Multi-channel marketing is the tactic of reinforcing your brand message by utilizing numerous channels to sell to customers. Not just for large retailers, small to medium eCommerce businesses can reap the benefits of multi-channel marketing and should examine strategies to do so.
As Multi-channel marketing has become “par for the course” in online retail, retailers need to serve customers in multiple channels to stay competitive. Due to rising customer expectations, retailers must provide a consistent experience that allows customers to shop via the method that they feel most comfortable. Whether the method is over the phone, by mail, online, or at a brick and mortar storefront – retailers that facilitate customers to shop via multiple channels typically get a higher level of customer value.
The numbers speak for themselves. In a cross-channel study by JC Penney, the company found that internet only shoppers spent $121 per year, retail only spent $194 per year, catalog only spent $242 per year - while a customer who shopped all three spent over $1000 per year (source: ebusinessiq.com).
In a separate study of over 500 retail and enterprise businesses, consulting firm The Aberdeen Group found that 38.4% of respondents classified “multi-channel customers” as significantly more profitable.
So where to start?
So multi-channel consumer behavior generates incremental profits - but where do you begin if you are a small online retailer? How do you progress your online business towards this new opportunity and take advantage of these developing trends?
The first step for an online retailer would be to evaluate the creation and distribution of a print catalog. A print catalog and an online store work extremely well with each other, as the strengths in each channel complement the other’s weaknesses. Consumers typically browse the catalog as they shop for products and then frequently go online to purchase them.
The tangible nature of a print catalog makes it great for product browsing, as it is readily available and visible for weeks on end. Another plus is that competitive offerings are limited when merchandising via a catalog, making the catalog even more valuable in niche markets.
Small to medium online retailers should examine the costs for development, including: list management, creative design and layout, distribution processes, and postage fees. Conversion rates in catalogs frequently trail their eCommerce store counterparts however, so utilize conservative conversion metrics when developing your ROI model.
Within the first page of the catalog, consider outlining your unique value proposition (Why would a consumer shop at your store?) and provide details to your cross-channel policies (how orders can be placed and returned etc). Make sure to include your URL (ex. http://www.yourstore.com) in bold writing on every page in the catalog and include catalog “quick shop” numbers (usually 5 digits) so shoppers can quickly locate exact products viewed in the catalog on your website.
Unique strengths within each channel
Now although catalogs can be great selling tools, they are sometimes limited in their ability to provide deep levels of customer interactivity. Product content and imagery may be limited by catalog page space constraints, leaving the shopper with unanswered questions. In businesses with large assortments, not all products can make it into to the catalog. This can also create consumers being unaware of products that may meet their needs.
It is for these reasons why the web works so well with a catalog. The eCommerce store can tailor the user experience to meet the scenario needs of a visitor, while offering a complete selection of all products. The eCommerce store is able to reduce purchase hesitation by educating the customer through enhanced content, while simultaneously generating action through time sensitive promotions. Online components such as buying guides, comparison charts, or visualization tools, instill confidence on core product benefits – while cross/up sell functionality increase the average order value (AOV) of the sale.
Similar to how the catalog promoted the eCommerce business, it is important that the site promote the catalog as well. Online stores should provide the “quick shop” search capabilities mentioned earlier, provide the capability for a consumer to request a print catalog online, and also have a rich media version of the catalog online that can be emailed to a friend or family member.
When utilized together, an eCommerce store and a catalog can be a powerful way to drive incremental product demand. To maximize the potential of your online business, consider a multi-channel approach to meet the expectations and build the overall loyalty of your customer base.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Integrating Bricks and Mortar with eCommerce
Today’s shopper expects convenience. Brands that integrate sales channels for consumer research and purchasing will increase repeat purchase rates and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.
In any multi-channel retail consumer interaction, traffic or sales are being driven from one channel to the other. In these “web-to-store” or “store-to-web” situations, the limitations of one channel are mitigated by the strengths of the other.
In-store Pickup
In-store pickup is a process that allows your customers to order online and pickup in your physical store. During the process, communication with the customer primarily happens via email and instructs the shopper of the steps necessary to complete the transaction. In most cases, the order is fulfilled at the “brick and mortar” store the same business day the order is placed online, with best practices showing most orders filled within a 2 hour period.
The primary value to consumers is that they receive their items almost immediately after purchasing. By using in-store pickup, consumers pick up their merchandise at a special designated area, thereby avoiding heavy crowds at the checkout counter. This is a core reason why in-store pickup is so popular during the holiday season, when last-minute ordering is often done online.
The consumer also benefits from not having to pay shipping costs. Sometimes the $6 to $10 dollars associated with shipping a product can be a critical factor to cart abandonment, and in-store pickup reduces this risk.
The retail business also benefits from the incremental purchases that are made when a customer goes to the physical store to pick up online purchases. In an internal study, multi-channel retailer REI reports that 1/3 of all customers who buy online and pickup at the store make another purchase while there, with a spend average of $90.00 (Puget Sound Business Journal).
From a technology perspective, in-store pickup needs to have some level of inventory integration to work effectively. The integration of data is critical in being able to display to the consumer the availability of products at their closest geographic store.
After a user selects the “in-store pickup” option, and enters their zip code, the system needs to cross-reference available store-level inventory data to ensure that the product is available within an acceptable distance. This inventory accuracy is crucial to deliver a great shopping experience.
Integration does not have to work in real time, but needs to execute multiple data checks throughout the day. Work your in-store pickup product availability based upon thresholds. For example, once an inventory level reaches 3 in a store location, do not display as available for in-store pickup. In-store pickup should not be executed for all products. Focus on products with high shipping costs and products that a consumer would typically want immediately.
In-Store Returns
Returning a product purchased online can be an extremely frustrating experience. Between figuring out if the retailer will pay for the shipping, waiting in line at the post office, and finally playing the waiting game for a product refund, the returns process is known for giving consumers headaches.
Accepting online product returns in a physical store is a tactic to make the returns experience pleasant and easier for the customer. By messaging an in-store returns option within the homepage, product page, and potentially within the shopping cart, a retailer reduces consumer purchase hesitation and will likely drive conversion improvement. Again, the transaction is immediate with no waiting involved.
Similar to in-store pickup, in-store returns generate incremental in-store purchases. After receiving their refund, consumers frequently shop for and purchase additional items while in the store. These actions can lead to order values that are actually greater than the initial online purchase, and drive higher lifetime consumer value.
The key to executing in-store returns is to have order management from the web and the physical stores driven from the same database. By providing the in-store associate the ability to look up information based upon order numbers on the packing slip, the process can be verified and the transaction can be closed by the associate.
Emailed In-Store Coupons and Promotions
Email is predominantly used as a mechanism to drive webstore promotions. Recently however, multi-channel businesses are realizing the value of emailing “in-store” or hybrid type promotions to their house lists.
“In-store” email promotions allow the consumer to print an email promotion (say $25.00 off a $150.00 purchase) and have it accepted at the retail store. For businesses that want to further track multi-channel purchasing, consider generating unique barcodes for each email that provide added levels of insight and security.
Hybrid emails allow promotions to be leveraged in-store and online via a purchase code. Again, by giving the consumer the ability to choose how they want to utilize the promotion, a retailer builds a stronger service connection with the shopper.
Store Locator
Now standard among eCommerce stores, a store locator function must be able to find the closest stores based upon zip code, while providing door to door directions online. If you have a physical store network but do not provide store locator functionality, you are dramatically behind the innovation curve.
All of these initiatives are geared toward achieving one objective – communicating and service of customers in the manner for which the customer chooses.
In any multi-channel retail consumer interaction, traffic or sales are being driven from one channel to the other. In these “web-to-store” or “store-to-web” situations, the limitations of one channel are mitigated by the strengths of the other.
In-store Pickup
In-store pickup is a process that allows your customers to order online and pickup in your physical store. During the process, communication with the customer primarily happens via email and instructs the shopper of the steps necessary to complete the transaction. In most cases, the order is fulfilled at the “brick and mortar” store the same business day the order is placed online, with best practices showing most orders filled within a 2 hour period.
The primary value to consumers is that they receive their items almost immediately after purchasing. By using in-store pickup, consumers pick up their merchandise at a special designated area, thereby avoiding heavy crowds at the checkout counter. This is a core reason why in-store pickup is so popular during the holiday season, when last-minute ordering is often done online.
The consumer also benefits from not having to pay shipping costs. Sometimes the $6 to $10 dollars associated with shipping a product can be a critical factor to cart abandonment, and in-store pickup reduces this risk.
The retail business also benefits from the incremental purchases that are made when a customer goes to the physical store to pick up online purchases. In an internal study, multi-channel retailer REI reports that 1/3 of all customers who buy online and pickup at the store make another purchase while there, with a spend average of $90.00 (Puget Sound Business Journal).
From a technology perspective, in-store pickup needs to have some level of inventory integration to work effectively. The integration of data is critical in being able to display to the consumer the availability of products at their closest geographic store.
After a user selects the “in-store pickup” option, and enters their zip code, the system needs to cross-reference available store-level inventory data to ensure that the product is available within an acceptable distance. This inventory accuracy is crucial to deliver a great shopping experience.
Integration does not have to work in real time, but needs to execute multiple data checks throughout the day. Work your in-store pickup product availability based upon thresholds. For example, once an inventory level reaches 3 in a store location, do not display as available for in-store pickup. In-store pickup should not be executed for all products. Focus on products with high shipping costs and products that a consumer would typically want immediately.
In-Store Returns
Returning a product purchased online can be an extremely frustrating experience. Between figuring out if the retailer will pay for the shipping, waiting in line at the post office, and finally playing the waiting game for a product refund, the returns process is known for giving consumers headaches.
Accepting online product returns in a physical store is a tactic to make the returns experience pleasant and easier for the customer. By messaging an in-store returns option within the homepage, product page, and potentially within the shopping cart, a retailer reduces consumer purchase hesitation and will likely drive conversion improvement. Again, the transaction is immediate with no waiting involved.
Similar to in-store pickup, in-store returns generate incremental in-store purchases. After receiving their refund, consumers frequently shop for and purchase additional items while in the store. These actions can lead to order values that are actually greater than the initial online purchase, and drive higher lifetime consumer value.
The key to executing in-store returns is to have order management from the web and the physical stores driven from the same database. By providing the in-store associate the ability to look up information based upon order numbers on the packing slip, the process can be verified and the transaction can be closed by the associate.
Emailed In-Store Coupons and Promotions
Email is predominantly used as a mechanism to drive webstore promotions. Recently however, multi-channel businesses are realizing the value of emailing “in-store” or hybrid type promotions to their house lists.
“In-store” email promotions allow the consumer to print an email promotion (say $25.00 off a $150.00 purchase) and have it accepted at the retail store. For businesses that want to further track multi-channel purchasing, consider generating unique barcodes for each email that provide added levels of insight and security.
Hybrid emails allow promotions to be leveraged in-store and online via a purchase code. Again, by giving the consumer the ability to choose how they want to utilize the promotion, a retailer builds a stronger service connection with the shopper.
Store Locator
Now standard among eCommerce stores, a store locator function must be able to find the closest stores based upon zip code, while providing door to door directions online. If you have a physical store network but do not provide store locator functionality, you are dramatically behind the innovation curve.
All of these initiatives are geared toward achieving one objective – communicating and service of customers in the manner for which the customer chooses.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Light Bulk Wholesalers
Recently, a new concept called ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ has emerged with the increasing popularity of online retail stores. This concept was formed by WorldWideBrands, Inc, and refers to working with ‘real wholesalers who agree to sell small bulk quantities of products to home-based internet business owners.’
Before exploring the concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’, it’s better if you have an understanding of the ecommerce industry and how this concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ came about.
Several years back, it is the goal of many people to start online retail stores, since the entire process is automatic and ‘hands-free.’ The startup costs are also much lower than a real ‘brick-and-mortar’ store, thus online stores are very economical alternatives for the small business owner.
With such a huge number of entrepreneurs aspiring to start online stores, the demand for wholesalers of all products has increased as well. The recent and emergent concept of ‘drop shipping’ removes the need for home-based internet business owners to ship products to customers on their own, satisfying the needs of many online business owners.
However, even though drop shippers offer competitive wholesale prices, the prices that drop shippers offer are still slightly higher than that of other wholesalers or manufacturers. This is due to the fact that drop shippers have to charge an additional handling fee to account for the labor of delivering the products.
Most large and established wholesalers, on the other hand, are not willing to work with small, home-based internet businesses. This is due to the fact that small business owners do not place huge transactions with them each time, like thousands of dollars of products. Large wholesalers do not consider it worth their time to process such small transactions, since their profitability is proportional to the volume of sales – the higher the sales, the greater their profitability. Small business owners thus have a difficult time establishing business relationships with these large wholesalers.
The concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ from WorldWideBrands, Inc solves this problem elegantly. Since ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can sell products in smaller quantities each time to the online retailer, there is no need for huge upfront capital investments. Most ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can accept $500 or lower minimum orders while still charging the retailer competitive wholesale prices.
If you’re planning to start an online retail business, apart from drop shippers, you may also want to consider using ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers.’ You do not need to make huge upfront capital investments for stocks of goods, similar to drop shipping. This helps to decrease your risk in the business because the investment you can potentially lose is much lower.
Let’s understand the concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ in greater detail here.
The process of establishing a business relationship with the wholesaler is pretty much similar to other wholesalers. You can either give them a phone call and meet face-to-face to discuss issues like pricing points and billing, or you can communicate with the wholesaler through email if it is based in a different country from where you live.
After negotiating the issues like pricing and billing, and starting an account with the ‘Light Bulk Wholesaler’, you can start purchasing small quantities of products from the wholesaler, usually less than $500 in value.
The wholesaler will ship to you several cases of products that you can store in your own home. After soliciting product images and descriptions from the wholesaler, you can then proceed to design your ecommerce website, complete with shopping cart, product catalogue, and also credit-card-processing functions.
The rest of the process is the same as in any ecommerce store – customers place orders at your website, and you package and deliver the products to the customer yourself. The profitability of your business depends on your internet marketing skills – how well you can drive targeted traffic to your website, and how well you can convert them into paying customers.
To conclude, ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ is a very viable concept for the small business owner aspiring to start an online store. Although drop shipping also has its advantages, like no need for shipping and delivery, ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can offer slightly more competitive prices. Thus, you need to determine whether working with drop shippers or ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ is more profitable for your business.
Before exploring the concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’, it’s better if you have an understanding of the ecommerce industry and how this concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ came about.
Several years back, it is the goal of many people to start online retail stores, since the entire process is automatic and ‘hands-free.’ The startup costs are also much lower than a real ‘brick-and-mortar’ store, thus online stores are very economical alternatives for the small business owner.
With such a huge number of entrepreneurs aspiring to start online stores, the demand for wholesalers of all products has increased as well. The recent and emergent concept of ‘drop shipping’ removes the need for home-based internet business owners to ship products to customers on their own, satisfying the needs of many online business owners.
However, even though drop shippers offer competitive wholesale prices, the prices that drop shippers offer are still slightly higher than that of other wholesalers or manufacturers. This is due to the fact that drop shippers have to charge an additional handling fee to account for the labor of delivering the products.
Most large and established wholesalers, on the other hand, are not willing to work with small, home-based internet businesses. This is due to the fact that small business owners do not place huge transactions with them each time, like thousands of dollars of products. Large wholesalers do not consider it worth their time to process such small transactions, since their profitability is proportional to the volume of sales – the higher the sales, the greater their profitability. Small business owners thus have a difficult time establishing business relationships with these large wholesalers.
The concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ from WorldWideBrands, Inc solves this problem elegantly. Since ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can sell products in smaller quantities each time to the online retailer, there is no need for huge upfront capital investments. Most ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can accept $500 or lower minimum orders while still charging the retailer competitive wholesale prices.
If you’re planning to start an online retail business, apart from drop shippers, you may also want to consider using ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers.’ You do not need to make huge upfront capital investments for stocks of goods, similar to drop shipping. This helps to decrease your risk in the business because the investment you can potentially lose is much lower.
Let’s understand the concept of ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ in greater detail here.
The process of establishing a business relationship with the wholesaler is pretty much similar to other wholesalers. You can either give them a phone call and meet face-to-face to discuss issues like pricing points and billing, or you can communicate with the wholesaler through email if it is based in a different country from where you live.
After negotiating the issues like pricing and billing, and starting an account with the ‘Light Bulk Wholesaler’, you can start purchasing small quantities of products from the wholesaler, usually less than $500 in value.
The wholesaler will ship to you several cases of products that you can store in your own home. After soliciting product images and descriptions from the wholesaler, you can then proceed to design your ecommerce website, complete with shopping cart, product catalogue, and also credit-card-processing functions.
The rest of the process is the same as in any ecommerce store – customers place orders at your website, and you package and deliver the products to the customer yourself. The profitability of your business depends on your internet marketing skills – how well you can drive targeted traffic to your website, and how well you can convert them into paying customers.
To conclude, ‘Light Bulk Wholesale’ is a very viable concept for the small business owner aspiring to start an online store. Although drop shipping also has its advantages, like no need for shipping and delivery, ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ can offer slightly more competitive prices. Thus, you need to determine whether working with drop shippers or ‘Light Bulk Wholesalers’ is more profitable for your business.
All About eBay
eBay is currently the most popular and widely accessed online shopping destination for online shoppers around the world.
As a start up company founded in September 1995, eBay has started the trend of creating and organizing auctions for basically anything tradeable. The catch is, everything is done electronically or through the Internet.
To date eBay sells about 55 million hot items under up to 50,000 trade categories. This Internet-based marketplace is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no holidays. A person can shop for desired items anywhere he or she may be.
According to the company and other experts’ projections, there are currently about 157 million unique users to eBay’s services around the globe.
With so many people online, large number of items for sale, eBay assures that each user or client is accorded the fair and friendly treatment a generous shopper deserves.
Background
EBay is a major company listed in the United States under the small-capital index Nasdaq Stock Market.
As a company, eBay adheres to its own mission-vision statement, that is, “to provide a platform globally where online users can practically buy or sell anything, at any given price. Deals should be done or transacted online.
A few years ago, the company used to allow online sellers to post their contact numbers through eBay’s Web site, so potential buyers can directly haggle the pricing.
But due to reported anomalous transactions and fraudulent activities arising from such arrangements, eBay recently implemented its own ruling that buyers and sellers will have to course everything online.
Buyers and sellers on eBay not can not arrange personal meetings. This way, identities and interests of both parties are protected and upheld.
Local sites
Because demand for eBay’s service has grown so rapidly over the years and around the world, eBay decided to put up local sites.
As of today, eBay has local Web sites operating in huge and lucrative markets in Austria, Australia, Canada, China, Belgium, Germany, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Poland, the Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and of course, its base, the United States.
eBay also owns the Latin auctioneer site MercadoLibre.com, which is specifically designed and operated for Latin American users.
Added offerings
Today, eBay not only offers its current services of online auctioneering. The site has evolved significantly to currently offer broader variety of added features, educational tools and services that empowers online users to transact through the Web site safely, conveniently and quickly.
Not only that, eBay has also evolved rapidly as an online community for responsible and good online users, which can be called eBay citizens in their own rights.
A strong spirit and essence of camaraderie is exhibited every time eBay users help each other through the site. eBay being an online small community is based on the concept and idealization that the site will provide encouragement to users for honest and open communication.
The concept of eBay community is an outline of the community values eBay advocates in. They are: that basically people are good-natured; all people can contribute something individually for the benefit of all; the best in people will be extracted through open and honest dealings; recognition and respect for everybody; and application of the golden rule: treat others the way you want others to treat you.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Making Money Online All About Supply And Demand
If you want to make money online you cannot just set up a website and assume that people will visit it, you have to promote the website. Even if you promote there is a great chance you still will not make any money. The reason behind that could be supply in the demand. With so many people turning the internet for income you have to make sure that you focus on the opportunities that can make you the most money.
The best opportunity to make money online right now is to find niche markets. Niche markets are areas that consider of in demand product but they are products that everyone does not need. For example DVD movies cannot be considered a niche because almost everyone has DVD movies and DVD players. In contrast, wheelchairs can be considered a niche because they are something that are only used by a small percentage of the population. Niche markets are also very profitable because prices can be maintained at suggested retail price because of lack of competition, whereas, people selling more common products have to reduce prices and offer more specials to keep existing customers and get new ones.
The best opportunity to make money online right now is to find niche markets. Niche markets are areas that consider of in demand product but they are products that everyone does not need. For example DVD movies cannot be considered a niche because almost everyone has DVD movies and DVD players. In contrast, wheelchairs can be considered a niche because they are something that are only used by a small percentage of the population. Niche markets are also very profitable because prices can be maintained at suggested retail price because of lack of competition, whereas, people selling more common products have to reduce prices and offer more specials to keep existing customers and get new ones.
Redirect Web Visitors By Country Using ASP and COM Technology
There are times when it is useful to redirect a visitor to different default web page based on the visitor's country of origin. One practical usage is to redirect visitor to web page with the language recognized by the visitor. This article shows you how using ASP and ActiveX component this can be done.
Let us take a simple case study. Company XYZ is multi-national company with major customers from United States and Japan. The company official website is developed in both English and Japanese languages. The default page is in English language and visitor can switch to Japanese by changing the default language option. There exists a potential problem when a Japanese visitor does not understand English and it could not navigate the web site. So let us developed a simple solution to help Company XYZ redirecting all Internet traffic from country Japan to the Japanese language site. Meanwhile it drives the rest traffic to English site.
Let us take a simple case study. Company XYZ is multi-national company with major customers from United States and Japan. The company official website is developed in both English and Japanese languages. The default page is in English language and visitor can switch to Japanese by changing the default language option. There exists a potential problem when a Japanese visitor does not understand English and it could not navigate the web site. So let us developed a simple solution to help Company XYZ redirecting all Internet traffic from country Japan to the Japanese language site. Meanwhile it drives the rest traffic to English site.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Ecommerce Web Site Design for Today's Global Market
The global marketplace has become the modern way of doing business. And being successful requires a well implemented ecommerce web site design. Completing that task is highly technical and complex, to say the least. However, specialty ecommerce software can help even a non-technical entrepreneur develop and implement a viable ecommerce solution.
Why Ecommerce Web Sites are so Complex
There are many aspects involved to any type design ecommerce web site, including the ability to routinely update and change all forms of content, including text, images, inventories, meta tags, statistics and reports, and security issues. This represents a challenge, especially for non-technical persons.
Some companies utilize long-term multi-million dollar programs to address these special aspects of successfully conducting ecommerce. Many have an entire staff of highly trained programming specialists to keep their ecommerce web site design finely tuned and running smoothly, to update database security and permissions, or maintain flash presentations.
Let’s face it, the multitude of smaller companies now seeking web site development ecommerce solutions just don’t have that kind of financial resource.
Finding a Solution
A popular solution for this obstacle is the growing availability of specially designed software that allows non-technical persons to complete on-going tasks. Software that generates necessary programming codes such as HTML, SQL, PHP, and PERL.
These programs will automatically integrate the necessary code for the desired solution, and installs it on the web site. Once installed, the program keeps the supplier, carrier, shipping department, and billing department up to date on each transaction.
Specially designed ecommerce software solutions are available at a fraction of the cost required to maintain a highly trained technical staff to accomplish the same tasks.
Why Ecommerce Web Sites are so Complex
There are many aspects involved to any type design ecommerce web site, including the ability to routinely update and change all forms of content, including text, images, inventories, meta tags, statistics and reports, and security issues. This represents a challenge, especially for non-technical persons.
Some companies utilize long-term multi-million dollar programs to address these special aspects of successfully conducting ecommerce. Many have an entire staff of highly trained programming specialists to keep their ecommerce web site design finely tuned and running smoothly, to update database security and permissions, or maintain flash presentations.
Let’s face it, the multitude of smaller companies now seeking web site development ecommerce solutions just don’t have that kind of financial resource.
Finding a Solution
A popular solution for this obstacle is the growing availability of specially designed software that allows non-technical persons to complete on-going tasks. Software that generates necessary programming codes such as HTML, SQL, PHP, and PERL.
These programs will automatically integrate the necessary code for the desired solution, and installs it on the web site. Once installed, the program keeps the supplier, carrier, shipping department, and billing department up to date on each transaction.
Specially designed ecommerce software solutions are available at a fraction of the cost required to maintain a highly trained technical staff to accomplish the same tasks.
Save Time & Money Shopping for Electronic Items Online
When it's time to find that special gift for a loved one or the birthday boy, do you head out to the shops in the hopes of stumbling across the perfect little electronic gadget? Even if you use the advertising circulars as a guide, that can often lead to a frustrating treasure hunt that burns you out while wasting your time and your money - and sends you home with a gift that's not quite what you wanted in the first place. You'd think there'd be a better way. Well - there is. Whether you're shopping for a cheap computer, an MP3 player, a digital TV or even a DVD movie, the smartest place to shop is sitting right in front of your computer.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that it's easy to find bargains on electronics online. Electronics and cheap computer parts and accessories were among the first merchandise to be sold regularly in online marketplaces and they continue to be the most popular type of items bought at online stores. The popularity of online shopping continues to grow, with total sales reaching into the tens of billions. Why would someone choose to purchase electronic items online rather than going out to the shops? The reasons are simple.
1. Shopping online is convenient. There's no need to stop around to a dozen different merchants to find the best deal on a cheap computer. All you have to do is a simple search. You don't even have to strain your mouse finger to visit a dozen websites anymore. There are some fantastic shopper services that make it easy to find the best price on that cheap computer or MP3 player all in one place.
2. There's no traffic hassles, no crowded shops, no need to fill up the fuel tank on your auto. You can shop the entire world for the best possible price on whatever you want, whether it's a digital TV or a DVD movie right from the ease of your favourite chair.
3. The internet is a very very big place. That means that you're not bound into paying the prices you can find at your local stores. You can find great deals on cheap computer accessories (how about that neon glow in the dark mouse pad?), the best prices on the computer that you want, or the perfect DVD player from every corner of the world.
4. The internet is never out of stock. Looking for that DVD movie you've been dying to see, but the local shop is sold out? You're sure to find it online - and with next day shipping, you can be watching it tomorrow evening instead of waiting two weeks for your local merchant to restock it.
5. You can find the latest models of everything from hard drives to flash drives, from DVD players to digital TVs, from cheap computer parts to completely kitted out superstar gaming computers. Most manufacturers announce their latest releases online first - and you can often order online weeks before the newest game console or digital toy is in the local shops.
When you shop online you can enjoy the convenience of shopping without ever leaving your home, save time, save money - and get the best quality electronic merchandise at the best prices in the world.
Auther Daily (not the Peckham market trader) is the owner of "http://www.howcheapisthat.co.uk". The site was launched to help surfers find the cheapest prices online for cheap computers, DVD movies, MP3 players & Digital TV. Save time & money shopping for electronic items online.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that it's easy to find bargains on electronics online. Electronics and cheap computer parts and accessories were among the first merchandise to be sold regularly in online marketplaces and they continue to be the most popular type of items bought at online stores. The popularity of online shopping continues to grow, with total sales reaching into the tens of billions. Why would someone choose to purchase electronic items online rather than going out to the shops? The reasons are simple.
1. Shopping online is convenient. There's no need to stop around to a dozen different merchants to find the best deal on a cheap computer. All you have to do is a simple search. You don't even have to strain your mouse finger to visit a dozen websites anymore. There are some fantastic shopper services that make it easy to find the best price on that cheap computer or MP3 player all in one place.
2. There's no traffic hassles, no crowded shops, no need to fill up the fuel tank on your auto. You can shop the entire world for the best possible price on whatever you want, whether it's a digital TV or a DVD movie right from the ease of your favourite chair.
3. The internet is a very very big place. That means that you're not bound into paying the prices you can find at your local stores. You can find great deals on cheap computer accessories (how about that neon glow in the dark mouse pad?), the best prices on the computer that you want, or the perfect DVD player from every corner of the world.
4. The internet is never out of stock. Looking for that DVD movie you've been dying to see, but the local shop is sold out? You're sure to find it online - and with next day shipping, you can be watching it tomorrow evening instead of waiting two weeks for your local merchant to restock it.
5. You can find the latest models of everything from hard drives to flash drives, from DVD players to digital TVs, from cheap computer parts to completely kitted out superstar gaming computers. Most manufacturers announce their latest releases online first - and you can often order online weeks before the newest game console or digital toy is in the local shops.
When you shop online you can enjoy the convenience of shopping without ever leaving your home, save time, save money - and get the best quality electronic merchandise at the best prices in the world.
Auther Daily (not the Peckham market trader) is the owner of "http://www.howcheapisthat.co.uk". The site was launched to help surfers find the cheapest prices online for cheap computers, DVD movies, MP3 players & Digital TV. Save time & money shopping for electronic items online.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
E-Junkie Makes Selling Downloadable Games and Other Electronic Media Easy and Affordable
I had looked around for some time for an easy, inexpensive, secure, and reliable way to sell our company's low-priced printable games. Many online service providers that allow you to sell and track downloadable media such as your own e-Books, music, games, and phone cards charge a hefty set-up fee, a high monthly maintenance fee, and often a substantial commission on your product sales on top of that! So we were delighted to stumble across E-junkie.com.
Initially, we thought there had to be some catch, but we decided to take advantage of their free trial to test the system, and our experience has been wonderful! Not only was E-junkie.com significantly less expensive than its competitors, starting at $5 a month with no additional costs, especially if you are selling a limited number of products, but the features were on par with the more expensive companies, the staff is technically competent and knowledgeable, the system has worked flawlessly for us so far, it was easy to set up, and they are very willing to help with your setup and even customize the particular features you need to run your unique business.
E-junkie's service works seamlessly with PayPal, you can track conversions from Google Adwords and other programs, customers download the products instantly and securely without your having to send them an e-mail, you can bundle products, offer discounts, accept credit cards, and download your customer data log into Excel. Also, the product download links are temporarily generated to prevent theft, there is no transaction limit, and they promote your products for you on Froogle and other sites.
There are many other useful features depending on your business requirements, and E-junkie.com keeps improving their service and adding new capabilities, so if you are looking for a simple and affordable way to sell your electronic media, compare E-junkie's offerings with their nearest competitors at and we think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Treasure-Adventure.com is a designer of unique print 'n' play interactive treasure hunt party games with fun and challenging custom clues for kids of all ages. Visit Treasure-Adventure.com at download games using E-junkie, access free kids activities and treasure hunting tools and tips, read about legends of lost treasure, and purchase party supplies online.
Initially, we thought there had to be some catch, but we decided to take advantage of their free trial to test the system, and our experience has been wonderful! Not only was E-junkie.com significantly less expensive than its competitors, starting at $5 a month with no additional costs, especially if you are selling a limited number of products, but the features were on par with the more expensive companies, the staff is technically competent and knowledgeable, the system has worked flawlessly for us so far, it was easy to set up, and they are very willing to help with your setup and even customize the particular features you need to run your unique business.
E-junkie's service works seamlessly with PayPal, you can track conversions from Google Adwords and other programs, customers download the products instantly and securely without your having to send them an e-mail, you can bundle products, offer discounts, accept credit cards, and download your customer data log into Excel. Also, the product download links are temporarily generated to prevent theft, there is no transaction limit, and they promote your products for you on Froogle and other sites.
There are many other useful features depending on your business requirements, and E-junkie.com keeps improving their service and adding new capabilities, so if you are looking for a simple and affordable way to sell your electronic media, compare E-junkie's offerings with their nearest competitors at and we think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Treasure-Adventure.com is a designer of unique print 'n' play interactive treasure hunt party games with fun and challenging custom clues for kids of all ages. Visit Treasure-Adventure.com at download games using E-junkie, access free kids activities and treasure hunting tools and tips, read about legends of lost treasure, and purchase party supplies online.
Advantages of Discount Coupons
Discount coupons are not a new concept; shoppers across the world have always been enthusiastic about discount coupons offered by restaurants, hotels, tour and travel companies, groceries, etc, which helped them incur substantial savings on their budget. In the past, coupons used to be distributed on the shops, through newspapers, magazines, etc from which customers required to clip the coupon out before presenting them.
Of late, online discount coupons are gaining rapid importance. Today, most of the e-commerce portals have ongoing discounts going at their sites, and apart from these there are sites exclusively meant for distribution of online discount coupons. Online discount coupons have a number of advantages over coupons available in newspapers, etc. First of all, unlike newspapers or magazines, where you can use a coupon only for one time, online coupons can be downloaded and used whenever you need. Real savings are incurred only when you can continually use discount coupons for every day use items, and only online discount coupons offer these facilities.
Acquiring discount coupons over the Internet is much cheaper. Here you can make a search for discount coupons on your desired items. In case of newspapers or magazines, you have to rely only on those coupons that are offered. For extra coupons you would have to buy more magazines or newspapers.
Truly speaking, in today’s competitive market, each and every store is absolutely serious about getting that extra mileage over its competitors by attracting more and more customers. Startup companies, desiring to create a substantial impact are also prone to offer exotic promotional offers. Whatever be the reason, it’s us, the customers, who are always at the gainers end. Whether you are planning to go to your favorite restaurant, or to a trip to your favorite destination, or simply planning to go to the local supermarket, be sure to check out the websites of the restaurant, your hotel, the travel company, and the supermarket—you will definitely come across some pretty good discount offers.
Of late, online discount coupons are gaining rapid importance. Today, most of the e-commerce portals have ongoing discounts going at their sites, and apart from these there are sites exclusively meant for distribution of online discount coupons. Online discount coupons have a number of advantages over coupons available in newspapers, etc. First of all, unlike newspapers or magazines, where you can use a coupon only for one time, online coupons can be downloaded and used whenever you need. Real savings are incurred only when you can continually use discount coupons for every day use items, and only online discount coupons offer these facilities.
Acquiring discount coupons over the Internet is much cheaper. Here you can make a search for discount coupons on your desired items. In case of newspapers or magazines, you have to rely only on those coupons that are offered. For extra coupons you would have to buy more magazines or newspapers.
Truly speaking, in today’s competitive market, each and every store is absolutely serious about getting that extra mileage over its competitors by attracting more and more customers. Startup companies, desiring to create a substantial impact are also prone to offer exotic promotional offers. Whatever be the reason, it’s us, the customers, who are always at the gainers end. Whether you are planning to go to your favorite restaurant, or to a trip to your favorite destination, or simply planning to go to the local supermarket, be sure to check out the websites of the restaurant, your hotel, the travel company, and the supermarket—you will definitely come across some pretty good discount offers.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Importance of the "Human Touch" in the Virtual Marketplace
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.” –Emo Philips
For those of us who have moved our businesses into the virtual world, it’s sometimes easy to forget that our customers are real, live breathing human beings. Some of us may even have moved into this area to avoid all the human interactions. However, it is imperative that we don’t forget the importance of the human component of sales, even online.
It’s easy for us to just see our clients as a number or an e-mail address because we don’t actually see them on a daily basis or in some cases, ever. But, it is important to realize that the majority of people are still not one hundred percent comfortable doing business with a faceless entity over a DSL line. It can be very hard for a client to put their trust and more importantly their money into someone or something they can’t see.
This is where communication comes into play. We all know that in business communication is key. However, in the virtual world, it is all-powerful. No matter what your product or service, if you expect to make a living in an online venture, you must be accessible to your existing clients and potential customers.
It is crucial that you offer as many avenues of reaching you as possible. You must give them e-mail addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and as many different instant messenger options as you have. They must feel that just because you’re not in their office or around the corner, you’re just as available to them.
Now this may sound obvious, but just having all of those communication tools isn’t enough. You must make it priority number one to be accessible. None of those handy devices are any good if they don’t help get you on the line for that customer. You must always put answering messages, replying to e-mails and simply checking in from time to time at the top of your priority list!
Making the decision to hire online companies can be a major step to business owners who have never ventured into this new world, and it is your job to make sure they have a positive experience.
There is no question that computers have made all of lives easier and are growing the global economy at an astonishing rate, but let us never forget the importance of the “human touch!”
Accept Credit Card Online
Accept credit card on line payments when people owe you money. When you accept credit card online payments, you are showing flexibility as a business owner and willingness for technological changes. Since we are living in a world that does everything electronically, you are keeping up with the times when you accept credit card on line payments. For example, maybe you own a sports equipment website. People are able to shop from the comforts of home and buy needed items from your store. When they go to checkout, they have the option to make payments over the Internet. You then can say if you reject or accept credit card online payments. Most of the time, you will accept credit card on line payments-as long as the customer provides and meets the criteria you ask for. The type of criteria you choose to accept credit card on line payments might include the person's full name and address, phone number, as well as credit card information. You might even have a default device that can tell when you accept credit card on line payments whether the credit card was stolen or not. There are many things you can do when you accept credit card online payments; you just need to know where to look for ways to make it successful.
If you are thinking of incorporating ways to accept credit card online payments, which can you talk to get more information? You can look online and see if there are programs available that can teach you the basics on how to accept credit card on line payments. There might even be software that teaches you how to accept credit card online payments. Seminars might even exits for businesses wanting to get up to par with the technological age of business. These seminars might teach that when you accept credit card online payments, you are opening yourself up to a world of possibilities and ways to get more clientele for your business.
Look online for ways to accept credit card online payments. When you do find something regarding how to accept credit card online payments, write it down. If there are phone numbers that tell you who to contact regarding how to accept credit card online payments, don't hesitate to call. Get educated about the possibilities you have waiting to be discovered regarding how to accept credit card on line payments today. Get your business going in the right direction. Learn all there is to know about how to accept credit card online payments and see your business grow.
If you are thinking of incorporating ways to accept credit card online payments, which can you talk to get more information? You can look online and see if there are programs available that can teach you the basics on how to accept credit card on line payments. There might even be software that teaches you how to accept credit card online payments. Seminars might even exits for businesses wanting to get up to par with the technological age of business. These seminars might teach that when you accept credit card online payments, you are opening yourself up to a world of possibilities and ways to get more clientele for your business.
Look online for ways to accept credit card online payments. When you do find something regarding how to accept credit card online payments, write it down. If there are phone numbers that tell you who to contact regarding how to accept credit card online payments, don't hesitate to call. Get educated about the possibilities you have waiting to be discovered regarding how to accept credit card on line payments today. Get your business going in the right direction. Learn all there is to know about how to accept credit card online payments and see your business grow.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The Catch-22 with Accepting Credit Cards
The Internet is a unique beast when it comes to payment transactions. You need to accept credit cards on your site, but there is a problem given the nature of credit card protection.
The Catch-22 with Accepting Credit Cards
The number one method of payment in transactions on the net is credit card payment. You must accept credit cards or you will get nowhere with your site. While this sounds like an obvious statement, accepting credit cards raises a host of issues.
The first issue to consider with credit cards is security. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know identity theft is a major problem. Your potential clients or customers know this as well, which means you have a problem. You must convince them that they are not risking anything by paying you with a credit card. To do this, you must use secure transaction systems or a well known online payment source that has credibility. You should also offer alternative payment methods such as mail in orders and placement of orders over the phone.
An even bigger problem is the protection given by credit card companies to consumers. You have probably seen the television commercials wherein credit card companies promise zero risk transactions. This process allows consumers to dispute a charge from your site. To win the dispute, they barely have to do anything. The burden is on you to show that they received what they ordered in a timely manner. If you can’t show it, the charges will be canceled, known as a “chargeback.” You will learn to hate this term because not only do you lose the sale, but you also often have to pay a fine! This is simply the cost of doing business if you accept credit cards.
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