It’s no surprise that every company has a rival that they want to steal customers/consumers from (MySpace & Facebook, McDonalds & Burger King, Nike & Adidas). We’ve all seen it from ads to promotional offers, etc…

Yet, I have not seen two companies “duke it out” so blatantly like Subway & Quiznos have been lately.

Before I get too into their battle, I am going to state upfront that I am a Subway fan and do not like Quiznos (primarily because of the bread and less veggie options). I also eat at Subway at least once a week. Trust me, ask anyone here at the marketing agency in San Diego I work at, they’ll back me up.

Lets recap the recent battle between them:

* Subway launches “$5 footlongs”on any sandwich

* Quiznos launches “$5 regular subs” a few weeks later

A few months later…

* Subway launches  “$5 footlongs” on 8 select sandwiches

* Quiznos launches “$5 regular subs” on select sandwiches

* Quiznos then adds a “drink & side” special to their menu

Another few months later…

* Subway re-launches “$5 footlongs” on any sandwich and $1 drinks and sides with the purchase of any footlong

* Quiznos launches delivery services

* Quiznos launches “$4 Torpedoes” on 5 sandwiches

That is where the battle ends, at least for now. I am going to predict that Subway in the next few months will launch some type of $4 sandwich. I even said a few weeks ago at Subway, watch Quiznos will have some similar promotion in a few weeks, and what do you know, BAMN there it is. I do commend them for at least offering one thing very different from Subway — delivery. Subway, when you going to start offering that too?

All I can say is it has become too predictable with these two companies. Do something different, don’t just copy or do something super similar to your competitor’s promotion(s). Take this opportunity to do something no one would expect to see.

You know what promotion I would love to see. A lot of people, like myself, like to have the footlong last for two meals. The second half usually isn’t near as good as the first since the condiments have sunk in and/or it’s now a day old. So, I propose they still offer the $5 footlong deal. BUT when you go in you can get 6″ of the sandwich now and then come back another time to get the other 6″. If you think about it, this will actually most likely make them more money and not use as much food. How do you ask? Well, this now gives Subway two opportunities to get people to buy additional things (sides, etc..) while they are there. When you go back in for your second 6″ some people might be like, sure I’ll grab some chips and a soda with it and pay the whole $2. Second, some people will forget about their second 6″. Therefore, less food is being used.

Subway or Quiznos, if I see this promotion surface, I’m going to be expecting a little kick back!

What unique promotion would you like to see them do?