IDG Contributor Network: 5 marketing tips to help you avoid markdowns

For such a simple word, “markdown” produces some pretty strong emotions in people. When customers hear the word “markdown,” they quickly gravitate toward whatever is being sold, like a predator to its prey. But when business owners and retailers hear this word, it strikes fear into their very souls.From a business perspective, markdowns mean lower profits and a cheapened brand image. When you’re forced to discount products, it means you (a) ordered too much inventor