Somehow, I would begin with a big assumption that in next 10 years, the concept of cash does not exist and we use only plastic money. I guess we are not oblivious of the fact that plastic money is not anonymous. Every purchase we make can be traced.
Here is one weird thought which came to my mind last few months ago (after worked for e-Banking project, then this is what happens to you, day-dreamer !!!) Suppose Banks collude with the consumer products companies to share our purchase data (say, for a modest fee). Sample case: I go to Carrefour and buy a Crest Toothpaste (let say 1oo grams).
Now, P&G gets this information on their supercomputer (Mind you, they are getting millions of such information on their supercomputer) and they collate this with other data such as:
- I lived alone, I do not have any guest at my house at this point in time. That makes the number of end-consumers as 2.
- Based on historical data, it takes 33 days to consume this toothpaste tube.
- I never buy toothpaste in bulk and usually buy it when I need it. That way, consumption cycle would begin on day zero.
- They may also trace the RFID tag on the toothpaste tube which I am using NOW. The moment they see it in garbage can, they start the counter!
- Last toothpaste I bought was 32 days back!
When 25 days are over, I would start getting targeted ads on my emails and SMS to buy a new Crest Toothpaste. Worst case, if I go to Carrefour after 30 days or so from the initial purchase and buy Colgate this time, P&G gets after me!
They would start sending gift coupons and special discounts etc so that they can get this ONE lost consumer back from the competitors. Believe it or not, it is not so far-fetched. At this point, it may seem like a costly option but as technology becomes affordable, it may be possible after all to do such things on the aggregate. Taking a case of toothpaste may seem silly but consider the same with a car! There is so much which can be done.
Anyway, that was my sweet little fantasy! Please leave comments if you happen to have a similar one on some other product or service. It would be fun to collate them and publish a book of sorts...
But for sure - I have someone already that won't change till end of my life...Anita.
Here is one weird thought which came to my mind last few months ago (after worked for e-Banking project, then this is what happens to you, day-dreamer !!!) Suppose Banks collude with the consumer products companies to share our purchase data (say, for a modest fee). Sample case: I go to Carrefour and buy a Crest Toothpaste (let say 1oo grams).
Now, P&G gets this information on their supercomputer (Mind you, they are getting millions of such information on their supercomputer) and they collate this with other data such as:
- I lived alone, I do not have any guest at my house at this point in time. That makes the number of end-consumers as 2.
- Based on historical data, it takes 33 days to consume this toothpaste tube.
- I never buy toothpaste in bulk and usually buy it when I need it. That way, consumption cycle would begin on day zero.
- They may also trace the RFID tag on the toothpaste tube which I am using NOW. The moment they see it in garbage can, they start the counter!
- Last toothpaste I bought was 32 days back!
When 25 days are over, I would start getting targeted ads on my emails and SMS to buy a new Crest Toothpaste. Worst case, if I go to Carrefour after 30 days or so from the initial purchase and buy Colgate this time, P&G gets after me!
They would start sending gift coupons and special discounts etc so that they can get this ONE lost consumer back from the competitors. Believe it or not, it is not so far-fetched. At this point, it may seem like a costly option but as technology becomes affordable, it may be possible after all to do such things on the aggregate. Taking a case of toothpaste may seem silly but consider the same with a car! There is so much which can be done.
Anyway, that was my sweet little fantasy! Please leave comments if you happen to have a similar one on some other product or service. It would be fun to collate them and publish a book of sorts...
But for sure - I have someone already that won't change till end of my life...Anita.
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