Sunday, October 19, 2014

Taking Advantage of Ebola

Although a deadly virus that could potentially wipe out various parts of the globe, Ebola has one advantage. Marketers can potentially make money off of the virus. One entrepreneur has already created a website selling Ebola prevention suits, and he has already doubled his investment.

This clever businessman is Drew Pearson, and he is currently making a descent wage off of Americans’ fears. He claims the company is legitimate, but I can’t imagine people are going to be walking around in public with these suits anytime soon. I also have a feeling his sales are more due to people buying timely Halloween costumes rather than protective gear for a future epidemic.

This seems like a huge marketing scam that is borderline unethical. Pearson has the right product at the right time, but it may be creating more fear than actually helping fulfill a need. However, he also did what every marketer is taught; he responded to changes in the market faster than anyone else.


Whether or not Pearson’s marketing tactics are unethical, he makes a great costume for Halloween. As ridiculous as the website and Facebook looks, Pearson is making money fast, and it isn’t by pure luck.  

2 comments:

  1. Meredith,

    This is such an interesting blog. I agree with you, although this is genius on his part as a way to make money, it is totally unethical! Although I understand the fear this disease has caused, I feel as though some people have allowed their fear to get the better of them. I do kind of like he idea of a last minute Halloween costume, but not at the expense of people's emotions.

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  2. Meredith,
    This so unethical, I heard that someone called 911 and it was a minor problem and she wanted them to get there fast so she said that the person had Ebola. I can't believe the human mind can even think this is ethical and I can't believe people would buy into this. Because Ebola Suits are such a smart investment.

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