Help Remedies goes philanthropic

Since its inception, Help Remedies mission has been based on trying to change the experience involved with over the counter medications. The company’s usual product attacks minor problems such as cuts, headaches, and stuffy noses with small kits with the words: “Help I [insert problem here]” (below is a picture of the company’s product line).

Recently, as explained in this article from Tech Edge, Help Remedies decided to take the philanthropic route and partner with DKMS, which is the world’s largest bone marrow donation center. Through this partnership, the commonly used “Help I’ve cut myself” kit has become known as the “Help, I want to save a life” kit. This variation includes sterile swabs and a postmarked envelope--making the process of sending a blood sample as easy as possible for those who wouldn’t normally take the time to become part of the bone marrow registry.

To analyze the potential success of this product, I looked to Rogers’ consumer adoption framework:

Relative advantage

This product has an extreme relative advantage over regular packages of bandages. For the same cost as a traditional package of bandages, consumers receive not only bandages, but also the ease of becoming part of the bone marrow registry--and the ability to give back to society.

Compatibility

This product is fully compatible with most people’s lives. The majority of households in the country own some type of bandage, so this product will fit right in. The only aspect that is not compatible with normal everyday life is the sending of a person’s blood sample to DKMS. However, most individuals in our society value the opportunity to do something good for others, and becoming part of the registry exemplifies that.

Simplicity

This kit could not have been made easier to use. The process of use is as follows: get a cut --> swab cut with sterile swabs included --> put swab in postmarked envelope--> send envelope to DKMS-->become part of the bone marrow registry. Help Remedies and DKMS made this product with simplicity and ease-of-use in mind to attract the maximum amount of consumers.

Trialability

For only $4, consumers receive 16 bandages, as well as a bone marrow donor registration kit. At this price, I believe the product is almost irresistable because the chance to save a life is worth much more than the cost of the kit.

Observability

According to the article, there is some smart advertising involved in the campaign. If this includes commercials showing ease of the process, this product could be very observable. However, if commercials like this do not exist, it would be a little hard to see people using the product, because it would usually be done inside one’s home.

With these aspects in mind, I believe the “Help, I want to save a life” kit is a very viable product for today’s market and society, and will become a huge consumer success.