Swedbank versus Rabobank : A Comparison of The Services Marketing Mix

Abstract: Aim: This thesis has been conducted after approval of Swedbank, for comparing their services with those of Rabobank. The study aimed finding differences between Swedbank’s and Rabobank’s services. Within the subject services, the study has aimed towards finding the differences –and similarities between the services marketing mix of Swedbank and Rabobank. The study also focused on the activities held in order to support the services marketing mix. Method: The empirical findings were gathered by use of both written –and telephone interviews. Keywords were written down during the telephone interview and later constructed into full sentences. Data taken from the written interviews was viewed and re-written into complete sentences. The data has been analyzed with use of the literature review. Result & Conclusions: Both Swedbank and Rabobank seem to have a highly similar services marketing mix. Small differences were found in marketing research, products, marketing communication, Human Resources Management and servicescape. In all these aspects it showed that Swedbank uses a more personal approach than Rabobank. Suggestions for future research: The thesis’ focus has been on the services marketing mix of Swedbank and Rabobank in general. This allowed the research to go more in-depth than other subjects in the services marketing mix. To get a more clear view on the supporting methods both Swedbank and Rabobank use to support its services marketing mix, future research could be focused on the historical development of both banks which has developed the bank’s ways of doing business, the price development methods in detail, the segmentation process, the marketing communication campaigns of both Swedbank’s –and Rabobank’s internet banking, service development process and corporate identity strategy. It would also be interesting to compare these banks with their competitors in order to discover why Swedbank and Rabobank stand out more than their competitors. Contribution of the thesis: This thesis compared two of the largest banks in both home countries and shows the implications of successful services marketing mixes. This thesis is useful for financial banks and other related financial service institutions.