Privacy…Exists?

The World Wide Web has given users an opportunity to explore a virtual world filled with bountiful information not only concerning products but also people. Who ever thought someone who lives in Paris would be able to communicate with another person who lives half way across the country, or even overseas? 

                                                 

The internet has allowed many to share information in order to learn more about one another… but how much information is too much? Social Networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have all given users a gateway into other people’s lives. 

Although it may be entertaining there is still the concern of privacy. Once posted on the internet, that information will be available to any and every one.  Most users do not think about the repercussions of what they post until it is too late. For instance Twitter is a place where freedom of speech is highly exercised. Many fail to realize that even future employees have access to these social networks.

When looking at prospective employees of course they would not want to hire someone who is recklessly tweeting about Rated R escapades that they took part in over the weekend. It would poorly reflect on the company if one day a client did their research and found said employees account. 

 

                                   

Nothing can be truly hidden once posted on the internet. Companies, friends, family and strangers all have access to your personal information. Simply put, if you would not want someone to see it, then do not post it. This is the only sure fire way to keep private affairs, private.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/technology/employers-social-media-policies-come-under-regulatory-scrutiny.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://socialmediatoday.com/bradfriedman/1017746/social-media-and-employee-rights

Is the Purchase Worth "The Online Sales Tax?"

Online shoppers and Businesses once upon a time enjoyed sales tax free environment. Companies, depending on location, are now required to charge their consumers sales tax on online orders.  Regardless of the amount, this has an effect on both the seller and buyer.

 Depending on the percentage of tax that is required of consumers, they may feel as though making a purchase online may no longer be worth it. This may so because not only did they initially have shipping and handling to worry about, but in addition there is the added cost of having to pay sales tax on top of that.

This could more so affect the sale of electronic. If a consumer decides to make a purchase via an online store they would for example have to pay the cost of the product, which is let us say is $300. Then they would have the shipping and handling cost which could be $30 and plus sales tax which would amount to $70 and the total being $400. This would be compared to buying the product from within a physical store where the product would cost $300 and the sales tax would amount to $70, totaling $370. Had the online store not have to charge sales tax it would have cost the customer only $330 for the product and in stores, it would have cost $370. Due to the addition of online sales tax consumers would now be prone to shopping in stores rather than making a purchase online.

Of course this may only seem significant when dealing with very expensive products such as electronics. Consumers may not mind sales tax if the amount is only $5 on a $100 purchase of clothing and so may be more willing to pay the price of convenience.










Sources:

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/sales-tax-internet-29919.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/08/us-smallbusiness-salestax-idUSBRE8970OH20121008

Recognizing Consumer Needs "The Dazzle Deal"

E marketing has opened a gateway for companies to reach more buyers than anyone could ever have thought possible. Companies are no longer forced to open stores in various areas and everything can be run via the Internet and still be able to fulfill consumer needs.

One such company that does just that is Shoe Dazzle. Shoe Dazzle found that the busy female consumers was in need of a way to conveniently shop for shoes. A woman who plays the significant role of being the bread winner in her household just may not have to time to go to the mall. Shoe Dazzle recognized consumer needs for a convenient website, and fulfilled that need by offering a variety of affordable stylish shoes via their online store.

Not only is the website convenient, but so is their shipping and handling procedures. Due to this being a fully online store, they realized that consumers do not have the option of trying the shoes on before hand. This led to the company offering free shipping and handling both ways regardless of how many times you make a return. 

Along with being generous with shipping and handling, the company offers a variety of deals. First time consumers are able to make the first purchase and get 25% off. Sometimes the company even gives out store credit that consumers can put towards a desired purchase and not to mention the the bogo deals that sporadically occur throughout the year. 

Shoe Dazzle has found a way to recognize a need, develop consumer desire for their product and successfully fulfill that need by offering their consumers "The Dazzle Deal."

Interactivity and the Gaming Industry

It can be said that the internet has created a gateway of opportunities for all types of industries. One such would be the gaming industry. Video games have been around as early as the 1960’s. The first that was created was called “Tennis for two” and was played using a giant Donner computer. 

Naturally, overtime, consoles and games have evolved and so have the industries marketing strategies.

Before, consumers were limited to only being exposed to video games when they either stepped into their favorite game stop, happened to view a commercial on the television, or if they were dedicated viewers of G4TV.

Now with the advantage of e-marketing business are able to target gamers from within the comfort of their homes. Gamers are no longer forced to only know of what’s available in stores, but they are able to research different genres of video games from all over the globe.  

This of course does come with some drawbacks. Gamers sometimes post what is called “Game play” or “Game Reviews” on sites such as “YouTube.” Here they have the opportunity to state their opinions on the graphics, controls, story ect. This could be detrimental to a games sale especially being that people more so remember negative Word of Mouth versus positive Word of Mouth.

Regardless of what is being said, the truth of the matter is the internet has enabled a myriad of opportunities for gamers and business’s alike.