Postby hudnut » Thu Oct 03, 2013 9:11 pm
And Gerry once again misses a few points.
Actually, I don't think he misses them. He just doesn't want to work to keep his business ahead in an evolving marketplace.
Disregarding the issue of cost altogether, if you don't actually have to check the item for fit, size etc or feel a need to physically see the item first, then shopping online means:
- you can research online for exact specs, from multiple sources
- you can check reviews online (being careful of veracity, but they'll be at least as truthful as most sales staff in my experience)
- you can discuss on forums if desired
- avoiding inconvenience of traffic, parking, getting there during opening hours, fitting the stuff in the car etc
- getting it delivered to your door
- not wasting a day shopping around
- not wasting a day finding someone who has it in stock
- avoid incorrect product information given by clueless, pimply, gum chewing, sullen floor staff.
If I want some tyres, some tubes, chain etc, then I get online after dinner and order them.
Then they arrive. Easy Peasy.
This isn't just for bike gear. This goes for every consumer commodity item Gerry is selling.
I need a new ADSL router.
What's available on the market?
Compare features between a few?
New acronym on the spec sheet you've never heard of? Chances are the Sales Droid hasn't heard it either. Google it.
Check some forums to see if there's been any issues with that model.
New firmware available?
Now I know which one, who has one in stock?
Order at 11:30pm and get it delivered in a couple of days.
Sorted.
I would generally also do a youtube search to look at the interface if it's something like a GPS unit.
Someone is bound to have put up a demo.
Basically, if your business is commodity items, you need to change your business model.
Bricks and mortar doesn't match the convenience of online shopping, even before price enters the equation.
I personally have paid more for things online to avoid the hassle of getting to a shop during business hours.
Gerry says he has been warning of this for years.
Then he needs to address it in other ways besides trying to make other people more expensive.
With the information available online, a lot of people do not need in store expertise to purchase commodity items.
Retailers can:
- provide services not available online
- goods not available or impractical to obtain online
- watch their clientele reduce to those who do not shop online for the reasons above (they do exist)