2.1 Buying Criteria

Customers within each market segment employ different standards as they evaluate products. They consider four buying criteria: Price, Age, MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) and Positioning.

2.1.1 Price

Each segment has different price expectations. One segment might want inexpensive products while another, seeking advanced technology, might be willing to pay higher prices.

2.1.2 Age

Each segment has different age expectations, that is, the length of time since the product was invented or revised. One segment might want brand-new technology while another might prefer proven technology that has been in the market for a few years.

2.1.3 MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) or Reliability

MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) is a rating of reliability measured in hours. Segments have different MTBF criteria. Some might prefer higher MTBF ratings while others are satisfied with lower ratings.