Marketers must adhere to ethical standards, just like in any other discipline or profession. According to Ellis-Chadwick and Jobber (2019), the purpose of marketing ethics is to ensure sanity and responsibility and adhere to established norms. Unfortunately, there are times when circumstances force marketers to decide between following marketing ethics and prioritizing the many goals they have, which include increasing revenue and sales. This situation requires self-reflection. You must evaluate all the possible consequences and ramifications. If I had the chance to make a fortune once in a lifetime, marketing principles would be my priority. It is essential that I balance my professional and personal ethical values. This compromise seems to be necessary.
When faced with a dilemma, I’d tell my customer straight up and allow them to decide. She is an ardent customer and has already returned to purchase other products from the brand. This indicates she will return in the future. Therefore, providing accurate information would not hurt. For example, all inventory that is available has a caution against use by pregnant women. However, marketing ethics dictate that marketers be as honest as possible, even if they must be pushy to achieve sales (Jobber & Ellis-Chadwick, 2019). Honesty is key to maintaining and working with long-term clients. Although she may not purchase the laptop in the end, it would be a great way to build trust with her and increase the likelihood of her being a loyal client for any future transactions.
This case shows that I have to select the most suitable laptop for my customer’s pregnant daughter. There is a significant risk to unborn children from the current available ones, especially lead. Californian officials know that electronic devices with these chemicals can cause cancer, reproductive damage and other congenital problems. The customer’s daughter and I as consultants and salesmen will be able to sue the company in the event of any dispute. My best option and decision would be to tell the customer straight-forward. I want to avoid problems with the authorities. This issue goes well beyond marketing ethics, and becomes a matter of accountability.