Social Responsibility and Consumers
flex Watches
Average Rating: 2.6
Why is it a 2.6?
Website: 4 (Good)
Explanation of Rating:
From their website, out of the 3 companies I initially deemed Flex Watches as my best practice when it comes to consumers and informational transparency. They received a 4 because their mission was clear, "10 watches, 10 causes" very to the point. Each watch had their own page explaining what nonprofit 10% per watch sold was going to, as well as how much money was raised thus far. The website had a Blogspot and pictures to support their claims.
Email Correspondence: 1 (Extremely Vague)
Explanation of Rating:
Before this response above, I emailed Flex 2 previous times from other emails. I received an automatic email saying, “we will respond in 48-72 hours” which is reasonable for any company. But I never received a response. This email I received after 16 days of sending it. It did not address my questions directly nor was it at helpful with what I was trying to find out. I was not invited to ask further questions but rather dismissing my questions.
Social Media: 4 (Good)
Instragram: @flexwatches
Facebook: @flexwatches
Twitter: @flexwatches
Explanation of Rating:
Flex Watches Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter is full of their products and with every product, a social cause is attached. However, there is no evidence of the money being received by nonprofits. According to the email, the CEO goes directly to the nonprofits and gives them the money. There should be evidence of that encounter for the consumers to know what they are buying into is real. Most consumers are using social media to generate their opinions on a company and how socially impactful they are. Social media is a way to make or break the company. It is just not clear what type of company Flex is trying to portray.
Customer Representative: 2 (Vague)
Explanation of Rating:
I called the number provided on the website and did not get a response the first time I called. So, I called once again and they picked up. I felt rushed off the phone and my questions were brushed off. The representative did answer the questions but not to the extent where I felt like I had enough information to be satisfied with their response. I had to constantly repeat myself and clarify my questions to the point where I felt they did not want to answer my questions.
Product Packaging: 3 (Neutral)
Explanation of Rating:
The packaging received a 3 rating because each watch is associated with a social cause which is obvious. However, there should be an indication in wording that this watch is an "autism" watch or a "hunger" watch. The autism watch which is designed with the puzzle piece is the only symbolic watch. The other watches are colors that you could associate with a cause but you would not be entirely sure. I liked the watch box packaging but the pun personally did not make sense. I would stick to "1 watch, 1 cause" something along those lines.