Need help here, anyone can help jus come in type a few words!


Status
Not open for further replies.

germ_boi

New Member
Oct 3, 2003
854
0
0
35
Sedna, Orion Stars
Visit site
Ok here's the story, I'm doing an Electronic Commerce Management (ECM) Module for my polytechnic studies and I am supposed to analyse some issues.

Supposed I were to open an online store selling camera lenses, flashes, dslr etc, what would be the issues that it would bring compared to a traditional shop? (for example the inability to feel the equipment could be a minus point while the lack of storefront could be a positive point in terms of rent.)

or simply you can state why you would buy or would not buy from this "imaginary" shop if it was convenient to purchase and the price comparable/cheaper compared to established shops.

please help!

thanks!
 

If there is a no questions asked, full return and money back within 7 days policy when I am unsatisfied with the equipment, I'll be interested.
 

I think I would buy smaller items like mem cards, cleaning stuff and maybe other accessories like off shoe cords, diffusers. Provided there is some sort of gurantee :)

I would still prefer to test and try otu cameras/lenses in person.
 

Pros:

1) delievery to doorstep
2) convenience "just a click away"
3) ability to order stuff that may not be locally available
4) as the owner, u cater to a wider public, since the net is not just restricted to singapore
5) the ability to see items with price tags online, as photogy gear is very expensive, they dun just leave it there like clothes for you to see. thus u often have to check with the staff at a store which may not be available at the time u enter.


Cons:
1) security issue of paying online
2) not being able to see the product beforehand (like u mentioned)
3) people tend to question the stuff they see online



:D
 

Behavioural factors such as ones willingness to pay over the internet (unsafe?) compared to a conventional store.

Lack of communication between the business and the customer (Very Impersonal)

The inhibility to ask questions.

Sales technique, an online store cannot convince someone to buy something, it cannot give adivce.

Shipment (2-3weeks usually) What If I want it now?

Its a pain in the arse to send something back.

Thats about all I can think of at the moment.
 

i have never and probably will never buy anything fragile or above $100sgd online.
its not worth the wait for delivery or returning faulty equipment. plus the seller will know where i live and i won't know where he lives.
 

a few words... :bsmilie:

Darn.... I was about to do that... :bsmilie:

Anyway... more words...

reliability... there are already online stores, how much more reliable can yours be? That's one point you have to emphasise and get across to your potential clients. ;)
 

I guess the bottom line is, when someone wants to buy something from an online store, you will need to attract the first lot of buyers with really good prices. And over a period of time build up a reputation for yourself for your after sales service capabilities (if there is any to start with).

Good price + Good after sales service = winning formula. But easier said than done.

Also understand that many times Asian mentality for online selling (the owners of these online stores) have a "sell and forget" attitude because they don't see and meet the customer in person, the sense of accountability is not there and in the end, it is the owner of that online business that loses. (Looks at Yahoo!Auction merchants for example... not all but the majority have this mentality).

Asians tends to be more careful with online purchases. Hope this trend will change over time.
 

Status
Not open for further replies.