When a brand isn't enough.

Is branding something enough... at some point will consumers realize that a brand is just a pretty picture? The idea that we're in a major to make a product feel like you need it. That this product, more than all the other competitors is one they should choose. To speak to a person to get them hooked, and give them the desire for that product. Making the package that you're selling them is just as important as the product. My opinion is that no, design can not make up for lack of a quality product. It may work on someone once, but with the economy the way it is now people are buckling down. They're buying the best bargains not the best designs. This leads me to the conclusion that we either need to find the next big way to get people to buy the things we design. When brand loyalty isn't enough to keep someone with your product how else can you communicate?