Web Commerce Today
Issue 28, November 15, 1999
Theme: Small Business E-Commerce Software, Part 2
This month we're continuing our reviews of some leading software. I think
ShopSite TX -- and its Lycos Store application -- is one of the strongest
platforms for a small business online store. Take a good look.
As you know, I am keenly interested the science of in increasing the conversion rate in online stores. You'll be interested in insights in my review of Paco Underhill's book Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping.
I hope you're ready for Christmas, and have an absolutely WONDERFUL season of selling. If you get a bit jaded from all this, feel free to dip into my collection of articles on the meaning of Christmas at http://www.joyfulheart.com/xmas/
God bless you,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Editor
In This Issue
- Review: Why We Buy, by Paco Underhill
- Review: Open Market ShopSite TX 4.1
- A Look at Lycos Stores
- E-Mail to the Editor
Review:
Why We Buy
I am fascinated by the ability to increase click-through rates and conversion rates by seemingly simple changes to webpages. Though author Paco Underhill works exclusively in bricks-and-mortar retail setting to make cash registers ring more merrily, I find many insights that can help savvy online storeowners increase profits. Read my review.
Review: Open Market ShopSite TX 4.1
ShopSite TX provides access to the powerful Open Market Transact e-commerce platform that allows excellent order fulfillment tracking and communication. But there are a few drawbacks. Read the review.
A Look at Lycos Stores
Here's an exciting opportunity to get in on both Lycos' marketing muscle and ShopSite TX. But there are a couple of downsides. Read the article.
E-Mail to the Editor
zShops Shortcomings
Non- US residents cannot have their listed products paid for by Amazon Payments. I believe this is a major disadvantage both because buyers will appreciate the convenience and the security of using Amazon's secure ordering system.... Another issue is Taxes. In Canada, if I sell to another Canadian I must collect and remit the GST (Goods and Service Tax). Amazon has no method for collecting taxes. Maybe this is why they don't allow Canadians to use Amazon Payments. -- Blair Russel, IMPULSE Software Gifts, Inc. Vancouver BC, www.impulsegifts.com
Golden Age of the Internet
This is without a doubt, one of the most exciting times to be involved with retailing, and also one of the most uncertain (especially for the traditional retailer not wanting to make any change). Finally, this has to be the golden age of the internet (perhaps like the 50's were to television) ... and to think we are part of it. Thank you again for your efforts to provide information for those of us trying to participate in this "golden age." -- Dennis Staffne
