4 ms·

For what its worth I basically use a two axis model for my likelihood to buy online vs. retail one axis is time frame (do i need that bathing suit right now or

For what its worth I basically use a two axis model for my likelihood to buy online vs. retail one axis is time frame (do i need that bathing suit right now or can i wait two weeks) this is really product agnostic - basically I'll pay a (potential) time/money premium to get something now. the second axis is commodity vs. customization/fit on one end of the spectrum are standardized things (AA batteries, a DVD, part #12345) that i'll pretty much always buy online, the middle of that spectrum is stuff that you'd like to see in person you but would be willing to buy online (i.e. showroom): a watch (see it on your wrist first) furniture (how big is that couch). At the other end of the spectrum are things with a value added service that retailer does that i will buy in the store, something like ski boots or hockey skates where i want to try on a few, the salesman are more knowledgeable, and there is a customization/fitting process (custom footbeds or heat treatment)

sanderjd 11y ago
The time axis is being eroded by the speed of delivery. If I order something from Amazon on a weekday, I almost always have it the next morning. For me, there is a very small window between "want it now" and "want it by tomorrow morning". For me currently, that window is basically just restaurants and groceries, which could be eliminated with better planning. The in-store value add is a real thing, and what I think a lot of stores are going for, but for most things, the best they can do are knowledgeable salespeople, whose knowledge will never be as useful as research on the internet. I can only think of one other example where I really want a good salesperson besides ski boots: "important" clothing, like a nice suit, that benefits from professional tailoring.

4 ms·

For what its worth I basically use a two axis model for my likelihood to buy online vs. retail one axis is time frame (do i need that bathing suit right now or

by rbcgerard 11y ago

sanderjd 11y ago
The time axis is being eroded by the speed of delivery. If I order something from Amazon on a weekday, I almost always have it the next morning. For me, there is a very small window between "want it now" and "want it by tomorrow morning". For me currently, that window is basically just restaurants and groceries, which could be eliminated with better planning. The in-store value add is a real thing, and what I think a lot of stores are going for, but for most things, the best they can do are knowledgeable salespeople, whose knowledge will never be as useful as research on the internet. I can only think of one other example where I really want a good salesperson besides ski boots: "important" clothing, like a nice suit, that benefits from professional tailoring.