The 2 e-Commerce website research and discuss by our group member are http://www.octopustravel.com/ and http://www.footshopping.com/.
Both website are B2C (business to consumer) model but they work on different marketing principles. Footshopping.com is a direct sales company which manufacture their own product and sell to worldwide by the mean of the website. Whereas the octopus travel act as a middleman to link up hotel and travellers. The similarity is that both company work with the help of advance info system.
Without the help of advance technology, footshopping may face a lot of difficulties in running. A consumer can view the stock of the product because there is a automatic update on the stock inventory. Without it, user may only know the item out of stock after they have make a purchase. This will cause delay transaction and receiving of item.
For the case in octopustravel, the availability of hotel room is link from each hotel to the company server. This ensure latest update for traveller.
Thus the 2 company depend greatly on information systems, or, only with information systems, this 2 company can exist.
This 2 websites allows consumers all over the world to purchase their hotel stays or shoes with just a click, creating a Borderless world!!
Krudos to Information Systems Technology!! =)
Monday, October 8, 2007
Foot Shopping: Weakness
Foot Shopping: Weakness
Firstly, one of its weakness is that payment is only by credit in euros. This is a major weakness as not all consumers possess credit cards. This limited way of payment will pose a difficulty for some consumers.
Secondly, charging in a foreign currency, Euro, (as for buyers not staying in Europe) will cause the price of item to fluctuate easily, For example the item can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the day of transaction as currency of each country fluctuate daily.
Thirdly, the delivery period of 10-20 days may be too lengthy for some buyers, one might choose to pay more to buy the item in local retail store instead of waiting for 10-20 days as they can enjoy the item instantly.
Fourthly, the delivery charge is a bit too pricy for purchases of less than 3 pairs. The item sold on the web is all priced less than 100SGD but the delivery charge is 29.90SGD, which is about 30% of the item itself. There is only a wavier of delivery charges for purchases 199SGD and above. In most cases, 199SGD is equivalent to 3 pairs and above.
Case1: Consumers will suffer a loss
Consumers who purchase only one pair may choose to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead. For instance, in Singapore, consumers may wish to purchase it at its local Birkenstock retail outlet in places like Wheelock Place, Raffles City Shoping Centre, Tanglin Mall and Centrepoint which are located conveniently in town area. From this local shop, the shoe may cost only about $120 which is even cheaper or equivalent or slightly more than purchasing online from http://www.footshopping.com/. Hence, consumers may just wish to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead as the price is of little difference compared to purchasing online here. it does not benefit consumers who purchase only one pair.
Case 2: Consumers will benefit
Consumers will only benefit from the cheaper price if they purchase 3 pairs and above each time. There is only a wavier of delivery charges for purchases 199SGD and above. In most cases, 199SGD is equivalent to 3 pairs and above. Most consumers might not buy so many at one go. They may have to consolidate 3 pairs which may be a hassle to them. In this case, consumers may just wish to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead as the price is of liitle difference compared to buying it online at http://www.footshopping.com/.
Fifthly, the site tends to be slow and lag sometimes. Some technical difficulties were experienced which may be frustrating. For instance, perhaps because of the high security, consumers may experience problem when paying their shoes with the credit cards. The proxy error always popped up,
Sixthly, there is no legend for some of the symbols displayed in the website, which may be confusing to some consumer while navigating.
Firstly, one of its weakness is that payment is only by credit in euros. This is a major weakness as not all consumers possess credit cards. This limited way of payment will pose a difficulty for some consumers.
Secondly, charging in a foreign currency, Euro, (as for buyers not staying in Europe) will cause the price of item to fluctuate easily, For example the item can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the day of transaction as currency of each country fluctuate daily.
Thirdly, the delivery period of 10-20 days may be too lengthy for some buyers, one might choose to pay more to buy the item in local retail store instead of waiting for 10-20 days as they can enjoy the item instantly.
Fourthly, the delivery charge is a bit too pricy for purchases of less than 3 pairs. The item sold on the web is all priced less than 100SGD but the delivery charge is 29.90SGD, which is about 30% of the item itself. There is only a wavier of delivery charges for purchases 199SGD and above. In most cases, 199SGD is equivalent to 3 pairs and above.
Case1: Consumers will suffer a loss
Consumers who purchase only one pair may choose to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead. For instance, in Singapore, consumers may wish to purchase it at its local Birkenstock retail outlet in places like Wheelock Place, Raffles City Shoping Centre, Tanglin Mall and Centrepoint which are located conveniently in town area. From this local shop, the shoe may cost only about $120 which is even cheaper or equivalent or slightly more than purchasing online from http://www.footshopping.com/. Hence, consumers may just wish to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead as the price is of little difference compared to purchasing online here. it does not benefit consumers who purchase only one pair.
Case 2: Consumers will benefit
Consumers will only benefit from the cheaper price if they purchase 3 pairs and above each time. There is only a wavier of delivery charges for purchases 199SGD and above. In most cases, 199SGD is equivalent to 3 pairs and above. Most consumers might not buy so many at one go. They may have to consolidate 3 pairs which may be a hassle to them. In this case, consumers may just wish to purchase the shoe in a local retail store instead as the price is of liitle difference compared to buying it online at http://www.footshopping.com/.
Fifthly, the site tends to be slow and lag sometimes. Some technical difficulties were experienced which may be frustrating. For instance, perhaps because of the high security, consumers may experience problem when paying their shoes with the credit cards. The proxy error always popped up,
Sixthly, there is no legend for some of the symbols displayed in the website, which may be confusing to some consumer while navigating.
Foot Shopping: Strength
Foot Shopping: Strength
The company provides a worldwide delivery creating a huge borderless market. At the same time, it also enables consumer from any part of the world to enjoy their service. They also provide a very competitive pricing.
The website is easy to use as not only user can choose to view the website in different languages, the price of items is also automatically converted into the currency of the consumer's choice of country ranging from 27 of them.
For example, when a Sweden consumers clicks Sweden, the language of the website will be translated into Swedish. The currency will also be automatically switch to the Sweden Currency. This is very convenient as consumers need not do the exchange rate themselves. Whatever price they see on the website will be the actual selling price. This is very convenient for consumers as there are no boundaries and language barrier.
For the case in Singapore, comparing the same shoes model, buying fromhttp://www.footshopping.com/ will be around 30% cheaper than purchasing in local retail outlet.
The local retail outlets are located at Wheelock Place, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Centrepoint and Tanglin Mall.
For example, for this particularly model, in the local retail shop, it may cost around $119. But if you purchase it online here, it cost only $83.66. This is about 30% cheaper.
If the consumer selected Hong Kong, all the costs in the website will be converted to Hong Kong Dollars directly and the language of the website will be in English. Consumers in Hong Kong will experience more convenience compared to consumers in Singapore because for Hong Kong, there is a middle man stationed directly at Hong Kong. He will be in charge of all transactions handled in Hong Kong. Consumers can just directly this Hong Kong middleman instead.
One can search by his shoe size or by the series of Birkenstock.For example, if my shoe size is 36 and i prefer the Papillio series, i just enter my shoe size and click on it. The search shows 24 products found. This greatly speed up the efficiency of finding and this is very convenient for consumers.
Catalogue
Their auto stock update is efficient. Is all computerised. It not only benefit the consumers but also the company itself as the stock take is control by computer. Information systems plays a large and important role here. Consumers can know immediately what size and model is out of stock and the company can also re-order it at the same time.
View
Measurement of shoes sizes vary from country to country around the world. As a online company catering the needs world wide. Footshopping.com provide a simple tutorial teaching its customer how to measure their shoes size in european measurement. Allowing consumer to check stock for their required shoe size in the purchasing process. This make the purchasing process easier for consumer not living in Europe and not adopting their standard of measurement.
http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=22343
Delivery
Product purchased from this website is deliver using DHL. One of the most trusted delivery agency. This ensure fast and insured delivery to maximise consumer benefits.
Tatami Series: For Ladies and Gents
The company provides a worldwide delivery creating a huge borderless market. At the same time, it also enables consumer from any part of the world to enjoy their service. They also provide a very competitive pricing.
The website is easy to use as not only user can choose to view the website in different languages, the price of items is also automatically converted into the currency of the consumer's choice of country ranging from 27 of them.
For example, when a Sweden consumers clicks Sweden, the language of the website will be translated into Swedish. The currency will also be automatically switch to the Sweden Currency. This is very convenient as consumers need not do the exchange rate themselves. Whatever price they see on the website will be the actual selling price. This is very convenient for consumers as there are no boundaries and language barrier.
For the case in Singapore, comparing the same shoes model, buying from
The local retail outlets are located at Wheelock Place, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Centrepoint and Tanglin Mall.
For example, for this particularly model, in the local retail shop, it may cost around $119. But if you purchase it online here, it cost only $83.66. This is about 30% cheaper.
If the consumer selected Hong Kong, all the costs in the website will be converted to Hong Kong Dollars directly and the language of the website will be in English. Consumers in Hong Kong will experience more convenience compared to consumers in Singapore because for Hong Kong, there is a middle man stationed directly at Hong Kong. He will be in charge of all transactions handled in Hong Kong. Consumers can just directly this Hong Kong middleman instead.
One can search by his shoe size or by the series of Birkenstock.For example, if my shoe size is 36 and i prefer the Papillio series, i just enter my shoe size and click on it. The search shows 24 products found. This greatly speed up the efficiency of finding and this is very convenient for consumers.
Catalogue
The websites catalogue are up to date. Consumers can choose to select their animated catalogue or download the catalogues in PDF format.
If a consumer chooses the animated catalogue, he can simply browse through it by clicking the pages. If he chance upon the model that he wants to purchase, he can double click on the picture itself directly, The web page will direct him to the shopping carts page itself. He do not have to go through the hassle of searching the model he want using the search engine again. From there, he can select the size he wants and add to the shopping cart directly.
http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=24893
Otherwise, a consumer can choose to download the catalogue in PDF format. He can keep it for future references.
http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=23614
Their auto stock update is efficient. Is all computerised. It not only benefit the consumers but also the company itself as the stock take is control by computer. Information systems plays a large and important role here. Consumers can know immediately what size and model is out of stock and the company can also re-order it at the same time.
View
Consumers can view the shoes 360°. One can just use the computer mouse cursor to rotate it and view the selected shoe 360°.
Sizing
Measurement of shoes sizes vary from country to country around the world. As a online company catering the needs world wide. Footshopping.com provide a simple tutorial teaching its customer how to measure their shoes size in european measurement. Allowing consumer to check stock for their required shoe size in the purchasing process. This make the purchasing process easier for consumer not living in Europe and not adopting their standard of measurement.
http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=22343
Delivery
Product purchased from this website is deliver using DHL. One of the most trusted delivery agency. This ensure fast and insured delivery to maximise consumer benefits.
Modes of payment
Payment for purchases is by electronic credit card which is widely accepted worldwide. To ensure the security on the online transaction, special security measure is taken to protect customer. One can pay with credit card (VISA,AMERICAN EXPRESS and EUROCARD) by using a high security server with SSL-Encryption. This ensures safety for consumer sensitive data. They have also guaranteed that they do not share their customers list with anymore. This is of very good professional ethics in the business world. Customers contact are kept confidential.Font Size
The website provide 3 different font size for viewer to choose from. For example, a viewer using a wide screen 22 inch monitor may choose largest font so that the page fit nicely for viewing pleasure. The effect is different from enlarging the page using your web browser such as Internet Explorer, FireFox, Safari etc.
Items for Men and Ladies and children - Regardless of gender and age
The website provide not only shoes for both men and ladies, also for children as well. This enable the website to target on a wider range of customer. A family with children can easily purchase shoes for all the family member without leaving their house or even visiting another website. This is very convenient.
Different series under Birkenstock: Birkenstock, Papillio, Birki's, Footprints, Betula and Tatami
Different designs to choose from
Tatami Series: For Ladies and Gents
Papillio Series: For Ladies and Kids
Exchange and Return Policy
Often, shopping online face a problem. That is the product receive may not meet the consumer expectation. Footshopping.com provide a 30 days return policy that is a full refund will be given if the return product is in original condition. Also, a consumer may choose to exchange the product for free. This protect the customer rights which most online shopping company cannot offer.
Simple clear graphic make the website easy to view and at the same time easier to load for slow internet speed user.
Other strengths are also included in the
Characteristics entry: http://scnw.blogspot.com/2007/10/foot-shopping-characteristics-design.html
Features entry: http://scnw.blogspot.com/2007/10/foot-shopping-features-business-model.html
Just click on it. =)
Foot Shopping: Characteristics (design scheme, graphics)
Foot Shopping: Characteristics
Foot Shopping website is easy to use, user friendly. It provides a choice of 27 countries on the main page. Choosing your country of resident will allow one to view the web page in their own language and the price of product will be shown in the currency of that country. For example, one who choose Singapore will see the website in English and all the price of shoes will be in SGD which is Singapore dollar. The shoes categories are separated by brands and design and different series. One can find what he wants easily. He can choose to search by categories or by his shoes size. Generally, the website is easy and convenient to use, where one can shop and purchase in just a few steps.
One can just select the country he is staying in.
One can search by his shoe size or by the series of Birketstcok.
For example, if my shoe size is 36 and i prefer the Papillio series, i just enter my shoe size and click on it. The search shows24 products found. This greatly speed up the efficiency of finding and this is very convenient for consumers.
Foot Shopping website is easy to use, user friendly. It provides a choice of 27 countries on the main page. Choosing your country of resident will allow one to view the web page in their own language and the price of product will be shown in the currency of that country. For example, one who choose Singapore will see the website in English and all the price of shoes will be in SGD which is Singapore dollar. The shoes categories are separated by brands and design and different series. One can find what he wants easily. He can choose to search by categories or by his shoes size. Generally, the website is easy and convenient to use, where one can shop and purchase in just a few steps.
One can just select the country he is staying in.
One can search by his shoe size or by the series of Birketstcok.
For example, if my shoe size is 36 and i prefer the Papillio series, i just enter my shoe size and click on it. The search shows24 products found. This greatly speed up the efficiency of finding and this is very convenient for consumers.
If the consumer selected Singapore, all the costs in the website will be converted to Singapore Dollars directly and the language of the website will be in English.
If the consumer selected Hong Kong, all the costs in the website will be converted to Hong Kong Dollars directly and the language of the website will be in English. Consumers in Hong Kong will experience more convenience compared to consumers in Singapore because for Hong Kong, there is a middle man stationed directly at Hong Kong. He will be in charge of all transactions handled in Hong Kong. Consumers can just directly this Hong Kong middleman instead.
If the consumer selected Italy, all the costs in the website will be converted to Euro Dollars directly and the language of the website will be in Italian. This is very convenient for consumers as there are no boundaries and language barrier.
Foot Shopping: Features (business model, payment schemes, links)
Foot Shopping: Features
On the website, the consumers are able to see the latest design which is updated frequently. Consumers can choose from different brands and series by simply clicking on the well design online category with full picture which enable one to view the shoes 360°. After choosing the design, consumer can choose the size they want and check for stock availability. The buying process is simple by electronic credit card and purchase by credit card will receive a 5% discount. For purchases lower than 199SGD, a delivery charge of 29.90SGD apply. The product will be delivered to the buyer's preferred address within 10-20 days from purchase by the DHL, a world wide recognition postal delivery service.
Payment
On the website, the consumers are able to see the latest design which is updated frequently. Consumers can choose from different brands and series by simply clicking on the well design online category with full picture which enable one to view the shoes 360°. After choosing the design, consumer can choose the size they want and check for stock availability. The buying process is simple by electronic credit card and purchase by credit card will receive a 5% discount. For purchases lower than 199SGD, a delivery charge of 29.90SGD apply. The product will be delivered to the buyer's preferred address within 10-20 days from purchase by the DHL, a world wide recognition postal delivery service.
Payment
Buyers simply pay with their credit card (VISA,AMERICAN EXPRESS and EUROCARD) by using their high security server with SSL-Encryption. This is their security assurance towards their customers. This ensures safety for sensitive data. The credit card will be charged in EURO 6 days after they have received your order. They have also guaranteed that they do not share their customers list with anymore. This is of very good professional ethics in the business world. Customers contact are kept confidential.
There is a discount of 5% if purchase by credit card.
Their auto stock update is efficient. Is all computerised. It not only benefit the consumers but also the company itself as the stock take is control by computer. Information systems plays a large and important role here. Consumers can know immediately what size and model is out of stock and the company can also re-order it at the same time.
The product will be delivered to the buyer's preferred address within 10-20 days from purchase by the DHL, a world wide recognition postal delivery service.
The Shipping Costs for Singapore.
Existing customers leaving positive comments and feed backs for this website, boosting new customers confidence to believe in their service, quality and security assurance.
Their auto stock update is efficient. Is all computerised. It not only benefit the consumers but also the company itself as the stock take is control by computer. Information systems plays a large and important role here. Consumers can know immediately what size and model is out of stock and the company can also re-order it at the same time.
Consumers can choose the shoes 360°. One can just use the computer mouse cursor to rotate it and view the selected shoe 360°.
The website also states the different soles material they use for different models of shoes. Each type of shoe sole is specially design to cater for different people. They are design according to individuals foot type and size. The special shoe cushion will take the shape of one foot as one wears it.It also uses environmental friendly products that are of high quality.
Sizing Guidelines: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=22342
One problem that consumers faced when buying shoes online, is that they do not know their shoe size. This website clearly states how to measure and convert their shoe size. This is very useful as consumers need not worry about buying the wrong size.
FAQ and Terms: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=22343
Spree FAQ: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=28367
Respective (Birkenstock, Papillio, Birki's, Footprints, Betula and Tatami) Catalogue: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=23614
Animated Catalogue: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=24893
PDF Catalogue: http://www.footshopping.com/main.cfm?MID=23614
Foot Shopping: Objectives (purpose of site)
Foot Shopping: Objectives
www.footshopping.com is a B2C website host by a German firm Natürlich Footshop GmbH whose aim is to promote healthy footwear that allow consumer to enjoy maximum pleasure in their everyday walking. The motto of this website is “nature as our guide in order to promote and preserve the foot’s nature role”. Consumers all over the world can purchase any shoes under Birkenstock subsidiaries or series: Birkenstock, Papillio, Birki's, Footprints, Betula and Tatami.
Its series of footwear are suitable for all ages of both male and females. It ranges for children to adults. Its footwear not only include the usual sandals, but also includes formal footwear for working people. Its target customers are now enlarged to the working people as well.
Its selling point is the comfortable, and specially design cushion catered to individuals foot size and type. One will not have foot ache when wearing Birkenstock shoes as the special shoe cushion will take the shape of one foot as one wears it.
www.footshopping.com is a B2C website host by a German firm Natürlich Footshop GmbH whose aim is to promote healthy footwear that allow consumer to enjoy maximum pleasure in their everyday walking. The motto of this website is “nature as our guide in order to promote and preserve the foot’s nature role”. Consumers all over the world can purchase any shoes under Birkenstock subsidiaries or series: Birkenstock, Papillio, Birki's, Footprints, Betula and Tatami.
Its series of footwear are suitable for all ages of both male and females. It ranges for children to adults. Its footwear not only include the usual sandals, but also includes formal footwear for working people. Its target customers are now enlarged to the working people as well.
Its selling point is the comfortable, and specially design cushion catered to individuals foot size and type. One will not have foot ache when wearing Birkenstock shoes as the special shoe cushion will take the shape of one foot as one wears it.
Foot Shopping: Introduction
Foot Shopping: Introduction
http://www.footshopping.com/ is an e-Commerce website that provide online direct sales and delivery of Birkenstock footwear, long history dated back to 1899.
This website is independent of the Birkenstock company; they are owned by the Birkenstock family, however. It first started mail order business for Birkenstock shoes in conjunction with its shops since 1988. It has experience in this mail order business for about 19 years already.
Consumers can choose various designs from the online category of different series range from Papillio, Birkis, Footprints, Betula, Tatami and Alpro. Its series of footwear are suitable for all ages of both male and females. It ranges for children to adults. Its footwear not only include the usual sandals, but also includes formal footwear for working people. Birkentstock products are not only comfortable and specially design according to our foot type and size, it also uses environmental friendly products that are of high quality.
This website allows people from all over the world to purchase Birkenstock footwear through their website with just a click. It has grown to be one of the world largest footwear company in the footwear industry. In 1990, footwear news label Birkenstock sandal, Arizona, to be US shoe of the year.
http://www.footshopping.com/ is an e-Commerce website that provide online direct sales and delivery of Birkenstock footwear, long history dated back to 1899.
This website is independent of the Birkenstock company; they are owned by the Birkenstock family, however. It first started mail order business for Birkenstock shoes in conjunction with its shops since 1988. It has experience in this mail order business for about 19 years already.
Consumers can choose various designs from the online category of different series range from Papillio, Birkis, Footprints, Betula, Tatami and Alpro. Its series of footwear are suitable for all ages of both male and females. It ranges for children to adults. Its footwear not only include the usual sandals, but also includes formal footwear for working people. Birkentstock products are not only comfortable and specially design according to our foot type and size, it also uses environmental friendly products that are of high quality.
This website allows people from all over the world to purchase Birkenstock footwear through their website with just a click. It has grown to be one of the world largest footwear company in the footwear industry. In 1990, footwear news label Birkenstock sandal, Arizona, to be US shoe of the year.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Octopus Travel : Weakness
Analysis of Octopus Travel : Weakness
The site tends to be slow sometimes and some technical difficulties were experienced which may be frustrating.
Also the lack of legend for some of the symbols displayed in the website may be confusing to some consumer while navigating
Thought the website do provide for people from many different countries, the language barrier may still be a major problem as the website is not available in other languages other than English and Chinese.
The site tends to be slow sometimes and some technical difficulties were experienced which may be frustrating.
Also the lack of legend for some of the symbols displayed in the website may be confusing to some consumer while navigating
Thought the website do provide for people from many different countries, the language barrier may still be a major problem as the website is not available in other languages other than English and Chinese.
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