Below are examples of marketing activities and the year when they were first introduced. These examples show the breadth of marketing activities.
In 1704, the first newspaper advertisements appeared in the USA.
In 1744, Benjamin Franklin publishes the first mail order catalogue.
In 1841, Volney Palmer established the first advertising agency.
In 1870, the publishing company Velhagen and Klasing (Germany) analysed customer demographic data.
1880 Macy’s China division launches the unequal pricing method. Lever uses a repetitive box to package soap, brand names Quaker Oats, Vaseline, Pillsbury Best, vending machines are introduced.
In 1886, Quaker Oats put recipes and sales information on the packaging.
In 1908, Henry Ford developed the Model T.
1912 Cellophane is introduced for packaging.
1920 General Motors segments the automotive market, cash and carry sales, air freight, and containers are introduced.
In 1922, AT&T radio station WEAF offered 10 minutes of radio airtime for $100.
In 1930, King Kullen opened the first supermarket in New York.
1931 Procter & Gamble launches the Product Guide System.
In 1941, NBC television, with 7,500 customers in New York, produced its first TV commercial.
In 1993, the Internet became a reality for 5 million consumers worldwide.
The actions listed do not cover all marketing activities, but only illustrate how many different activities fall under the umbrella of marketing.