Marketing Mayhem(Maybe some market research could have been helpful.)

United Airlines handed out white carnations to the passengers to

commemorate some of its first flights to Hong Kong.

What’s the problem…?

For many Asians white flowers represent bad luck and even death.

So United Airlines changed the flowers to red carnations.

Source: http://www.deborahswallow.com/2009/08/20/cross-cultural-marketing-blunders/#more-813

A company advertised eyewear in Thailand by featuring a variety of cute animals

wearing glasses.

What’s the problem… ?

Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and animals are considered to be a

lower form of life.

No self-respecting Thai would wear anything worn by animals.

Source: http://www.deborahswallow.com/2009/08/20/cross-cultural-marketing-blunders/#more-813

Toothpaste company Pepsodent tried to sell its toothpaste in Southeast Asia by

emphasising that it “whitens your teeth”…

What’s the problem … ?

They found out that the local native people chew betel nuts to blacken their teeth,

which they find attractive.Chewing betel nuts is said to strengthen

teeth (it may have anti-bacterial qualities) and is associated with various rituals and

ceremonies.Sources: http://www.deborahswallow.com/2009/08/20/cross-cultural-marketing-blunders/#more-813

http://www.i18nguy.com/translations.html

They don’t call it a ‘language barrier’ for nothing….

And then there is the language…

When Pepsi began marketing its products in China, it translated the company slogan

- "Pepsi Brings You Back to Life“ - literally.

What’s the problem…?

The Chinese version of the slogan meant: "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the

grave”!

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Ten-Biggest-International-Marketing-Mistakes-of-All-Time&id=529007

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) also translated their slogan – “finger-lickin'

good” – into Chinese.

What’s the problem…?

Except in Chinese, their slogan read “eat your fingers off”!

Source: http://www.i18nguy.com/translations.html