Meaning of the verb BOLT-ON

Question

I've been having some trouble when trying to understand the meaning of this verb , in the phrase " BOLT-ON TACTICS ".

I've browsed the internet, and this verb, seems to be specially used in things related to cars or things kind of technical. Meaning, as far as I understand, something that is built in a way that needs no change at all.

Does "Bolt-on tactics" mean, that there are some tactics that already have been pre-established as a rule ?

Thanks

(By the way, I posted this same message in the thread section, It was my mistake. I hadn't logged in since last year, it seems that I didn't know where to post it ,and I did it in the wrong section , that's why I'm posting it again in the right section . I would greatly appreciate if somebody can delete it from the thread section, thanks )

Maj · Accepted Answer

Does it mean that the new tactics will not work? You mean the company had better stick to the old ways?

Timbo · Answer

Hi gtivan,

I have looked and thought about this phrase. Let me explain where I believe the origins of it lay.

It came into use for the description of auto accessories. These were items that would be made for particular models, which would literally mechanically bolt on without having to modify or custom build, as you have already referred. This might be spoilers to add for aerodynamic efficiency, chrome rims or ‘Mags’ as they were known.

Therefore your answer is basically correct. The ‘bolt on’ tactics might be those which are developed for certain scenarios. In other words, no adjustment to the situation necessary, use these tactics and away you go. These tactics might be something like how a company reacts to competitors in a market share. ‘Bolt on’ tactics would be drop prices, start a price war. The variations are endless.

Hope this helps,

Tim

Marius Hancu · Answer

I think you might refer to this article:

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http://www.newbizs.com/pubs/smarketing.htm

There is no doubt that Marketing's role will become more pivotal as
the next decade draws near. The future portends of increasingly,
horizontally allianced organizations brought together to create
compelling, zero-error customer value, based on core competencies. In
order to fulfill Marketing's new responsibilities, it must change from
executing familiar bolt-on tactics that brighten short term
performance - to real market planning based on true strategic
marketing. Why? Because strategic marketing can provide the right
framework for sustainable success in the market.
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Now, the meaning of
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bolt-on

adjective
Definition:

1. attachable with bolt: attachable by means of a bolt

2. attachable as extra: attachable as an extra without affecting or
requiring change to the rest

MSN Encarta
http://tinyurl.com/kjb75
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Bolt-on tactics, the way I see it in the above context, are canned/ready-made solutions which are added and applied in a hodgepodge, spur-of-the-moment, manner, in dealing with the market changes.

Clive · Answer

Hi guys,

I'd just like to comment that many groups of people have their own specialized terms. Marketing people are relatively well-known for speaking in a way that often seems a little odd to people outside the group.

I wouldn't recommend that you use this term 'bolt-on' in normal, everyday English conversation. Most people won't understand it.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

12/06/06    I had to replace my old mobile phone (as the manufacturers said that the technology in it was very old although only 8 years old!). I am now faced with a barrage of New technology together with terms I had never had to encounter before - I am English by the way - these include the usual abbreviations like SIM, SMS, WAP, GPRS, GSM, which I have succeeded in finding in mobile phone glossaries.  However, I was puzzling over BOLT-ONS until I reached your website.  I am not much clearer about it BUT I do think that all mobile phone booklets should have a complete glossary for MOBILE PHONE ILLITERATI!

Anonymous · Answer

I found this explanation in a site:

bolt-on

On the Internet, bolt-on, perhaps inspired by add-on , is used to describe products and systems that can be quickly but securely attached to an existing Web site . The term most often describes some e-commerce solution for adding an online store to a Web site. A "bolt-on e-commerce solution" typically allows a Web site owner to create customized Web catalog pages, using a furnished template that includes a shopping cart approach for multiple item orders, and to have these pages hosted at the solution provider's server, where orders can be taken and reported to the Web site. Solution packages typically include the handling of credit-card applications and credit checking

Maiene · Answer

I've found this information in a site:

bolt-on

On the Internet, bolt-on, perhaps inspired by add-on , is used to describe products and systems that can be quickly but securely attached to an existing Web site . The term most often describes some e-commerce solution for adding an online store to a Web site. A "bolt-on e-commerce solution" typically allows a Web site owner to create customized Web catalog pages, using a furnished template that includes a shopping cart approach for multiple item orders, and to have these pages hosted at the solution provider's server, where orders can be taken and reported to the Web site. Solution packages typically include the handling of credit-card applications and credit checking

Meaning of the verb BOLT-ON

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