• Broadening the firm's product line to close off vacant niches and gaps to
would-be challengers.
• Introducing models or brands that match the characteristics challengers'
models already have or might have.
• Keeping prices low on models that most closely match competitors'
offerings.
• Signing exclusive agreements with dealers and distributors to keep
competitors from using the same ones.
• Granting dealers and distributors sizable volume discounts to discourage
them from experimenting with other suppliers.
• Offering free or low-cost training to buyers' personnel in the use of the
firm's product.
• Making it harder for competitors to get buyers to try their brands by
(1) giving special price discounts to buyers who are considering trial
use of rival brands, (2) resorting to high levels of couponing and sample
giveaways to buyers most prone to experiment, and (3) making early
announcements about impending new products or price changes so
buyers postpone switching.