"You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black." - Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company, circa 1908 "If you’re interested in making money, the first thing you do is listen to your customer. If your customer says, ‘I want more than 10 colors,’ then you try to give it to them…” - Brenda French, French Rags, 1998 These two quotes prove how the market has evolved from mass production to be focused on individual preferences and customization. Customers increasingly want new ways to feel special and seen by companies. And hence, brands give people individualized products. I think the trend of customized products for business got in full swing after Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign. Consumers no longer want ‘a Coke’. They want ‘their Coke.’ The concept of ‘one-size-fits-all’ is no longer relevant. From Nutella jars to luxury handbags, customized products are gaining popularity. But what exactly is driving the desire for custom products? Continue reading to know why your customers love customized products and how you can start with this trend. Why Your Customers Love Customized Products 1. Individuality As unique individuals, all of us feel the need to express ourselves. Everybody wants people to notice them, listen to them. Even when shopping, customers want to seek brands that encourage self-expression and celebrate their individuality. Why do you think brands like Lego and Burger King have a cult-like following? Burger King’s “Have it your way” slogan emphasizes individuality. Lego encourages users to take its products and make whatever they choose. That’s a powerful way to position yourself as a brand that supports individuality. Let’s look at some brands encouraging individuality. Malibu is a Caribbean rum brand. The brand launched a white bottle - ‘Malibu By U.’ It came with four colored markers using which rum lovers would add a personal touch on the iconic bottle. One entrant with the best design wins a stay for four people in Barbados. That's a fantastic way to promote individuality, engage your users, and market your product. Oreo had a similar concept. It launched OREO Colorfilled, an online platform where users can digitally color limited-edition packs. There’s even more: they have apparel with different designs. Just last year, the company announced a new way to customize Oreos called Oreo ID. People can choose their cream colors, top with sprinkles, and make it more personal by adding messages or photos. Ready to sell customized products? Cater to the unique needs of each customer with a Product Design Tool. Explore all the features here. Check Product Designer Tool 2. Unique Priorities Customer expectations are on the rise. Instead of just purchasing what’s on offer, they want to feel like your products are just for them and that they fulfill their unique needs. Your customers have many and varied needs. They fall into different categories such as: Price: Different budgets with which customers can purchase different products or services. Functionality: Customers need your product to function the way they want to solve their problems. Dollar Shave Club is a good example of this. As soon as you are on their website, it asks you to share your grooming needs to help them create a customized box. Once you complete a quiz, they will straightaway offer a kit. You can even further customize your options. This way, the brand ensures that each customer gets a solution that addresses their pain points.