods into money
2.What was the main concern of industrialists before the marketing concept was widely accepted?
A) The needs of the market.
B) The preferences of the dealer,
C) The efficiency of production.
D) The satisfaction of the user.
3.According to the passage, "to move as much of these goods as possible"(Line 3, Para.l} means________.
A) to redesign these goods for large-scale production
H) to transport goods as efficiently as possible
C) to sell the largest possible amount of goods
D) to dispose of these goods in large quantities
4.What does the restoration of the Classic Coke best illustrate?
A) Products must be designed to suit the taste of the consumer.
B) Consumers with conservative tastes are often difficult to please.
C) It takes time for a new product to be accepted by the public.
D) Traditional goods have a stronger appeal to the majority of people.
5.In discussing the marketing concept, the author focuses on_______________.
A) its social impact
B) its theoretical basis
C) its possible consequence
D) its main characteristic