Answer to Question #323137 in Management for godfrey

Question

Product features are often the focus of product differentiation efforts. Yet product features are among the easiest-to-imitate bases of product differentiation and thus among the least likely bases of product differentiation to be a source of sustained competitive advantage. Does this seem paradoxical to you? If no, why not? If yes, why yes, how can you resolve this paradox?

Answer 1

Yes, I consider this a valid paradox to many products. Arguably, certain product differentiation bases such as product features are easier to imitate and duplicate. However, there is a way many organizations tweak their products in order to maximize their profits.

To solve this paradox and stay competitive, companies need to take extra steps to convince their customers. This can be done by focusing on product differentiation features such as product customization, product complexity, product mix and linking with other firms. This steps can prove expensive to imitate therefore offering product design and qualities that other competitive products cannot produce.