E-Commerce Times Talkback

Re: Can Fun Still Sell E-Commerce?
Posted by: Keith Regan 2001-12-04 12:30:28

See Full Story

When it was the new thing, e-commerce seemed to be all about fun. Then when e-tailers
began putting the emphasis on making a sale and surfers on finding value, fun
went out the window. Still, not every Web merchant is ready to give up on the idea
that they can put online shoppers in a buying mood by putting a smile on their faces.
According to Gartner G2 research director David Schehr, playfulness is still an
element of online sales, but is no longer a driving force.

Re: Can Fun Still Sell E-Commerce?
Posted by: Fred Held 2001-12-05 13:18:56 In reply to: Keith Regan

Excellent article. Yes, real e-commerce can be fun and the days of dotcom hype are over.

The real trick is to add fun and branding messages into rather boring e-business applications such as SCM, e-procurement, Intranet apps, CRM and Selling Chain Management; where all the real action is occurring in the Web enabled world.

This discussion format is wonderful.

Fred

Re: Can Fun Still Sell E-Commerce?
Posted by: Jim Pflaum 2001-12-04 15:25:15 In reply to: Keith Regan

I totally agree with Richard Wagner...online and offline shopping are both about "value
proposition," not about having fun. Look around; all those etailers who used sticky, tricky
gimmicks are all gone.

Re: Can Fun Still Sell E-Commerce?
Posted by: Patrick 2001-12-05 14:12:56 In reply to: Jim Pflaum

I agree that the customer relationship is based around the value a business provides to its customers, but the shopping experience is still a part of the "value" that a business provides, this doesn't necessarily mean "fun", but if the customer's time spent during the purchasing process is enjoyable, then the customer is more likely to return to purchase again.

However, I have to agree that price, the quality of merchandise, service levels, and other traditional issues are probably more important than "fun".

Keep in mind, however, even bricks and mortar stores know that creating a sense of occasion to a shopping trip can fuel sales and create customer relationships.