Simplify your business
Tuesday, 7 October 2008 1:12 pm

Oztion’s biggest obstacle?

Monday, 21 July 2008  

Oztion, the Aussie alternative to Ebay, have been spending lots of money on radio advertising lately. While appearing to try and cash in on the very bad publicity Ebay have been copping lately, Oztion have been building brand awareness with the phrase:

“Oztion: It’s Aussie for Auction”

However, I can’t help but to think that the biggest obstacle Oztion have is that nobody can pronounce the name. It sounds awkward, forgettable and whatever the opposite of “catchy” is.

And if nobody can pronounce the name, let alone remember how to spell it, how can they tell their friends about it?

Posted in Business, Marketing by Ivan
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 five comments:

  1. Dom - Wednesday, 30 July 2008 2:09 pm  

    Yes, but Ebay is getting some very bad publicity once again with that Queensland seller who ripped off hundreds of people.

    Apparently, those who used Paypal will get refunds but those who paid using a bank deposit, cheque or credit card are on their own, which is ironic considering their failed attempt to force sellers to use Paypal not so long ago.

  2. Australian Auctions - Monday, 4 August 2008 9:44 pm  

    Its not the most phonetically memorable name I agree. Although I am happy to see Aussie Auction sites popping up.

    I part own Xoobie, an Australian Auction website which has been around since Jan 08'. Funny enough, its pretty hard to spell :)!

  3. Olya - Saturday, 9 August 2008 4:33 pm  

    When I first heard the radio ad for this mob I thought that they had chosen a really crappy domain name ... and every time I've heard the ad since, my opinion is strengthened.

  4. Adrian - Thursday, 14 August 2008 9:33 pm  

    Agree - The name isn't phonetic, a bit awkward to say too and in the beginning we at Jumbuck had the same reservations when we first heard it. But at the same time it sums up completely what the website does in 1 (made up) word and stands out precisely because it doesn't sit perfectly when you hear it.

    As for forgettable ... well you did blog about it so can't be that bad :)

    Cheers! Adrian (Jumbuck/ Oztion)

  5. Ivan - Friday, 15 August 2008 12:11 pm  

    Thanks for your comments, Adrian. I actually had to pull over in my car so I can jot down the word "oztion" after hearing it on the radio. I didn't have the confidence to remember it by the time I got home. But I guess the old "any publicity is good publicity" adage applies in this case? If so, then I wish your business well. It would be good to have some real alternatives to Ebay in this country.


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