June 22, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

The holiday shopping season is still many months away, but the ereader battle is already heating up as Amazon and Barnes & Noble reduce some of their ereader prices. Barnes & Noble was first to make an announcement yesterday, dropping the price of their Nook 3G ereader from $259 to $199. They also debuted their new Wi-Fi only version the Nook ereader which retails for only $149. Amazon quickly responded and dropped the price of the Kindle from $259 to $189, which puts it $10 below the Nook 3G. Amazon still has not dropped the price of their high end Kindle DX, which is still priced at $489. These lower prices should draw in more people who were on the fence about purchasing an ereader, and who do not want to invest in an iPad. The new price points will also make these ereaders very attractive gifts for those shopping online for the 2010 holiday season.

Amazon has been doing a great job of leading the ereader market, but the increased competition from Barnes & Noble and the Apple iPad will make things much more difficult. Another device which is also adding to the competition is the iPhone, which just released a new model and a new mobile operating system iOS 4. However the iPhone is not the best reader device, as the screen is quite small. Despite the competition, Amazon looks to maintain their lead by offering their Kindle ereader for only $189. So if you are an avid reader who has still not made the jump to an ereader, then you might consider the Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook, now that the prices have dropped.

June 21, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

The early pre-orders of the iPhone 4 start shipping today, but that is not the big news even for Apple, as their new mobile operating system dubbed iOS 4 goes live today. Owners of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 3G will all be able to use this new operating system which has over 1,000 back end updates. In addition, the new iOS 4 mobile operating system also has a number of unique front end features that will allow iPhone owners to be more productive. This increase in productivity should allow iPhone owners to have more time to engage in mobile commerce. The first big change is multitasking, which allows certain aspects of 3rd party apps to run in the background while you use other apps. Therefore making the iPhone or iPod Touch more versatile so that someone could listen to a Pandora station while browsing their favorite online clothing site. One other addition with iOS 4 is the ability to use folders for all of your apps, which makes it easier to group your favorite apps for shopping online.

There are also many changes with iOS 4 that will generate more online purchases on the iPhone and iPod Touch. Users of iOS 4 will now be able to send apps to their friends or family as a gift, which will be an easy way for people to send small gifts over this holiday shopping season. Those who love to read will now have iBooks, which provides a great ebook reader that also allows users to easily search for ebooks via their iPhone or iPod Touch. The new iOS 4 mobile operating system should be a welcome change for most users as they have been waiting years for many of these changes to be released.

To learn more, see our article: 5 Ways The iPhone 4G and iOS4 Will Change Ecommerce Forever

June 07, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

Today, Apple fans around the world are anticipating the release of the new iPhone 4G as well as the iPhone OS 4.0 to be announced during the 10am Apple WWDC 2010 Keynote from Steve Jobs. The opening WWDC keynote speech is traditionally when Apple announces details about the next version of the iPhone, as well as sales dates and features. This year’s conference comes shortly after the controversial uproar over the lost iPhone 4G unveiled by Gizmodo and quickly returned to Apple after the legal ramifications were realized. The iPhone 4G is expected to have many feature enhancements including a boxier design style, front facing camera for video conferncing, and increased memory over the current 3GS model.

Also included with the announcement is the release of the new operating system, dubbed OS 4.0. developers have been dabbling with this new OS for a few months and the feedback has been very positive. One of the biggest features in the OS is the ability to multitask and have third party apps run in the background. Other features include the ability to put apps in folders, use zoom on the camera, and even tethering without jailbreaking the iPhone. Some speculate that Steve Jobs is rushing to get a new release out because he is trying to maintain dominance over the Google Android phone, which boasts multi-tasking as its 100% unique feature. This may be part of the reason, as android has been gaining in popularity with consumers, but Apple has been updating the iPhone every summer since it debuted in June 2007.

Starting today, AT&T will no longer provide their monthly $30 unlimited data plan to any new iPhone or iPad users. This has a lot of Apple fans feeling tricked, as many bought an iPad 3G assuming they could purchase an unlimited data package for one month when needed, and turn it off for other months. Going forward, iPad and iPhone users will have to pay $15/mo for 200MB of data usage, $25/mo for 2GB, and $45/mo for 2GB plus tethering. Tethering will allow more iPhone and iPad users to access the Internet from their computer wherever their 3G connection works, which is a great compromise to the problem of jail breaking, but will most likely not deter users from taking the more affordable route of jail breaking their phone.

The Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) occurs once a year and is considered by Apple to be “the premier technical conference for developers innovating with Apple technologies. Over 1,000 Apple engineers will be at Moscone West to present advanced coding and development techniques that will show you how to enhance the capabilities of your applications with the revolutionary technologies in iPhone OS and Mac OS X.” It will last today, June 7th, until Friday June 11th and will extend its focus to creating applications for the iPad as well. Apple recently announced that the iPad has sold over 2 million copies since it was first released on April 3, 2010 and has recently released the iPad in 9 other countries with 9 more coming in July. Because of this, developing for the iPad is quickly becoming a popular necessity for experts wanting to create great apps and make big money from this continually evolving wireless trend.

For developers currently attending the sold out WWDC, don’t forget to join the forum and download the WWDC iPhone and iPad app to stay connected to the conference and attendees.

May 21, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

While you may think that the Season Finale of Lost and Google’s recognition of PacMan’s 30th birthday have nothing in common, the fact is that the combination of the two may make today the least productive day in the history of online business.* Faced with the season finale of Lost just 2 days away, a countless number of Lost fans are staying home for a long weekend to take in the phenomenon from episode one, timing it perfectly so that they can watch every episode up to this past Tuesday’s and be done with 10 minutes to spare before the finale preview show at 7/6 central (OK, maybe I just wish I was doing this). Despite this already low work force, on the stroke of midnight, Google flipped the switch that turned their logo into an interactive PacMan game too addicting to navigate away from. Yes, while ABC and Google did not plot the demise of productivity with this two pronged attack, it is quite clear that this one-two punch might even give Facebook a run for its money in the category of greatest time-suck.

So what does it all mean for you? Well, before panicking to the point of forcing your entire office to work by candle light and communicate through snail mail, it’s possible that we all can learn a lesson from today that will help to recoup the losses brought on by Lost and Google PacMan.

The fact of the matter is, Google PacMan and Lost have something in common beyond joining forces to steal the world’s attention span today. The two are perfect examples of how stickiness can be very successful. Their methods to success suggest that achieving stickiness can be done through something as simple as a logo change or as complex as a serialized television drama that lasts for 6 years. As an ecommerce merchant, stickiness can mean the difference between brand recognition and profit gains, or just getting by. Unfortunately, Achieving stickiness is not as easy as putting super glue on a co-worker’s computer, instead you will need to think outside of the box.

So What Can You Do To Achieve Stickiness??

Step 1. Identify What Your Visitors Need
Visitors to your ecommerce store are in search of a product and usually are looking for a good deal as well. The Internet lets visitors comparison shop with ease, so if they can find your product cheaper somewhere else, they might not buy from you. But what they need to make a purchase isn’t always finding the best deal. Often, it’s actually trust. Take a lesson from Google and Lost. Google became an authority search engine because it gained trust from its visitors by providing the best possible results rather than selling their organic results to the highest bidder (think about how Paid Inclusion harmed trust in Yahoo). Lost, has never underestimated their viewers; the writers don’t sugar coat things or hold a viewer’s hand to help them understand what is going on. Instead, they trust that the viewer is smart enough to get it on his/her own. As an ecommerce merchant, offering the best deal might not always win you a customer, especially since the cheaper you go, the more likely they are to feel like it’s too good to be true. Instead, you need to establish trust with the customer by ensuring your online store has an up-to-date look and feel, shipping packages in a timely manner, providing a clear phone number for people to call with questions, and providing the tools necessary to suggest the best products to your visitors rather than the products that will make you the most money. By identifying your visitors needs, you will be able to provide solutions that will earn their trust and turn them into customers.

Step 2. Identify Your Most Visited Pages

Now that you know what your visitors need, you need to provide it at the right place and the right time. Google knows that their home page gets millions of daily visits, which is why that page is the best place to display changes and updates like today’s logo. ABC changed the time-slot of Lost 2 times over the past 6 years, getting it to a place where the most eyes would see it. Once you have identified what your users need, create a solution that helps them find it and place this solution on your most visited page or pages. This could be something as simple as a customer service phone number or as complex as an interactive widget that lets people input what they need and get matched to the best products.

Step 3. Update Often

The twists and turns of Lost may frustrate fans that just want their questions answered, but there’s no doubt about it, these changes keep fans coming back for more. Similarly, Google changes their logo very often as a way to commemorate an event or holiday. Because of this, people often check the Google home page just to see if there’s a special logo on display. Take a tip from Google and Lost and give your visitors a reason to keep coming back to your online store. This can be daily tips, a blog, or a daily product deal. A deal of the day is probably your best bet, as it almost always ensures some sales that day. Also, it shows your customers that you are always working on your storefront, which helps them know that they’ll be able to access support should they have questions about a product.

Conclusion: By Becoming Sticky, Your Online Store Can Also Steal Someone’s Attention Span
If you make it your goal to own the attention span of your customers, then you too will help lower the productivity of someone working at their cubicle counting down the minutes to the weekend!

*This point is not grounded in fact. It is simply what we see happening here at the ZippyCart office and we truly hope it is happening everywhere else!

April 30, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

The world of ecommerce is filled with online stores dedicated to women’s fashion. From shoes, to purses, to dresses and more, it is clear that women are a target audience for a vast majority of online sales. With all this focus on women, men almost become a small niche rather than 50% of the market. Blank Label is changing this by joining the few ecommerce sites that provide clothing for men only. And they’re doing this with a twist: Blank Label provides extremely affordable custom designed dress shirts for men… that the customer gets to design! They are making fashion a must for the male online shopper and also making it easily accessible. We caught up with Danny Wong of Blank Label and asked him a few questions about what makes this online venture a success.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about Blank Label and your ecommerce model?

Blank Label allows you to make your own custom dress shirts with our online shirt creator. All of our dress shirts are individually made to fit your preferences. We’re pushing the concept of co-creation, empowering you to be your own designer, giving you final say in the product you are purchasing. We also identify our product as affordable luxury because our made-to-order dress shirts start at $45 and average at $60-$70 after adding a few really neat customized options. Our prices are comparable with mass-produced products because we are trying to encourage you to adopt co-creation over mass-production without there being much friction in the change. You can get a really awesome shirt you designed, that no one else has, that fits you for the same prices as a dress shirt at most department stores.

2. What have you done so far in 2010 to improve the Blank Label experience.

To improve the Blank Label experience, we launched a new website, with more content focused on dress shirt stylization and more text pushing the co-creation revolution. We also released a few big updates to our dress shirt design app, such as a newer, better navigation feature, and a virtual dress shirt that was twice the size as our original!

3. Why do you feel co-creation, and customized apparel has become so popular over the past few years?

Co-creation and custom apparel has become so popular over the past few years because of the Gen Y consumer, the entitled consumer who wants something catering to their needs and their wants. Businesses are realizing more and more that they should be more user-oriented, and how can you get more user-oriented than through co-creation – the collaboration between business and consumer?

4. Do you plan to ever expand outside custom dress shirts at Blank Label?

We have thrown some ideas around. Once we nail down custom men’s dress shirts, we may move onto men’s suits again, men’s pants, or even men’s jackets.

5. Can you tell us about any plans or improvements you have planned for the rest of 2010?

We’re a bit hush, hush about the rest of the year. You’ll just have to find out!

6. We heard you have a sample kit with some swatches of your fabric, is this becoming increasingly popular for new customers to Blank Label?
Yes! We are privately offering samples of fabric swatches to our customers to check out before they purchase their own dress shirt. You only have to cover the cost of shipping which is probably around $6 to receive your sample of swatches to get a better sense of our shirt fabric types and quality.

7. Can you tell me a bit about what a typical day is like for the Blank Label team in Boston, Orange County, and Shanghai?

Having the Blank Label team split across the world is crazy. We typically confer via email, IM, ooVoo, and Google Wave. But our roles are fairly independent so the need to be in an office, chatting constantly isn’t necessary. In fact, we may even be more efficient this way because we are not in the same place chatting our days away to each other.

April 23, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

Facebook announced at the f8 developers conference that they finally are pushing forward with their ecommerce efforts by introducing their official currency, dubbed Facebook Credits. Virtual goods and virtual currency go hand in hand on almost all of the most popular social games on Facebook. However companies like Zygna have been capturing a lot of this revenue by utilizing virtual currency. This growth at Facebook could mark major changes for social gaming on the site. There are thousands of social games on Facebook which bring in millions of monthly users to the site, and Facebook wants to make it even easier for gamers to use virtual currency on the site, via Facebook Credits. The move to launch Facebook Credits is really an opportunity for the social networking site to build more adoption among developers and gamers, which in the long run will result in a strong revenue channel for Facebook.

Early plans that Facebook mentioned at f8, look to illustrate how the company is taking best of breed practices from the virtual currency space to allow users many ways to earn Facebook Credits. One option discussed was called App2user Credits, where alternatives to purchasing Facebook Credits via a credit card are presented to the user so they can still earn virtual currency. Since the platform is still in the early development stages, it is unclear how everything will play out, but Facebook intends to give users every opportunity to interact with their new virtual currency, so that they will want to purchase them often. One thing that is definite about Facebook Credits, which game developers are not happy about, is the 30 percent fee for every transaction that Facebook will take. This means that if you have a super successful game on Facebook that generated $500 million via Facebook credits, then Facebook will take $150 million of those revenues. Therefore many wonder if this will spur other social gaming communities where developers can prosper more by using other partners to power their virtual currency.

March 30, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Reviews Content Team

Throughout 2010, our content team here at ZippyCart is working hard to catch up with our Top 10 Ecommerce Solutions of 2010 and give our readers a chance to learn a bit more about their product including changes to their services, updates to features, and any deals you should know about. Over the past few months, we have already interviewed Pinnacle Cart, BigCommerce, and CoreCommerce. Today, we want to share with you this interview that we had with Nexternal, as well as the new deal that comes with it: 25% Off Nexternal Setup for any ZippyCart customers! Read below to see what makes Nexternal stand out from the rest as a high-end shopping cart solution.

1. Can you tell us a little more about what is new with Nexternal, and what else you have planned in 2010?

So far 2010 has been a really exciting year for Nexternal. In early January we released a new version of our software called Nexternal.net. We essentially built this new platform from the ground up using the latest ASP.NET technology. The new .net version supports all of the features that were in our classic version, but also has some very powerful enhancements such as static, keyword rich URL’s and extensive use of AJAX technology. What this all means for online sellers is that we’re taking extra steps to ensure that their storefront URL’s are Search Engine Friendly and that they have the best storefront technology available.

To be safe, we typically don’t talk about new features until they are released, but I can tell you that Nexternal is going to continue to expand on our feature list. Now that we have the new .net platform in place, we will be looking at other ways that will help our merchants become successful.

2. What do you see as the key differentiating factors that set your ecommerce solution apart from other companies in the space?

Hands down it’s the customer service. From the minute a potential customer contacts Nexternal, they’re assigned a dedicated Account Executive that will not only answer their questions during the sales process, but they will also train and support that customer once they do become a Nexternal client. It’s very rare in this industry to find that level of customer service and it’s what we pride ourselves on.

Aside from customer service, there are hundreds of features that we offer and it’s hard to point out just a few features that are the difference makers for every company out there. All online merchants have different business needs. For one company it can be a huge feature like our ability to automatically print UPS, FedEx & USPS shipping labels and send off tracking numbers right inside of the Nexternal system. For another company, it can simply be a combination of ten little features that all add up in helping them increase overall profits.

3. Why have you built out such a strong following among wineries? Is there anything particular which make so many choose Nexternal?

Nexternal was started in the bay area in 1999 and, at that time, wineries were just grasping the concept of having a website yet alone actually selling online. So when the founders were prospecting for new clients to try their eCommerce system, they just happened to come across a list of wineries in the area and started making calls. Once they got the first winery on the system, they started releasing new features to fit their needs. As the wine industry started to grasp the concept of selling online and the industry started to blossom, Nexternal continued to grow with the industry and now they represent a large portion of our customer base.

The wineries choose Nexternal because of the features set and extensive experience we have in the wine industry. Selling wine online is a lot more difficult then selling most products. There are complex shipping restrictions and sales tax laws in place that can make selling online very difficult for the wineries. Nexternal has done an excellent job at addressing these issues over the years by putting out features like our ShipCompliant integration, which helps the merchants comply with these restrictions in an automated fashion.

4. Can you tell us a little more about your social network integration with Facebook and Twitter?

As we all know, merchants love the power of word-of-mouth advertising and social networking provides a perfect platform for this opportunity. Last month we released a powerful new feature we call Post Order Sharing. What this feature does is give the online buyer a quick and easy way to share on Facebook and Twitter what they just purchased through a Nexternal online storefront.

How it works is simple. After an order is placed, the buyer is presented with a “Share” button on the order confirmation screen. By clicking this button the buyer can quickly connect to Facebook or Twitter and easily post what they just bought online. Their post will include their message and a link back to the merchant’s online store and for Facebook posts; it will even include a company logo.

5. Can you tell us a little more about the Nexternal always on screen shopping cart and how it helps conversions?

The always on screen shopping cart is one of our best features. We feel, and our customers agree, that taking the shopper to a checkout page every time they click “Add to Cart” is fundamentally incorrect because it requires that I click another button to get back to buy more products. With Nexternal, the shopping cart is always on the screen, so when the customer clicks “Add to Cart” they get the instant feedback of seeing their item in the cart but they’re not taken away from the storefront. Not only that, but they can also determine their shipping and sales tax, enter coupons or edit their items without ever leaving the original product page.

By providing all of this instant feedback, you’re giving the customer all the information they need to make the buying decision. You’re also eliminating any surprise costs that can come during the checkout process such as sales tax and shipping. When you combine all of these features it equals a better overall shopping experience and this in turn will show an increase in the merchant’s conversions.

6. What is the best way for a company to find out if Nexternal is a fit for their business?

The best way is to spend some time with one of our Account Executives going over your requirements. Nexternal does not have traditional sales staff and the Account Executives are very experienced in the eCommerce industry. We try to listen to the customer to learn as much as we can about their company and find out what can be done to improve their online business. We want to establish an ongoing partnership with our clients and the best way to start that process is by learning as much as we can about the customer.

March 03, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team

A new ecommerce initiative from Walmart is being dubbed Global.com, which they created to help focus on increasing overall online sales worldwide. However, there is not much insight why Walmart would brand an ecommerce initiative as Global.com, which is a domain that they do not own and has no relation to the company. Amazon does not seem too worried about Walmart, but they definitely are keeping a close eye on this ecommerce unit looking to unify the online business so that expansion can continue across the world. Currently, Walmart only has online ecommerce sites in the U.S., U.K., Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, however they are looking to quickly expand to many other countries as soon as possible. Although many wonder if this global ecommerce push by Walmart is a bit too late to compete with Amazon, who has been doing extremely well lately with their international efforts and Kindle ereader. This head start that Amazon has on Walmart is not scaring them away, as they plan to use their brick and mortar retail stores in ways which Amazon cannot to differentiate themselves in the market.

The method of brick and mortar retail operations combined with an online ecommerce site is not that inventive and has been going on for years, so the exact strategy to surpass Amazon is still unclear. One technique, that Walmart may try to use in the integration of the online and offline worlds, would be to appeal to the consumers in the US who are fearful about using their credit card online, or who do not have a credit card to use. Outside of this idea, there are not many unique techniques which Walmart has announced that show investors why they can leverage the offline stores to help grow the online ecommerce sales.

February 11, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team

Since 2007, Domino’s Pizza has been trying to push the envelope by letting customers order online via their mobile phone or personal computer, but the mobile customers have really skyrocketed over the past year helping Domino’s surpass $1 billion in sales. 2009 was a very good year for online sales of Domino’s Pizza as they launched their Pizza Tracker application, which allows customers to watch the progress of their order in real time. Customers using the application first see the name of who is making the order, then they see the name of who is delivering it, all with time lines so they can track when an order will arrive. Domino’s closed out 2009 with one of the biggest events in the history of the company, as they announced a complete change to their core pizza recipe by adding a garlic seasoned crust, sweeter sauce, and better quality cheese. Maybe it was the press of the new Domino’s Pizza recipe, or the easy ecommerce store, but the recent Super Bowl was a huge success for the company as they said there were over 160,000 orders just this last Sunday for the Super Bowl. Domino’s also said there were more than 1,000 customers a minute visiting the site right before the start of the Super Bowl kickoff.

Overall, Domino’s Pizza is the top online pizza ordering system in the U.S., ahead of Papa John’s and Pizza Hut. In addition, the online sales for Domino’s already represent roughly 20% of their overall orders, which is an amazing accomplishment seeing as their online system was only founded in 2007. The most recent data shows that the company has about $1.37 billion in annual revenue across their 8,000+ pizza stores. Domino’s is so proud of their online sales success that they decided to give back some love by offering a FREE 2-piece order of Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes to anyone who enters the promotional code “HUG” when checking out of their shopping cart on Valentines Day, February 14th. This offer is valid only with an online purchase and is available only while supplies last at participating stores.

February 04, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team

Every year people rush at the last minute to buy Valentines Day gifts, but all of that stress and energy can be minimized by shopping online. Browsing an ecommerce site will allow you to quickly review and compare a wide variety of gifts for your loved one, that you cannot easily find in one retail store location. Almost any gift you could want to buy for someone can be ordered online for Valentines Day, as long as you order very soon so your purchase arrives on time. Some people are more difficult to shop for than others, so having a huge selection of products makes finding a gift for the pickiest person possible. In general this holiday is one of the top sales events of the year for many ecommerce sites involved in selling flowers, chocolate, or jewelry. Therefore, you can find a vast selection of deals as ecommerce sites compete to earn your business for Valentines Day 2010. Below we have compiled some great gifts for her and gifts for him, for you to review if you are having trouble finding the right gift this year for Valentines Day.

3 Great Valentines Day 2010 Gift Ideas for Her

10k White Gold Heart Diamond Pendant Necklace – Women love jewelry, and it is hard to go wrong when you give a nice piece of jewelry for Valentines Day this year. This heart shaped diamond pendant necklace is a lovely gift almost any women would enjoy to receive.

Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum – A nice perfume is another great gift idea for Valentines Day 2010, and Juicy Couture has a very popular fragrance among women.

Leonidas Belgian Chocolates Valentine’s Day Ballotin – Chocolate is loved by most women, and if you want some amazing Belgian chocolates to go with the flowers you buy locally, then you should consider this gift box.

3 Great Valentines Day 2010 Gift Ideas for Him

Kindle Wireless Reading Device – Guys love gadgets, and the hottest selling ereader on the market is a great choice for any guy for Valentines Day 2010.

Makita 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit – Most guys are big fans of tools, and this compact Makita Cordless driver-drill is a perfect addition.

Mothers Hardcore Enthusiast Kit – If you are shopping for a guy who loves cars this Valentines Day, then consider this complete car care kit that has everything a guy could need.

February 02, 2010
OpEd Guest Post By Robert Farago, E-Commerce Consultant

In an editorial in today’s Wall Street Journal, Amazon’s retail vice president for Europe launched a blistering attack on the European Commission. Greg Greely excoriates the European Union (EU) for contemplating new rules which would allow manufacturers to restrict sales to distributors with bricks and mortar stores; retailers who sell a minimum value and/or volume of goods. The proposed laws are designed to protect Europe’s “high street” retailers, who see “pure play” e-tailers like Amazon as a growing threat to their dominance. They also have the backing of several prominent, though unnamed, manufacturers who see e-commerce as a threat to margins.

E-commerce consultant Jeff Puthuff says the timing of Greely’s editorial is more important than its substance. “It’s highly unlikely the EU will discriminate against online shopping, especially as established retailers are looking to get into the game. It’s far more likely that Amazon is trying to distract Wall Street from this weekend’s debacle with Macmillan Publishing, which adversely affected their book business.”

“The implications of the proposed rules are clear,” Greely opines. “Less consumer choice and higher prices driven by reduced competition, and less transparency in pricing and information (limiting consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions). Those consumers not near locations serviced by brick and mortar stores—such as people in rural areas—will be especially disadvantaged.”

Greely’s polemic rejects the idea that Amazon and its ilk are hitching a “free ride” on the investment made by Europe’s bricks and mortar stores. The Amazon exec attempts to turn the argument on its head, using John F. Kennedy’s “rising tide lifts all boats” theory. “Increasingly, consumers extensively use the Internet to access online product descriptions, detailed images, technical specifications, and reviews before purchasing offline. In fact, because so many consumers do product research online before buying in physical stores, it can be argued that physical stores are the ones free-riding on online retailers.”

The editorial runs contrary to persistent rumors that Amazon is contemplating establishing an off-line presence. In December, The UK’s Sunday Times reported that Amazon had a “secret plan to open high street shops” in Britain, after learning of talks between Amazon and property landlords.

January 18, 2010
OpEd Guest Post By Robert Farago, E-Commerce Consultant

The Wall Street Journal reports that Time Warner has purchased online shopping service StyleFeeder.com for “well over eight figures.” The acquisition reflects an ongoing, cataclysmic drop in Time’s dead tree and electronic ad revenues. “Advertising will always be our core, and our primary revenue stream online,” asserts Time digital strategy supremo Fran Hauser. “But that growth is slowing. Our editors are generating significant consumer demand for products in the retail market. And what StyleFeeder allows us to do is share in that value creation.” This begs the question: will affiliate marketing determine editorial coverage?

Actually, that already happening. Even a quick peek at InStyle.com reveals a website that’s more magalogue than magazine. According to the Journal, Time plans to do unto its other titles what it’s done unto InStyle. “Time Inc. expects StyleFeeder to be laced throughout the Web site of its fashion magazine InStyle, a key brand inside a group of magazines, including People, that are highly regarded by Time Warner executives. Time Inc. said StyleFeeder also could be woven into Web sites of other brands, including Essence and People en Espanol.”

Driving the deal: margins and scalability. Last year, InStyle.com shoppers bought some $10 million worth of chotchkies. But the flagging media colossus kept “only a fraction of [the money from] those sales.” Yes, but, InStyle.com’s shopping service is considered an industry standard. It won MinOnline’s 2009 “Best of Web” award. “Much more than another online shopping add-on, InStyle Shopping demonstrates how an integrated e-commerce experience aligns perfectly with the way that celebrity and fashion-conscious readers use a magazine,” the judges wrote. “It turns a content experience into a service.” One way or another, that’s a scary thought.

January 15, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team

The start of a new year is a great time to make a resolution to work on and improve your life. It also drives online sales in January as people look for the right product they need that will help them achieve their goals. Some very popular examples of resolutions people make for the new year are quitting smoking, losing weight, or getting organized. Despite being the middle of January, many people are still nailing down their resolutions, which is keeping online sales up. For consumers, there is still plenty of time to start working on resolutions for the new year. Take time to focus on what you want to accomplish and what tools you need to be successful in your goals. Below we highlighted some of the top New Years resolutions products available for consumers trying to reach popular goals like weight loss, exercise, and home organization:

Exercise and Fitness — Many people would like to spend a bit more time working out and becoming for fit for their resolution. There are many simple ways in which you can start exercising in the convenience of your own home or around your neighborhood. First make sure you have a good pair of shoes which can be very helpful for most cardio activity. If you have a very busy schedule, then you might check out some Fitness DVD’s, which you can fit into your daily activities. Another popular way to stay in shape at home is by using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus and Balance Board. This will allow you to exercise to various routines in a very interactive and fun way.

Healthy Eating and Living — One of the best ways to eat healthy is to eat at home and to make your own food as much as possible. There are a variety of kitchen gadgets to help you with your healthy eating like juicers, steamers, and rice cookers. If you cannot make all of your meals, then you can also supplement various healthy snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Be sure to watch your portions and, if needed, use a food scale to help you ensure you are eating the right amount you need. Also if you are looking to live a healthier lifestyle and are smoking, then you might consider quitting in 2010, which will also save you money.

Home Improvement — Organizing things around the home is a very common resolution for people to look to achieve, as it helps make them more productive. Some people may install storage units or shelving around the house to aid in removing clutter. While other people may be looking to improve parts of the house to make them more green and energy efficient. Examples of this include switching to energy saving appliances and using compact florescent lighting around the house to save money.

January 15, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team

Many online retailers and industry analysts should be paying close attention to the ecommerce efforts underway by Procter & Gamble. Most companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods space typically do not sell their own goods online. They usually rely on the bigger online retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart.com, or Target.com to distribute and sell their products. However Procter & Gamble has indicated that its first ecommerce store experience will be more of an experiment in the space, rather than a direct competitor to the online partners selling their products. In order to launch the ecommerce site, Procter & Gamble has teamed up with industry leader PFSweb who will create the experience to only sell P&G products. Rough economic times has forced many retailers to become more creative, and diversify the ways in which they generate sales in order to continue hitting company goals.

Procter & Gamble has already been in discussion with their partners in the ecommerce space to reassure them that their efforts should only complement Internet retailers. A select group of consumers will get to test out the site in a BETA type experience, with the site launch coming later this year in the spring. In general, this type of site will be a great way to introduce consumers to new products and give P&G better insight regarding consumer feedback. It is still not 100% clear how the specific pricing will compare to the prices you find at Walmart or Amazon. Many other businesses in the Consumer Packaged Goods space will be watching closely to see if direct ecommerce sales are something they want to add to their sales strategy.

December 20, 2009
By the ZippyCart Shopping Carts Content Team

The untimely death of 32 year old actress Brittany Murphy has already generated hundreds of memorabilia items going up for sale on Ebay. Murphy became a rising star after she starred in the 1995 movie Clueless, where she played alongside Alicia Silverstone. She was also well known for starring in 8 Mile with Eminem and for lending her voice to over 200 episodes of King of the Hill as the character Luanne Platter. Early Sunday morning Los Angeles firefighters responded to a medical related call at the home of Brittany Murphy and her Husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack. When the firefighters arrived they attempted to revive her while in route to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, unfortunately they were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead a few hours later. An autopsy is scheduled tomorrow, so for now it is too early to know the exact cause of death. Numerous celebrities like Ashton Kutcher began tweeting their reactions on Twitter about the death and wishing condolences to the family.

Now, only hours after the death of Brittany Murphy, there are hundreds of items relating to her up for sale on Ebay. Many of the pieces of celebrity memorabilia are autographed, but some people are auctioning off anything relating to the actress. There are dozens of autographed pictures of Murphy on the site for fans to choose from, but there were also a few other unique items up for sale. One item that stands out is a Brittany Murphy Autographed Wine List Menu from the famous Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn, NY which a fan was able to obtain when meeting her. There is also a signed DVD cover of the movie Just Married which she starred in with Ashton Kutcher, as well as a signed Maxim magazine where she was on the cover. Murphy fans who are also King of the Hill fans can pick up an autographed picture of Luanne Platter. More and more items continue to go up for auction on Ebay as fans rush to the site to get a piece of memorabilia to remember the talented Brittany Murphy.

December 08, 2009
By the ZippyCart Shopping Carts Content Team

The holiday season is a surprisingly busy time for online sales of men’s shoes and women’s shoes. Buying shoes online has become increasingly popular as it is so easy to browse a massive amount of inventory from the convenience of your home or office. Many of the ecommerce shoe retailers typically have very flexible return policies so that customers feel comfortable purchasing online. Shoe hunting online is also popular among those looking for rare or limited edition versions of popular Nike shoes, Air Jordan shoes, or other designer sneakers. However, not all shopping online for shoes needs to be expensive and luckily the holiday season is the perfect time of the year to get a great deal on Adidas, Puma, Nike, or Reebok shoes. Below are a variety of shoe brands that you can find a deal on for your holiday shopping.

Adidas Shoes – Most of the deals you will find on Adidas shoes this holiday are geared towards running, basketball, and soccer. There are also plenty of casual sneakers on sale as well like the Stan Smith, Superstar, and Original styles. All of the sneaker styles have different offerings in low-top, mid-top, and hi-top shoe versions. The color and style selection is so great that it is hard not to find a deal on a pair of Adidas shoes for you or your loved one.

Nike Shoes – The Nike brand has long been associated with great sports shoes in basketball, baseball, golf, and soccer. Many famous athletes have represented Nike over the years, with most also having their own line of shoes like the Air Jordan shoes from Michael Jordan for example. Nike also has extensive selection of unique sneakers for men and women that are sure to stand out in the crowd. With 2009 almost over, there is a lot of Nike merchandise left from this year that is being discounted to make room for 2010 products.

Puma Shoes – Men and women both love the Puma brand as they have a wide array of cool sneakers that are unique. There sleek design and smooth lines make them a favorite of consumers all over the world. Amazon.com has a great selection of Puma shoes on sale for you to browse so you can find a deal for your holiday shopping. Look at the shoe deals today before some of the products sell out.

Reebok Shoes – There are a lot of deals right now on Reebok running shoes and basketball shoes. You can browse a large amount of discounted shoes on Amazon to find a deal that is right for you. Reebok also has a lot of sneakers and sandal options for men and women on sale to close out the 2009 holiday shopping season. Review all of the shoes on sale today to see if they have the right pair for you.

Ugg Shoes – The Ugg brand has become increasingly popular in the United States since the late 80′s, as many girls in California started to wear them in the hot weather as a fashion statement. Now the Ugg boots are worn by men, women, and children across the US because their soft interior makes them extremely comfortable and warm to wear. Ugg’s come in different styles, colors, and materials depending on what you are looking for this holiday shopping season.