People

The people variable in the marketing mix reflects the level of customer service, staff training and staff satisfaction. As discussed in previous posts, Net-A-Porter and ASOS both deliver exceptional customer service in a way that builds relationships without any physical contact. This post will focus on the employees of both companies. 

 Employee satisfaction is an important element of the marketing mix for Net-A-Porter. They employ over 800 people in the UK and believe that their 'enviable pool of talented people' have helped Net-A-Porter to become the largest luxury fashion retailer it is today. (Net-A-Porter, 2016a)

Net-A-Porter have their own careers page on their website and have their own internship program called Net Academy. These placements give graduates the opportunity to further their skills in areas such as PR and Product Merchandising. (Net-A-Porter, 2016b)

ASOS are also proud of their employees, but in a different way. ASOS boast on their website the volume of employees that they now have, stating in January 2014 they employed more that 1,500 people which is a 16% increase from 2013. 

ASOS do not have any training program's in place but focus on the company culture, known as 'The ASOS Way'. The four values are Customer Obsessed, Relentlessly Innovative, Collaborative & Respectful and Passionate. ASOS demonstrate these values as they have excellent customer service, are innovative as an eCommerce business and they show passion in this through their social media pages and their connection with customers. ASOS achieve this by training their staff to work to these values. (ASOS, 2014)

ASOS values (ASOS, 2014)

In conclusion, it is clear to see that Net-A-Porter values staff training and long term careers so that their employees will create a great impression for the company. In addition to this, employee retention and motivation is likely to increase as well as employee engagement and productivity.
ASOS focuses entirely on their values to train their staff and their main goal is to increase staff numbers. Employees are less likely build a career with ASOS so it is possible they have a high staff turnover, with less motivation and productivity rates. 

References

ASOS (2014) Our people. Available at: http://www.asosplc.com/corporate-responsibility/our-business/our-people.aspx (Accessed: 21 November 2016).

Net-A-Porter (2016a) Developing our talent. Available at: https://www.net-a-porter.com/Content/careers/talent (Accessed: 21 November 2016).

Net-A-Porter (2016b) NET-academy Internships. Available at: https://www.net-a-porter.com/Content/careers/interns (Accessed: 21 November 2016).