Ateneo de Davao University School of Business and Governance In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for MKTG 3140 (3-046): Product Management A Brand Audit for Inbox Studios Submitted by: Jan Rochelle M. Francisquete Jann Krystel P. Jumao-as Charmaine Joyce F. Nicor Kate Dianne C. Serafica BS Marketing - 3A Submitted to: Donna Vida M. Abrina, MBA School of Business and Governance November 25, 2024 Table of Contents I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 2 A. BRAND ............................................................................................................................................. 2 B. CORPORATE STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................... 4 C. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................. 4 D. MAJOR COMPETITORS ................................................................................................................. 9 II. CONSUMER ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................... 12 1.) Demographic Segmentation ............................................................................................................ 13 2.) Psychographic Segmentation .......................................................................................................... 13 3.) Behavioral Segmentation: ............................................................................................................... 14 III. BRAND INVENTORY ...................................................................................................................... 15 A. BRAND NAME .............................................................................................................................. 15 B. LOGO, SYMBOLS, ETC ................................................................................................................ 16 C. PACKAGING .................................................................................................................................. 17 D. RETAIL CONCEPT ........................................................................................................................ 18 E. POINTS OF PARITY & POINTS OF DIFFERENCE .................................................................... 19 IV. CURRENT MARKETING MIX ....................................................................................................... 20 A. PRODUCT ...................................................................................................................................... 20 B. PRICING ......................................................................................................................................... 20 C. DISTRIBUTION (PLACE) ............................................................................................................. 21 D. PROMOTION ................................................................................................................................. 21 V. BRAND STRATEGIES ....................................................................................................................... 21 VI. BRAND EXPLORATORY ................................................................................................................ 21 A. BRAND AWARENESS AND BRAND IMAGE ........................................................................... 21 B. BRAND POSITIONING ................................................................................................................. 23 C. BRAND EQUITY ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................... 25 D. EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE............................................................................ 28 VII. SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 28 VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................ 29 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 33 Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 34 A. Brand Tracking Survey.................................................................................................................... 34 1 I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. BRAND STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES S1. It is the first unique and trendy photo booth W1. It is a newly established business. No in Davao that differentiates itself from existing organized structure is established in the business. photo booths. W2. The owners have limited business S2. Its color-themed photo booth design is less knowledge, which limits their decision-making intimidating and can be appreciated by all capacities. ages. W3. Brand loyalty is weak—no retention S3. It is affordable price and provides excellent strategies in this business. service and amenities. S5. Utilized organic W4. Limited man-power. marketing where W5. No constant marketing strategies due to no consumers promote the business themselves. in-house marketing staff. S6. Invested in their equipment to deliver W6. Inbox Studios currently only offers one quality to their products. angle and one colored background. S7. The owners have expansion plans, hoping W7. The substantial weight of the photo booth to dominate the photo booth market in limits its portability, hindering its potential use Mindanao. at off-site events. S8. Customer brand awareness and brand W8. The brand’s booth structure only caters to recognition are strong. Its branding and up to four individuals. concept allow easy recognition. W9. Lacking strategies to address demand S9. The company values the customers’ fluctuations. experience during the photo shoot, allowing them to reshoot when unsatisfied with their photos. S10. The owner has complete control over the brand’s management and earnings since it is currently a sole proprietorship. S11. The brand has a social media presence. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS 2 O1. Photo booths are in demand during events T1. Prone by eating in competition and like weddings and birthdays. continuous consumer preferences. O2. There is a vast growth in local activities. T2. Quickly changing photo booth concepts O3. The advancement of technology in photo could make photobooth brands outdated. booths T3. The rise of self photo-studios. O4. Business events seeking Photo booths T4. There are photo booths that are also create an opportunity for partnership. implementing high-angle camera angles. O5. Photo booths are being hyped up through T5. The emergence of photo booths with unique social media, using the photo results as content features such as offering different frames or even like GIFs, especially for the younger providing a space for the customers to fix their generation. hair, outfit, and makeup before taking pictures. O6. There is a growing market for the need for T6. In order to increase brand awareness and instant, convenient, and entertaining ways to visibility, countless photo booth businesses create memories. attend local pop-ups, events, and such, which O7. Exploring a strategic partnership with potentially may overshadow Inbox Studios. Ayala Cinema for movie premieres or T7. Taking photo booth pictures is a seasonal screenings. Inbox Studios can set up a themed demand (peaks during holidays, special photo booth area that aligns with the movie’s occasions such as Valentine’s, Couple’s Day, theme while maintaining its brand identity– Halloween, etc.), which means there’s a revenue this allows for an immersive experience, gap during off-peak periods. increased visibility, and an opportunity to T8. External events such as natural disasters, enhance brand image. political unrest, public health concerns, and such O8. Taking advantage of social media to create can impact foot traffic. Since Inbox Studios content that has the opportunity to go viral, mainly operates in malls, such events can affect especially on TikTok and Instagram. their operations. O9. The growing sensation of PPop culture trends is a platform that a photo booth can utilize as a concept or for promotions. O10. Co-creation is an opportunity to connect with customers by having them submit their ideas for expansion, on social media, while maintaining relevant themes in the photo booth market. 3 O11. Use social media to incentivize customers to post and share their experiences in photo booths, creating engagement, encouragement, and a memorable experience, while creating user-generated content for the business. B. CORPORATE STRUCTURE Inbox Studios is a sole proprietorship. However, the business is being handled by the owner and her husband. They also decided to hire the owner’s brother to manage booth sales and another employee to assist. C. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Porter's 5 Forces Analysis Threat of New Entrants ● Bargaining Power of Suppliers LOW: Entering the photo booth ● LOW: Since most booth industry is relatively easy due to its components and materials are feasibility when it comes to booth locally sourced and produced, setups, the design can be flexible, Inbox Studios can easily find simple operations, and accessible alternative suppliers which they technology—allowing the can definitely and easily switch as emergence of new competitors in needed. Essential equipment such the industry. as screens, ink, and photopaper are locally available, allowing a wide range of options. For other items such as specialized cameras, they may have to source it internationally wherein suppliers could possibly have moderate power since import costs, taxes, and availability may influence 4 pricing. Bargaining Power of Buyers ● Threat of Substitutes LOW: Inbox Studios’s pricing is ● HIGH: Photo booth businesses affordable and reasonable, and such as Photoism and Life4Cuts they are not more expensive than are their Moreover, internationally and locally. The Inbox Studios produces quality concept that is offered by both output, copies businesses takes inspiration from including a carousel video of their South Korean Pop Culture, like photos charges having celebrities included in their therefore making it hard for the frames. Inbox Studios is also buyers to demand lower prices. somehow influenced by the photo competitors. free without digital extra quite established both booth trends in South Korea and Asia region which ultimately reflects a growing demand for photo booths to be more creative, innovative, and trendy. ● There is a competition from other photo booth businesses offering different themes and services. Diversity and innovative themes rising in the photo booth industry creates a high threat of substitutes. ● Direct Substitute: Photo booth businesses having a similar framework with Inbox Studios can be considered as direct substitutes. Although Inbox Studios offers a one-of-a-kind concept, they can be threatened with similar highangled booths just like Haru Photo. ● Indirect Substitute: Photo booth 5 businesses with trendy concepts, and those offering more features such as personalized frames, broader selection of props, and other specialized lenses can also be considered as a threat. Over the years, capturing moments and taking photographs have evolved from traditional methods to a single and small device such as smartphones. Such devices offer unique ways to capture photos such as 0.5 lens, panoramic shots, unique camera lens such as fish eye, polaroids, DIY photo strip prints, lately there has been a trend or a resurgence of digital cameras. Additionally, these devices often have applications that add on to the base features such as filters, frames, or AI manipulation. Rivalry Among Existing Competitors ● HIGH: A highly competitive growing market of photo booth businesses in Davao City. ● Competitors are Haru Photo, Photos, Litrato, I Can Studios and Timezone Photobooth. ● The offerings of these photo booth businesses are similar products, usually consisting of photo strips and digital copies of these photos, competition is intense because customers tend to switch easily. ● The exit barrier of the photo booth industry is moderate, with factors such as 6 specialized equipment investments and obligations in leasing creating a challenge to exit the market. a. PESTLE Analysis Political: Government policies such as taxes on mall tenants, enforcement of environmental laws, trade agreements and geopolitical factors can affect the availability and cost of imported camera, printing, booth equipment can affect local photo booth businesses. Furthermore, mall-specific policies would likely require tenant applicants to offer unique services to avoid overlapping with other tenants so for photo booth businesses seeking a mall location, must offer unique concepts. As well as the possibility of facing different policies and leasing agreements when expanding to a different mall which can affect the business’s operational costs, promotional strategies, and such. Economical: Several economic factors can affect the photo booth business in the Philippines. The local market consists primarily of price-sensitive consumers, so this demands businesses to offer appealing concepts while having competitive pricing. For photo booth businesses in malls, foot traffic is an important factor, since they rely on the number of mall visitors to generate sales. Taking pictures at photo booths is considered to be a seasonal activity, to commemorate a special occasion or day, tied to holidays, celebrations, and more. At this day and age, people can just simply take photos with their phones so there must be a compelling factor for people to take photos in a photo booth which is why photo booth businesses must offer innovative concepts, and come up with strategic marketing to sustain consumer interest during off-peak seasons. In the global context, especially in the Asia region, unique booth concepts are emerging following improvements in technology and relevant trends. While the Philippines slightly lags behind, rising disposable income among Filipinos presents opportunities for businesses to explore such services. Social: Apart from photo booth studios, the growing popularity of photo booths in celebrations, weddings, parties, or any social gathering event is increasing because it is where guests may be able to have a take-home picture of 7 memories that occur in such events. As the demand for photo booths increases, there is also a need for more creative and interactively driven, customizable, and innovative concepts whereby the clients can capture their moments in a unique and entertaining way. Custom photo booths are available for events such as weddings or birthday parties, with the use of frames and filters (color filters, special effects, K-Pop inspired themes, Anime themes, etc.) and with unique concepts in photo booths such as the ones with unique angles, elevator, washing machine, vintage portraits, laundry, fish eye, and more. Technological: The Photo Booth Expo is the world’s largest trade show for photo booth owners, operators, and suppliers of hardware, software, and support items. The latest technologies highlighted in the Photo Booth Expo 2024 are the following: a) AI Photo Booth: In the expo, it shows a new way to experience photo booths by consumers through the usage of facial recognition technology (swapping the consumer’s face with celebrities or fictional characters they could think of) and features such as personalized themes or concepts by adjustments of backgrounds, frames, props, and etc. based on users’ preferences (Richardson, 2024). b) GLAM Bot: GLAM Bots are often present in the red carpet, and in relevant social events–creating an iconic experience. A GLAM Bot consists of a high-speed camera mounted on a robotic arm and captures the subject, producing slow-motion footage emphasizing their whole look from their outfit, and makeup, it is all about the glamour (Richardson, 2024). c) 360 Photo Booth: A 360 Photo Booth is a spinning booth, that captures the subject/user, standing on a platform in 360 degrees which produces photos and immersive videos (Richardson, 2024). d) Mirror Booth: Mirror booths are easy to set up, incorporate with touchscreen technology that first-time users can easily use and navigate through. Other technological trends would be the simplification of photo booth services, turning them into mobile/smart formats, such as self-service photo 8 booths. Features such as different camera angles, such as high-camera angle, and low-camera angle, are deemed as fun and interactive. Environmental: Sustainability has become an important aspect of businesses, as a result of pressing environmental concerns and therefore influencing businesses to adopt sustainable methods from sourcing materials, and energy-efficient operations, to producing them. It could affect the operations, such as with the printing of photo strips, they might have to resort to offering digital copies of the photos in order to reduce paper waste. Legal: In order to thrive, photo businesses must maintain a competitive advantage. Photo booth businesses are known for unique and innovative concepts, from booth designs and frames to filters, which eventually lead to booths having similar concepts. In order to protect photo booth concepts, intellectual property laws are important in safeguarding such aspects. Additionally, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 is also important for photo booth businesses, seeing as they collect and store customer information; proper data management practices should be considered and are essential as they build consumer trust. Oftentimes, photo booth businesses would post past customers to promote their business so they must obtain explicit consent before using customers’ photos. D. MAJOR COMPETITORS COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS COMPARISON TABLE Direct Competitor Indirect Indirect Indirect Competitor 1 Competitor 2 Competitor 3 Litrato by AM Snapshot (Timezone ● Inbox Studios Haru Photo Photobooth) Photoism 4-Cut Collage ● Basic frame ● 90 Points per ● Regular with a 4-cut swipe Frames: copy: Php 200 Collage: equivalent to 6-Cut Collage Php 200 90 Pesos. with Price Point ● digital is ● Php Php 180 for two copies. 200 - 250 ● Artist Frames: 9 with ● ● digital Multi- Php 400 copy: Php 250 frame with Additional a physical copy: collage: Php 30 Php 250 6-cut ● Generation Z ● Generation Z ● Generation Z ● Generation Z ● Generation Z ● Millennials ● Millennials ● Millennials ● Millennials ● Millennials ● Families ● Couples ● Groups ● Groups ● Couples ● Couples ● Groups ● Mall Visitors ● Social Media ● Groups ● Social ● Social Media ● Mall Visitors Enthusiast ● Users Target ● Mall Vistors ● ● High angle ● One colored themed photo ● Pop Enthusiasts ● Vintage Mall Visitors Enthusiasts Conveniently ● Affordability ● A soft copy of ● Can positioned for ● Easy retakes the video customizable are montage frames Exclusive artist request. passers-by. allowed booth. within Provides digital time limit. ● copies of the ● of Culture Market ● Fans Media the ● ● frames create per Offers copies in Option to featuring K- Carousell and the POP and P-Pop GIF formats as well. photo and send video in photos artists. Carousell through your ● Established format. email. global photobooth Automated experience in adaptable to any machine and the US, South location. less Korea, and the ● Two interaction. Philippines. of portable photo ● Kiosk-type retail concept. ● Portable – variations booth designs (The OG and V2 Key Litrato) Competitive Advantage Marketing ● ● Social Word-of-Mouth ● Convenient ● Social Media ● Social Media 10 Media Marketing Strategies ● Foot Traffic location ● Word-Of-Mouth (location ● Convenient TimeZone) ● Locations Marketing in ● ● Organic Marketing in Celebrity Marketing ● Word-Of-Mouth Collaborations ● Visibility Convenient local events and Locations pop-ups. in Social Media Ayala Abreeza SM City Davao, Ayala Abreeza SM City Lanang, There is no fixed Malls, J.P Laurel Ecoland Malls, J.P Laurel Lanang location. Primarily Avenue Avenue appears in flea Store markets, pop-ups, Locations and events. II. CONSUMER ANALYSIS Demographics Gender Male and Female Millennials Generation Generation Z Age Group 13 - 50 years old Social Status Middle to Upper Class Students Occupation Young Professionals Location Within Davao Region, and Region X (CDO) Psychographics Creative and Artistic Adventurous and Trendy Personality Sentimental and Nostalgic Social Media Users Lifestyle Casual Explorers Values Innovation and Uniqueness 11 Demographics Gender Male and Female Millennials Generation Generation Z Connection and Bonding Spontaneity and Fun Memory Preservation Seekers A.1. Target Market Inbox Studios primarily targets Gen Z individuals, including teenagers and young adults, and Millennials. This demographic is characterized as active social media users who are easily influenced by trends they will integrate into their lifestyle. This demographic is known to be confident with self-expression and social media enthusiasts by constantly documenting their lives on social media. The brand reaches out to friends, couples, and families who want to make lasting memories creatively and engaging. Focusing on being inclusive to all, Inbox Studios ensures everyone feels comfortable with their photobooth concept, clearing away any intimidation associated with modern photobooth, and providing everyone with an experience in creating memorable memories. A.2. Segmentation 1.) Demographic Segmentation The primary target age group of Inbox Studios comprises Gen Z, from their teens to early twenties, and millennials in their mid-twenties to late thirties. These age group are drawn to concepts that are trendy and creative they can share on social media. The occupations in the demographics are composed of students and young professionals carrying income in the middle to the higher range with disposable incomes for lifestyle experiences and leisure activities. They live in cities and metropolitan where digital culture is strong, making them tech-savvy and heavy social media users. This demographic shows appreciation for unique, artistic, and memorable experiences that they can cherish and return to. 12 2.) Psychographic Segmentation The following identified psychographic segmentations are aligned with the lifestyle, interests, and values of the target customers that resonate with the branding of Inbox Studios. a. Trend-Setters and Fashionistas These individuals are known for following new trends and always seeking the newest in style, looks, and lifestyle. They value showing their individuality, creativity, and self-expression, differentiating them from a crowd. They like highly visual experiences that enable them to stand out in their style. With a keen interest in aesthetics and a desire for a unique identity, this group is active on social media. It serves as a platform for inspiration and an avenue to document their experiences. This group usually enjoys newer experiences that enable them to explore their individuality, tastes, and interests. b. Sentimentalists These groups value the quality of time spent with their loved ones, such as friends, family, or couples, which nurtures their love for memories, nostalgia, and experience. They like to seize important moments and seek ways to preserve such experiences. These people are often portrayed as nostalgic, thoughtful, and detail-oriented since their lifestyle encompasses them and leaves a legacy of memories they can treasure and read in the future. c. Social Media Influencers and Content Creators Social Media Influencers and Content Creators are individuals who are chronically online to share their experiences and moments in their day-to-day lives with their target audiences. Creating content that resonates with their followers They value unique, shareable experiences that engage and resonate with their followers. Their interests revolve around social media aesthetics, creating visually appealing content, and traveling to new places for fresh inspiration. Extroverted and self-expressive, they thrive in social media spaces and are adept at crafting content that captivates. This social media savvy group knows how to turn their lifestyle into a relatable brand. d. Pop Culture Enthusiasts: Pop culture enthusiasts engage actively with modern media, entertainment trends, and cultural phenomena. The photo booth is an enticement because it offers a thematic and creative experience of being part of this pop culture experience. The customers are likely to respond well to the photo booth setup as it aligns with their cultural interest in pop culture. These individuals often follow the trends seen through social media influencers, 13 celebrities, or viral content. In this way, they are more likely to come across and enjoy trendy activities such as a photo booth. As engaging users of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they enhance the business's visibility through the dispersion of experiences from the photobooth, transforming it into a social and cultural phenomenon among their peers. To the business, these individuals are an ideal target market based on the nature of visuallydriven moments, which are then meant to be shared. 3.) Behavioral Segmentation: a. Occasion Seekers These people use the photobooth sporadically, typically during special events, celebrations, or gatherings. These users seek to capture memorable moments tied to a particular event or milestone. The photo booth provides a unique and engaging activity that enhances the event's experience while offering personalized keepsakes. Its ability to customize themes, props, and backdrops to suit different occasions makes it especially appealing to this segment. They value the convenience and creativity the photo booth adds to their celebrations. b. Social Sharers Social sharers create and share visually engaging content online, highlighting the photo booth's distinctive appeal. These individuals document and share their experiences on highly engaged platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In this way, they became brand promoters by making user-generated content (UGC). Additionally, these individuals create shareable and attractive content that influences strong word-of-mouth promotion and social media visibility, effectively piquing customers' curiosity to try them, and ultimately, the business benefits from organic marketing and trustworthiness from the social proof social sharers provide from their content. c. First Time Users First-time users are customers trying the photo booth because they are drawn to its novelty, either through spontaneous discovery in person or curiosity sparked by what they see online. The photo booth captures the attention of these individuals seeking something new, innovative, and fresh from what they are already familiar with. Furthermore, active social media engagers will likely share their experiences with the booth, creating organic buzz and driving strong word-of-mouth marketing. Targeting first-time users can generate excitement and curiosity in these people to try out the business. Furthermore, this focus enables Inbox Studios to be labeled as a must-try experience for tourists and locals. 14 d. Benefit Seekers Benefit seekers are characterized as individuals who are driven to experience the value of a service or product. They are drawn by Inbox Studios offerings such as instant prints or shareable digital copies, or the photobooth’s affordability, offering a premium experience without a high cost and its ability to deliver fun, creative, and shareable moments. The photobooth appeals to these segments by catering to their hedonic and utilitarian needs, fostering repeat transactions and word-of-mouth promotions. III. BRAND INVENTORY A. BRAND NAME The company’s brand name, “Inbox Studios,” was created with the owner prioritizing it to be both memorable and easy to recall. In contrast to the longer competing photobooth brands, such as “Life4Cuts,” the owner selected “Inbox” for its simplicity and relevance to the branding. Its offering of a high-angle photo booth, enclosed within a box-like structure, inspired the choice of “Inbox Studios” as a fitting and easily identifiable name. The name is also easy to pronounce, which is helpful in facilitating word-of-mouth promotion. While Inbox Studios’ descriptive brand name of “in the box” allows an easier link to its attribute, the potential drawback would be that it may make it challenging to link new associations to the brand if it later has to be repositioned. B. LOGO, SYMBOLS, ETC Illustration 1. Logo of Inbox Studios Source: Inbox Studios (2024) 15 Inbox Studio’s logo is a wordmark, similar to Coca-Cola and Kit Kat, which are literal representations of their brand name. The brand’s logo uses a color palette of black and white, with a subtle mimic of the effect of color fringing along the edges of each letter, which is similar to the Tiktok symbol. The use of black and white as the dominant color can be perceived in various ways in the context of color psychology. An individual may perceive black and white as tied to powerful, pure, elegant, and sophisticated emotions (Rodriguez, 2023). On the other hand, black can be seen as mystery, gloom, and staidness, whereas white radiates purity, monotony, and benevolence (Maghraby, 2024). Since the company uses a word mark, they currently have no symbol. According to Keller (2013, p. 156), “non-word mark logos are also often called symbols.” C. PACKAGING Illustration 2. Inbox Studios Photo Strip Packaging The business uses a clear plastic self-adhesive bag with resealable tape as packaging for its photo strip. This packaging provides a clean presentation that allows easier visibility of the quality of the printed photo strip. However, it is not durable enough to protect the strip from folding and scratches. Therefore, to keep it securely, it can be put inside a folder or picture frame. 16 D. RETAIL CONCEPT Illustration 3. Retail Concept of Inbox Studios Store Design and Ambiance Inbox Studios has a simple, box-like structure that complements modern aesthetics with its clean lines. It has a kiosk-type retail concept strategically situated near the escalator and Yoh Froz in Abreeza Mall Davao and near the cinema area in its Centrio Mall in Davao City to leverage the high-foot traffic within the area. The inside of its structure has a bold color choice of red that contrasts with the subjects taking photos and creates a dramatic effect. At the same time, its high-angle shot offers a unique perspective that flatters the 17 people taking photos and emphasizes their overall composition. With its durable material, the box-like structure can withstand substantial weight. User Experience Committed to making things simple, efficient, and convenient for customers, Inbox Studios has a user-friendly interface that guides users through the photo-taking process. It allows users to retake once for instances where they are not satisfied with the shot. Furthermore, its prop offerings allow customers to unleash their creativity, whether they are vying for a cutesy, cool, or hip shot. In terms of speed and quality, they have quick printing and sharing options where customers can easily access their digital copy with just a scan of the generated QR code once they have finished taking photos. The final output, which is the photo strips, is of high quality without adding filters or any edits to the subject’s face to retain authenticity. Branding and Marketing The brand integrates social media platforms to promote the business. It relies on organic marketing, wherein consumers promote the business themselves. The company respects customer privacy by asking for their consent to post their photos directly on their social media page. May it be reposting its customers’ uploads or directly posting the photos of customers on their social media accounts, the brand’s approach shows its commitment to cultivating relationships with its customers, facilitating belongingness and a sense of community. Operational Efficiency Inbox Studios operates with around two to three photobooth attendants depending on the foot traffic and peak hours. In the case of many customers, three employees are needed while two are on normal days. To ensure quality photos, they use professional cameras to take pictures and fotoshare as the platform for sharing digital copies. E. POINTS OF PARITY & POINTS OF DIFFERENCE Points of Parity (POP) Inbox Studios shares features with other photo booth businesses, ensuring that it is considered a viable option in the market. Firstly, Inbox Studios offers the fundamental 18 feature of having a camera to capture customers. It has an allotted space where customers can pose, which is a must for every photo booth business so that customers can fit within the camera’s scope. Like other competitors, Inbox Studios also offers printed and digital copies, wherein digital copies can be sent via social media or email. Moreover, Inbox, like other competitors, has a frame offering, but the design differs per business. Points of Difference (POD) Inbox Studios has unique features that set it apart from its competitors. Firstly, Inbox Studios is known for its high-angle camera shot, which is distinct from the typical eye-level angle of other photo booth businesses. At the same time, it currently has a red one-colored theme photo booth, and it provides digital copies of the photo and video in carousell format. It also has a sturdy, kiosk-type structure. IV. CURRENT MARKETING MIX A. PRODUCT The company offers its customers a chance to capture memories in an instant. Inbox Studios offers a high-angle photo booth. A strip of the customer’s photos is also given after the photoshoot and is customizable, background color, to their liking. The company also offers different frames like metallic chrome with minimal designs and their pride month frame. Along with the physical copy, a digital copy is also provided as a QR to be scanned by the customer. B. PRICING The available ratings of the printing of the physical copy are the following: 1 piece physical strip of a 4-cut collage with digital copies is for Php 200 1 Piece physical strip of a 6-cut collage with digital copies is for Php 250 In addition, if a customer opts to have an additional physical copy, the company prices Php 30 for each extra print. C. DISTRIBUTION (PLACE) Inbox Studios is located on the 2nd floor of Abreeza, Ayala Malls in Davao City. Specifically near Shoe Salon, YohFroz, and Keds. Moreover, the company has also 19 expanded to Cagayan de Oro City, specifically in 3F Centrio Mall of Cagayan de Oro City (Cinema Lobby). D. PROMOTION Current promotions are done in social media namely in TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. They mainly rely on organic marketing or earned media, such as reposting the posts made by their customers, as well as posting collections of pictures of past customers– showcasing the real experiences of their customers. From time to time, they do spend on advertising, such as in their opening, new branch launch, and seasonal themes to boost their exposure. V. BRAND STRATEGIES The company is currently implementing social media promotions of the actual photos of its customers. Inbox Studios utilizes Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for its promotions and engagement. Furthermore, for its physical store, the company decided to place a “Photo Booth” signage on the top part of its booth to attract customers at first sight. VI. BRAND EXPLORATORY A. BRAND AWARENESS AND BRAND IMAGE 1. Brand Awareness The brand tracking survey was conducted with 51 respondents. To be able to answer this survey, a respondent should know and have tried the services of Inbox Studios. Of the 51 respondents, 29 or 51% of the respondents would prefer Inbox as their photo brand, 25 or 49% refer to Inbox as their “go to” Photo booth, and 25 or 49% would prefer Inbox if they were to take a group photo. The majority of the respondents, 42 or 82.4%, occasionally avail of photo booth services. As for the first associations that come to mind when the respondents hear Inbox Studios, the following are the results: ● Fun - 38 or 74.5% of the respondents 20 ● Nostalgia - 11 or 21.6% of the respondents ● Memories - 26 or 51% of the respondents ● Photo Strips - 25 or 49% of the respondents ● Korean-inspired - 14 or 27.5% of the respondents ● Aesthetic - 34 or 66.7% of the respondents ● Props - 15 or 29.4% of the respondents ● Red room - 1 or 2% of the respondents 2. Brand Image The following words or phrases are associated with Inbox when the respondents think of the brand: Good photo Photo booth For couples Aesthetic Accommodating booth with business and friends Affordable Fun Efficient Clean Cool Creative Different Good quality Good service Unique Innovative Y2K inspired Nice Stylish Box great deals Look up angle The following words are the description for the visual aesthetics of Inbox Studios branding: Aesthetic Cool Vibrant Alive Chic Korean-inspired Red For Friends and 2000s retro New Nice Eye-catching Couples feeling Premium Contemporary Minimalistic Y2K Edgy Instagrammabble Good Box Fancy Cute 21 Furthermore, all of the 51 respondents agreed that the branding of Inbox Studios resonates with its photo booth theme. B. BRAND POSITIONING The photo booth industry market in the Philippines is becoming increasingly competitive, with Inbox Studios positioning itself as a brand that primarily targets Gen Z individuals, including teenagers and young adults, as well as Millennials. The brand aims to provide an inclusive, non-intimidating place, that caters to everyone of all ages and a space that enables them to capture their precious memories while embracing creativity and self-expression. More importantly, their mission is to deliver a unique and evolving experience–keeping it fresh, innovative, interactive, and resonating concepts that suit everyone. Illustration 4.1 Inclusivity vs Uniqueness Map The Inclusivity vs Uniqueness graph is derived from specific questions from the Brand Tracking Survey, resulting in an average Inclusivity score of 3.39 and a score of 3.58 for Uniqueness. The scores for Inclusivity and Uniqueness show that Inbox Studios exemplifies the ability to resonate with its audience with its customer-centric approach. This is aligned with the brand’s vision and mission, which is to offer a unique experience while keeping inclusivity. Inbox Studios can also consider these results as room for improvement and further strengthen such aspects. They can work on planning and 22 designing marketing campaigns that highlight the brand, as well as in their booth designs so that the brand remains unique and inclusive. Illustration 4.2. Price vs Quality Map The Price vs Quality graph is derived from specific questions from the Brand Tracking Survey, which resulted in an average Price score of 3.35 and a score of 3.49 for Quality. For Price, the question derived was a question for the consumers to evaluate the worthiness or the value they paid for availing of Inbox Studios’ services. As for Quality, it was comprised of customer satisfaction with regards to quality, a consumers’ assessment of their experience, and the options provided for customization which adds to their overall satisfaction. These scores show that the brand has a competitive pricing strategy and does not fall behind in meeting customer expectations. Inclusivity vs Uniqueness Inclusivity [Score: 3.39] ● ● How well can you resonate with the Uniqueness [Score: 3.58] ● Did Inbox Studios meet your overall brand's theme? [Score: 3.15] expectations in terms of set-up, service, and How satisfied were you with the aesthetics? [Score: 3.58] customization options provided to enhance your experience? [Score: 3.39] ● How much do you feel that Inbox Studios values your experience? [Score: 23 3.63] Price vs Quality Price [Score: 3.35] ● Do you think Inbox Studios is worth the Quality [Score: 3.49] ● price? [Score: 3.31] ○ ○ ○ ● experience and quality of Inbox Studios? 200 Pesos for 4 Grid, digital copies, 1 copy of the photo Are you satisfied with the overall [Score: 3.53] ● Did Inbox Studios meet your overall 250 Pesos for 6 Grid, digital expectations in terms of set-up, service, and copies, 1 copy of the photo aesthetics? [Score 3.58] Additional 30 pesos per reprint Did you feel it was worth the price compared to the quality of service you received? [Score: 3.39] C. BRAND EQUITY ANALYSIS Analyzing Inbox Studios’ brand equity would help measure the brand’s value compared to its competitors, which will enable informed decision-making and improved brand performance. In this section, it will tackle brand salience, performance, imagery, judgments, and resonance. Brand Salience Inbox Studios is frequently chosen as the preferred photo booth brand compared to its competitors in Davao City. Out of the 51 respondents, the majority, 29 respondents (56.9%), chose it as their preferred brand. Accordingly, when taking a group photo, Inbox Studios also emerged as the top choice, wherein the 25 respondents (49%) chose Inbox Studios as the brand they would go to. However, this is not to say that Inbox Studios is superior since Photoism and LifeFourCuts also gained second and third place, respectively, indicating that some respondents would prefer this brand over Inbox, especially in the event of group photos. Accordingly, Inbox Studios is initially associated with words in respondents' minds, such as aesthetic, memories, Korean-inspired, photo strips, fun, props, and nostalgia. To solidify its position, given the positive results, Inbox Studios can continue reinforcing consistent brand messaging, leverage social media, and build strong customer relationships. 24 Brand Performance Inbox Studios satisfies most of the respondents in terms of meeting their functional and aesthetic needs and wants for a photo booth experience. The brand’s positive performance across various attributes, such as design, customer service, efficiency, quality, and convenience, demonstrates its ability to meet core customer needs. Moreover, Inbox Studios has excelled in creating an inclusive and comfortable environment, catering to both extroverted and introverted individuals. The brand's focus on hygiene and sanitation further enhances its appeal, particularly in today's health-conscious world. In a ranked response, respondents expressed that Inbox has a stylish and attractive look and design (74.5%), customer-friendly (68.6%), quick and efficient service (68.6%), high quality (66.7%), convenient (66.7%), ideal for memory-keeping (64.7%), accommodating (51%), introvert-friendly (43.1%), and sanitary (43.1%). Brand Imagery In terms of brand imagery, significant associations of fun, cool, and aesthetically pleasing were answered in the survey, making Inbox Studios stand out for its distinctive red and high-angled concept in the local photo booth market. The visual aesthetics of the photobooth strongly indicate positive remarks, with the majority of the answers about the brand being unique, nice, and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, all respondents strongly agree the branding aligns and resonates with the photobooth’s theme. Brand Judgments Inbox Studios gained a positive response in terms of its pricing and being a firstchoice brand. However, its offering gave room for improvement, with the quality of its picture being the least chosen in terms of the advantage that the business can offer that other similar photo booths cannot. Brand Quality Most respondents (47.1%) believe Inbox Studios is worth the price, which can give insights into exploring customers’ perceived value with the brand quality. Customers may assess whether the price aligns with the perceived value of the product and service that Inbox Studios can offer. After all, if a business positions itself under the premium category, it can charge higher prices and maintain a highend brand image. However, a significant minority (11.8%) disagree, highlighting the potential areas for improvement. 25 Brand Credibility The respondents perceive Inbox Studios to the extent of having the advantage of high angle camera (82.4%), instant printing (64.7%), great service (45.1%), and great props (35.3%) that the other similar types of photo booth businesses cannot. In this regard, the results make the brand a credible choice for customers seeking the aforementioned advantageous features. However, since they gained an unfavorable response (2%) to being advantageous in terms of the quality of their picture, this serves as an area where Inbox can improve and better its offerings to its customers. Accordingly, in terms of being the first choice, the majority of the respondents only agree (41.2%) to having Inbox Studios as their first choice. This implies that further efforts may be needed to solidify its credibility as a first choice among customers. Brand Resonance Regarding brand resonance, 26 respondents (50%) expressed they moderately resonated with the brand. This explains that respondents are generally positive about the brand but not strong enough to establish a personal or emotional connection with the brand that they can strongly identify themselves with. Hence, they are moderately satisfied. Meanwhile, about 19 respondents (36.5%) answered they strongly resonated with the branding indicating Inbox Studios has effectively captured the values and personality of these individuals on an emotional and thematic level. However, four respondents (7.7%) do not feel connected or aligned with the brand’s messaging as Inbox Studios. The reasons for this are a misalignment between the brand’s theme and the customer’s values and desires, or competitors may have offerings or themes that are better suited to the customer’s preferences. In terms of the level of trust, 29 respondents (55.5%) answered they strongly trust Inbox Studios with the quality of service and experience they provided. This states the brand has established enough credibility and reliability for customers to trust them. Hence, this high rating of trust indicates that customers feel confident with the brand’s services, likely from (1) social proof and organic marketing, (2) effective communication by establishing what customers should expect when availing their services, and (3) favorable reputation they exhibit from reviews and word-of-mouth. 22 respondents (42.3%) moderately trust Inbox Studios. This indicates that the brand exceeded some expectations but not all, which may indicate there are unfulfilled expectations or uncertainty that need 26 to be addressed. Lastly, 1 respondent (1.9%) does not trust the brand indicating there could be negative feedback from other customers or the brand delivered inconsistent quality or experience. D. EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE There is a growing demand in the photo booth industry worldwide (Straight Research, 2023). It has become a trend and an interactive platform that is convenient, personalized, and accessible to self-express, create memories, and for online content (Wadhwani & Ambekar, 2024). Therefore, the unique concept of Inbox Studios allows it to stand out in the competitive photo booth industry market. However, the business should consider the cultural differences it may encounter when going internationally. Furthermore, market research should be conducted to know the different consumer preferences, competitive analysis, legal and regulatory compliances, and what supply chain management to be used when entering into the international market. VII. SUMMARY The findings of this audit reveal Inbox Studios is perceived as a brand that invests in providing high-quality photobooth service that delivers affordable yet unique and fun experiences. Most respondents preferred Inbox Studios as their go-to photo-taking brand for its convenience, customer-friendly service, and efficiency while retaining its distinctive and attractive appearance. However, despite these positive responses and associations, this is not to say that Inbox is superior. The brand can still improve customer retention, inconsistent marketing, and brand loyalty, as the findings reveal that there is only a little difference between those who agree and strongly agree that Inbox is their first choice and as well as regarding their satisfaction with their experience in customization options. Thus, this suggests an area for improvement to improve by the following recommendations that will enhance their brand while retaining their “inbox” or “in the box” identity. VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Additional Photo Booth Concepts – Focused on enhancing customer retention, strengthening brand loyalty, and expanding customization options. 27 Inbox Studios is known to be a photo booth inside a box. The brand can leverage this by creating different “feels” of photo booth boxes and creating different concepts for consumers to have a wider range of options. A concept that Inbox could incorporate is to have different levels of its “high-angle” camera. The first level is the near high-angle which would be best used for soloists to have nearer and impactful photos. The second level would be the mid high-angle that would best cater to duos or couples, it allows the right amount of space a duo would need for a perfect and intimate photo. The last level would be the high-angle, which is recommended for groups of 4-5 people to give them the spacing and movement the group would need to capture their photos. Each of the following levels is presented in an example in Illustration 5.1., low, mid, and high-angle, as follows. These levels would be prepared and set up by the team in advance as the customer's preference would be asked for through the use of a wall mount tool that could easily adjust the camera angle, as presented in Illustration 5.2. Illustration 5.1. Different High-Angle Concept 28 Illustration 5.2. Camera Arm Wall Mount Example A fun and interactive concept is to have a photo booth box with a design of the inside of a popcorn machine. The high-angle camera would be used to depict the customer inside the popcorn machine with a background design of popcorn on the ground and a glass-like, with fake surroundings, on the sides of the wall, with physical plushies of popcorn for the customers to hold and use as props, Illustration 6.1 shows an example of a popcorn machine and beside it is an example of different sizes of popcorn plushies.. To utilize its “in the box” design and retain its onecolored concept, the brand could also adopt the custom cube concept, highlighting different colors and a whole-body shot angle, as depicted in Illustration 6.2. Illustration 6.1 Popcorn Photo Booth Concept 29 Illustration 6.2. Custom Cube Concept 2. Strategic Brand Collaborations – Boost brand visibility and establish a reputation as a premium photobooth service provider. Collaborating with established brands (e.g., local and international brands, movie premieres, and product launches) enhances Inbox Studios's credibility, as these reputable partners instill trust and position the photo booth business as a high-quality service provider. This credibility attracts a broader audience base, introducing potential new customers while fostering retention and cross-promotion for Inbox Studios and the partnered brand. By consistently associating with highprofile events, Inbox Studios strengthens its image as a premium and trusted photo booth provider that can boost social media interactions. These partnerships expand the brand’s reach and benefit from shared marketing efforts, where businesses advertise their campaigns and events alongside their collaborators. For instance, partnering with a reputable brand for an event promotion could elevate Inbox Studios’ exposure and reinforce its premium image. Through strategic B2B collaborations, Inbox Studios achieves immediate visibility and long-term brand positioning, ensuring growth and enhanced online engagement. 3. Enhancing client-focused branding and fostering brand loyalty through co-creation initiatives and customer reward programs for active engagement. — Boost social media presence and foster deeper interaction and engagement. 30 Inbox Studios can align its branding as client-centric by allowing customers to participate in co-creation that enables the business to generate ideas or opportunities based on the insights and creativity of the customers, ensuring new concepts or services are aligned with the customer’s preferences, keeping the brand innovative and ahead. To conduct this strategy, the business can leverage social media platforms to create co-creation through polls, content, or challenges that encourage participation and amplify Inbox Studio’s social media presence. Participating customers will be rewarded by the business with personalized rewards such as memorable shoots, turning their suggestions into a reality, or social media mentions. In that way, customers feel valued and foster loyalty for acknowledging their insights, making them advocates for the brand. Furthermore, this strategy differentiates itself from competitors with unique offerings while being customercentered. 31 REFERENCES Keller, K.L. (2013). Strategic Brand Management. Pearson Education Limited. Maghraby, T., Elhag, A., Romeh, R., Elhawary, D., & Hassabo, A. (2023). The Psychology of Color and Its Effect on Branding. Journal of Textiles, Coloration and Polymer Science. https://journals.ekb.eg/article_341270.html Psychographic Segmentation Examples from Famous Brands | Symanto. (2023, October 27). https://www.symanto.com/blog/psychographic-segmentation-examples/ Research, S. (2023). Photo Booth Market. https://straitsresearch.com/report/photo-booth-market Richardson, C. (2024, March 26). Photo Booth Expo 2024: Key Insights. Adept Photo Booths. https://www.adeptphotobooths.com.au/photo-booth-expo-2024-trends/ Rodriguez, S. (2023). Marketing: Color Psychology in Branding. The California State University. https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/projects/r781wp61j Wadhwani, P., & Ambekar, A. (2024). Photo Booth Market Size - by component (Solution, service), by type (Open, Enclosed), by application (Document photo, entertainment), Growth Prospects, regional outlook & global Forecast, 2024 - 2032. In Global Market Insights Inc. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/photo-booth-market/market-trends 32 Appendix A. Brand Tracking Survey INBOX STUDIOS (Brand tracking Survey) We are conducting a short survey to gather consumer opinions about photobooths. To define the survey’s focus, these are photobooth businesses that allow consumers to enter a room where 1 to 4 people can go into and have their photograph taken by an automated camera. Pictures are also presented for better understanding. INFORMED CONSENT You are invited to participate in a Brand Audit of Inbox Studios. This brand audit may help the business, in identifying its strengths and weaknesses to futher improve its operations. This form explains the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. Please take your time to read it carefully. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through any of this email: kdcserafica@addu.edu.ph, janrmfrancsiquete@addu.edu.ph, jkpjumao-as@addu.edu.ph, and cjfnicor@addu.edu.ph. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to click "I agree" to continue answering the survey. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aims to determine the customers' understanding of the brand and its performace. STUDY PROCEDURES If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete a survey questionnaire online, which you can finish in more or less 5 minutes. POTENTIAL RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS You may feel some discomfort during the survey if you find any questions sensitive. You can choose to skip any questions that make you feel uncomfortable or withdraw from the study at any time. Your wellbeing is our top priority. CONFIDENTIALITY We will keep all your information confidential. Any personal details you provide will not be shared with anyone outside the research team except if necessary to protect your rights or safety. This means the researcher can refuse to release information about your participation to people who are not involved in the study. When the results of the research are published or presented, no identifiable information will be used. PARTICIPATION AND WITHRAWAL Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You are free to choose not to participate without any consequences. You can also withdraw your consent and stop participating at any time without penalty. Participating in this research does not affect any legal rights or benefits you may have. Thank you so much for your time and efforts. The respondent acknowledges that they have read the text above and has given their full consent to the researchers. ● I Agree 33 Age ● Gen Z (12-27) ● Millennials ● Gen X (44-59) EXAMPLE OF INBOX STUDIOS AND THE CONCEPT OF A "PHOTO BOOTH" EXAMPLE 2 (PHOTOISM) 34 Brand Awareness and Usage 1. What photo booth brand in Davao City are you aware of? (Check all that apply) ● TimeZone Photobooth ● Inbox Studios ● Photoism ● Life4Cuts ● Other:_____________________ 2. Which Photo booth brand do you prefer? (Check all that apply) ● TimeZone Photobooth ● Inbox Studios ● Photoism ● Life4Cuts 35 ● Other:_____________________ 3. If you were to take a group photo, which Photo booth brand would you go to? (Check only one option) ● TimeZone Photobooth ● Inbox Studios ● Photoism ● Life4Cuts ● Other:_____________________ 4. How often do you go to photo booths? (Check only one option) ● 1-3 times a week ● 1-3 times a month ● Occasionally ● Other:_____________________ 5. What is your go-to photo booth brand? ● TimeZone Photobooth ● Inbox Studios ● Photoism ● LifeFourCuts ● Other: _____________________ 6. When I say Inbox Studios, what are the first associations that come to your mind? (Check all that apply) ● Fun ● Nostalgia ● Memories ● Photo Strips ● Aesthetic ● Props ● Other:_____________________ Brand Judgements We are interested in your overall opinion of Inbox Studios. 1. Do you think Inbox Studios is worth the price? (Check only once) 200 Pesos for 4 grid, Digital Copies, 1 Physical Copy of the Photo 250 Pesos for 6 grid, Digital Copies, 1 Physical Copy of the Photo Additional 30 pesos per reprint of physical copy ● Strongly Agree ● Agree ● Disagree ● Strongly Disagree 2. If you were to go to a photo booth, would you consider Inbox Studios as your first choice? (Check only once) ● Strongly Agree ● Agree ● Disagree ● Strongly Disagree 3. To what extent does Inbox Studios offer advantages that other similar types of photo booth businesses cannot? (Check all that apply) ● Instant printing ● Great service ● High angle camera 36 ● ● Great props Other:_____________________ Brand Imagery 1. When I think of Inbox Studios, I think they are… _________________________________________ 2. How would you describe the visual aesthetics of Inbox Studios branding?____________________ 3. Does the branding resonate with the photobooth’s theme? ● Yes ● No Brand Feelings 1. What is your first impression with Inbox Studios?______________________________________ 2. Based on your first impression, did it exceed your expectations? (Check only once) ● Strongly agree ● Agree ● Disagree ● Strongly Disagree 3. Are you satisfied with the overall experience and quality of Inbox Studios? (Check only once) ● Strongly agree ● Agree ● Disagree ● Strongly Disagree Brand Performance We now would like to ask some specific questions regarding Inbox Studios. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements. 1. Inbox Studios is… (Check all that apply) ● Convenient ● Customer-friendly ● Quick and efficient service ● Accommodation ● High quality ● Introvert-friendly ● Sanitary ● Ideal for memory-keeping ● Has a stylish and attractive look and design Brand Performance 1. Did Inbox Studios meet your overall expectations in terms of set-up, service, and aesthetics? (Check once) ● Strongly agree ● Agree ● Disagree ● Strongly Disagree 2. Did you feel it was worth the price compared to the quality of service you received? (Check once) ● Strongly agree ● Agree ● Disagree 37 ● Strongly Disagree 3. How satisfied were you with the customization options provided to enhance your experience? (Check once) ● Strongly Satisfied ● Satisfied ● Somewhat Satisfied ● Not Satisfied Brand Resonance 1. How well can you resonate with Inbox Studios theme? (Check once) ● Very well resonated ● Resonated ● Somewhat resonated ● Not resonated 2. How would you describe the level of trust you have in Inbox Studios to deliver a quality experience? (Check once) ● High level of trust ● Moderate level of trust ● Low level of trust ● No trust at all 3. How much do you feel that Inbox Studios values your experience? (Check once) ● Highly valued ● Valued ● Slightly valued ● Not valued 38