BlogSmall business, Marketing, Promotion and Web Design

Huh? How come? Hear me out, matey! During today’s lunch I went to both J & R and Staples - they are right across from each other in this part of town. There are plenty of sales representatives on the floor. However, whenever I enter J & R the most I get is a little longer then usual eye contact from one of the sales reps. As if he’s saying “Are you sure you don’t need any help? No? Okay, I’ll leave you alone”. Having a professional PC tech background I really appreciate such behavior. Besides, sometimes I just need to dive into the store and look around, touch things. Something I have been missing with the increasing role of web stores in my life.

When I enter Staples the picture gets totally different. Whenever in Staples I always get followed by one or another floor sales reps. They pretend to be adjusting things on the shelves and just pass by me (constantly) avoiding any eye contact whatsoever. Sometimes (probably) the bravest ones approach and ask if there’s anything I might need a help with. When they get my polite decline they still stick around like bad spies from the bad spy movie.

So, today, when I got into Staples, I was immediately followed by yet another sales person. He wasn’t afraid to make eye contact, so I rewarded him with couple of requests of things I was looking for (namely Microsoft Explorer Mouse and specific Fellowes CD tray/shelf that seem to be discontinued). Given that Staples didn’t have neither of things, I thanked and walked out. Perhaps if I wasn’t annoyed that much, I might have spent a little more time in the store and actually bought something (I’ve been known for spontaneous purchases of wired Logitech mice and blank CDs).

Such an experience at Staples has generally made it very undesireable for me to visit their stores. There are still some things that I prefer to buy “live” instead of just ordering them online, but Staples increasingly have made it difficult to indulge.

Given that my supply of stationary hasn’t changed much for last year and half, by the time I will need to visit Staples again - they might be already out of business.

Popularity: 8%

Related posts

• What is it that I want (0)
• Someone up there loves me (0)
• Phones Issue (0)
• Offline-Online Integration Continues (0)
• Mysteries at stores (0)

Whenever new task is taken to online I almost always get happier. Google Docs, Zoho, Microsoft Office Live - all good and all merry. They all have only one drawback - they don’t work if you are not connected. However, with mobile networks getting more widespread and higher speeds the problem with not being connected slowly vanishing. After office application, CRMs and online banking comes image editing and property management. Next summer you may see the return of online grocery shopping (isn’t there already something like this?).We have almost covered all our needs with online services. You don’t even have to open the door anymore to get something. Watch movies online. Read books online. Talk to people and play games. Work, get your money, pay bills - everything could be done from the comfort of your chair. We’re becoming a civilization of most connected lonely people ever.

Popularity: 23%

Related posts

• Yours Truly, Marketing Department (0)
• Someone up there loves me (0)
• Small business survival - 5 DON’Ts (0)
• Sexy Girls And Hot Cars (0)
• RSS Is Your Key To Success (0)

Shopping could be a good experience. It also could be a disaster (just think of your budget after Christmas and New Years for a moment!). Some people make it a mystery. I am talking about companies that provides mystery shopping service.

Now, this marketing research technique is nothing new, but if you really want to get to know what is going on in the field - you have to go to the field. Some of us, business owners, simply cannot afford such a luxury. That’s where mystery shopping service comes into play.

Sounds like fun if you know how to deal with all the data.

P.S. For those who are interested in how this stuff works - there is always a chance to apply online to become a secret shopper. Not sure about the benefits package, but definitely something to think about once the retirement would feel closer.

Popularity: 14%

Related posts

• What is it that I want (0)
• Someone up there loves me (0)
• Phones Issue (0)
• Offline-Online Integration Continues (0)
• Good Customer Service Equals Bad Sales! (2)