The return process is generally easier in a store and it is definitely faster. Returning in a brick and mortar store usually involves going to the customer service counter with your item(s) and getting the money back in the form you paid for it. Most stores have their return policy listed close to the cash registers and will require a purchase receipt. I have noticed that the stores that allow returns without a receipt generally will give you a store credit in the form of a store gift card or gift certificate. Returning at a store is faster because all it takes is a drive to the store and going through their return procedure as opposed to waiting for your returned item to ship and for the appropriate department to process the return and credit your account or credit card.
While it may seem nearly impossible to walk out of Wal-Mart with your sanity intact, it can be done with a little advance preparation. Creating a list of needed items, going at an off peak time, and setting yourself a time limit on how long you will spend in the store are some ways that you can make the otherwise unbearable task completely doable. Creating a list of the items that you need in advance is critical to maintaining focus and more importantly, your sanity, when going to Wal-Mart. There are many ways to create lists. Some people use their smart phones to jot down items in their notes while others lean towards the old tried and true method of pen and paper.
This website was the first online service provided for buyers to shop for cars online so that they do not have to deal with the problems and hassles that arises that traditional buyers would usually deal with when they are at the dealership. Some of the cost and benefits to consumers of the Autobytel system at the time of the case were that they were hassle free compared to going into the dealership, they were good for beginnings, they offer financing and loyalty programs. This is good for beginner buyers because they are able to look at car pictures for every make and model with the specifications and pricing information. After they figure out what car they are looking for, they receive more information about the car they selected. They are also able to customize their car with possible features the car model offers.
The carpool lane is mostly always free of traffic during rush hours which is good for carpoolers, but also counter intuitive. The carpool lane turns into a wasted lane if people are not taking advantage of carpooling. Sensors can be placed in cars to automatically charge the fare for using carpool lanes during rush hours (Bullock, 2011). Commuters will pay for the device and conveniently register on an online website that monitors the use of the charges. In addition to tolls utilized for carpool lanes, they can also be used for high traffic during peak times.
Having an online website is great advantage as It allows customers to shop at all hours and have access to purchase all products. If for example you go into to buy a product and it is out of stock you have the option to go online and still get what you need. Additionally, the option to shop online addresses the various different customer demographics, such as individuals who are disabled, as online shopping could make shopping for groceries and other necessities a lot easier for such individuals. Therefore it is evident that technological factors have increased customer satisfaction by providing customers with an alternate shopping method. The stores can be affected in either a good or bad way by Technological factors.
PAGE 91 PURCHASING OF GOODS AND SERVICES: BEING ABLE TO SHOP ONLINE HELPS OUT ALL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE HOUSEBOUND, LIKE THE ELDERLY, SICK OR THOSE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. PEOPLE WHO ARE TIME POOR TEND TO ORDER THEIR GROCERIES ONLINE RATHER THEN SHOP AT THE SUPERMARKET AND WAIT IN LONG QUEUES. RATHER THEN HAVING TO PAY BILLS OVER THE TELEPHONE IT HAS BECOME MUCH MORE EFFICIENT BY DOING IT ONLINE. PAGE 91 FEEDBACK: OCCASIONALLY, ORGANISATIONS WANT FEEDBACK FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS , THEY CAN DO THESE FROM ONLINE POLLS AND EMAILS,
Also online is convenient for some consumers to shop in the comfort of their own home. Consumer could go to the web site directly and purchase their brand of King’s syrup either in glass bottle with the new vibrant colors or plastic bottle with the easy squeeze handles. Also the potential buyer would come across deals when purchasing online. The marketing distribution channel will go under intensive distribution. By the product almost obsolete on the shelves this would be the time to do intensive distribution of having the product on every shelve where potential customers would buy the product.
Comparison to other innovations mentioned at the end of the case. At the end of the case Ives mentions the way customer services have transformed due to customer convenient and cheaper fulfillment alternatives. Some of those technological innovations in those fields could be compared to web-based shopping and online grocery shopping and sometimes they cannot be. Banking: Banking could be compared to buying a commodity. Instead of going to the clerk, one can go to the ATM and withdraw money.
For example, they normally purchase a big number of merchandises from original manufacturers so they will be able to purchase it in very low prices. Then, people who would like to buy their products have to sign up to be store membership. The companies such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesales Club, and even Costco will allow just memberships to buy the products in low prices.
Memo To: Laura M. Smith From: Lakia M. Hairston CC: Date: November 2, 2009 Re: Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Differences Today, the popularity of the internet has been the foundation of new business, e-business. Just about anything can be done online now. Many people are reverting from shopping in stores of malls because of the convenience of the internet. You can do anything from balancing your check book, to ordering pizza online today, which is making the internet a big part of most peoples lives around the world. Businesses are making transactions with other businesses online eliminating extra time and wasted money.