A compilation of brand terms that start with the letter C.
Campaign
An operation or series of operations to accomplish a given goal or objective.
Cannibalism
A highly problematic effect of line extension, where the extension steals market share from the original brand.
Captology
The study of the overlap between computing technology and persuasion. This includes the design, research, and analysis of interactive computing products created for the purpose of changing people's attitudes or behaviors.
Cartel
A group of independent companies formed to regulate prices in a given market. This practice is illegal in some countries, including the USA and UK.
Choice Set
A set of brands from which a consumer makes a purchase choice after other brands have been considered and rejected.
Clone
Product that has been designed and packaged to look like a well-established competitor; a cheap imitation, a knockoff.
Co-branding
Partnerships where two or more brands (often owned by different companies) are used to promote each other as a common offering.
Cognitive Dissonance
The tendency to hold on to an erroneous belief in the face of overwhelming contradictory evidence.
Cognitive Fluency
The ease at which a concept is understood and accepted.
Collateral
Promotional materials used to present information about an offering and its capabilities, products or services.
Color Forecasting
Predicting that a given color range/palette will gain popularity over time, based on trend research and chroma theory.
Color Palette
Set of approved colors to be used throughout the brand identity.
Commodity
Product that can only be differentiated from those of competitors, by price.
Comparison Pricing
Pricing method in which the price for a new product is set by comparing the benefits it offers to those of other products in the same category.
Comparison Shopping
Consumer's view of price to value based on competitive offerings within the category.
Competitive Brand
This approach pits two or more Stand Alone Brands (owned by the same the company) against one another for the purpose of market share.
Competitive Set
Any brands that are considered to be targeting the same audience.
Competitors (Actual)
Brands that compete for the same exact consumer segment within the same region. Those offerings that a brand currently competes with.
Competitors (Aspirational)
Any brand that operates in a different field and/or industry who occupies a similar market position.
Competitors (Theoretical)
Any brands that hold an equal value position that operates in a different industry, or are not considered direct competition. These may include brands that compete in different regions.
Confirmation Bias
The tendency to look for what confirms our beliefs and to ignore what contradicts them, while disregarding the truth.
Consumer
A person who acquires goods or services for direct use or ownership as opposed to resale or use in production and manufacturing.
Consumer Characteristics
Any distinctive characteristics or circumstances typical to customers within a given market segment. This allows marketers to distinguish one group of customers from another.
Consumer Goods
Items purchased by consumers for personal and household use; consumer goods are classified as durables and non-durables.
Contingency Plan
A course of action prepared in advance of a potential problem; it answers this question: How does a brand respond in a way that will neutralize or minimize the damage, if X happens?
Copyright
Exclusive legal right to copy, publish and sell materials; also, the mark that indicates that the material is so protected. The right of copyright gives protection to the originator of the material to prevent use without express permission or acknowledgement of the originator.
Core Competency
A company's particular area of skill and/or knowledge that contributes to its ability to compete in the market. This aids in sustainable growth by developing new products and/or services.
Corporate Branding
Associating the name of a corporation with the individual brand name, usually to ensure that introductions will be more readily accepted.
Corporate Identity
The name, logo and other core brand signals that comprise the visual identity of a organization.
Cost of Ownership
The true cost of a purchase measured by deducting an items residual value from its original purchase price (plus the cost of maintenance and usage) divided by the period of ownership.
Counterfeiting
Creating products and/or packaging that appears to be the same as those of an established brand to deceive the purchaser. This practice is illegal in many countries, including the USA and UK.
Country of Origin
The country from which a given product is made or perceived to be made. Consumers' willingness to purchase is often heavily influenced by their associations with where a product is designed and manufactured. (e.g., Germany = automobiles, Scotland = scotch, Japan = electronics)
Creative Destruction
The act of developing new product or service offerings that destroy the company's/brand's existing market. [A theory of Joseph Schumpeter]. This practice keeps top companies on top with offerings that are continually one step in front of those of competitors.
Customer
An individual or entity who buys goods or services; usually not by contract.
Customer Relationship Management
Bonding the consumer to the brand through one-to-one customer service, and personal contact between the brand representative and consumer. Tracking customer behavior for the purpose of developing marketing and relationship-building processes.