Seagate Technology: Sample unit handling

The Task: "Do they have sample units for testing yet?" We always here this when a new product is launched - reviewers want to test new equipment as soon as possible. For Seagate Technology, the leading hard drive manufacturer in the world and a client of Dr. Haffa & Partner, tests and opinions of journalists in the field play an important role. That's why one of the PR objectives of Seagate is to keep in very close contact with these key journalists and make sure they have access to all the information and sample units they need. As the PR adage "make friends before you need them" points out, these good personal relationships are also there to help recognize a potential PR crisis - for instance if there are problems with hard drive tests - early and counteract it.

The Implementation: "Yes, of course there are sample units available." "You need three identical models? No problem!" is our response. Dr. Haffa & Partner takes care of all sample unit handling for Seagate. Starting with ordering the proper quantity of drives at the right time through to shipping the sample units out and ensuring their timely return. Dr. Haffa & Partner sends out units for testing on a daily basis and returns them to inventory after the agreed-upon testing phase. In the event questions occur during the testing phase, we're all ears and do our best to solve problems since we're familiar with the devices.

The Result: Satisfied reviewers, good test results, and the clippings to go with them - that's one of the results of our work for and with Seagate. Through competent sample unit handling, Dr. Haffa & Partner has become a prime source for reviewers looking to test Seagate hard drives. And last but by no means least, Seagate's relationship to the industry media has been intensified as a result.

"We profit from the long-term contacts that Dr. Haffa & Partner have to the test labs, and this saves us time and money. The test results have a positive effect on our sales figures."

Regina Israel, corporate communications manager for EMEA at Seagate.