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Just need to understand how Westeners buy things

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lapa321:
Do americans really buy everything online? Coz that may explain how hype machines are so prevalent.

Where i live (Philippines), buying things online is prohibitive (Up to %100 tax in customs). So we're forced to go to the malls to buy our gear. Specialty stores are rare, and most are general computer stores that have everything in stock.

Every store has an iPhone on display and you're free to try it out, but next to it are the competitors as well. Nokia, LG, SE etc. You try each product, see how they work, check the features, and compare the prices.

All the phones, gadgets, media players and computers are side by side. You have an iTouch, Zune, Archos, on display, but next to them are the media players from no name brands as well (Contrary to popular belief, there are other quality products out there). And i'm guessing the same goes for the other Asian countries. You see a Zune

I guess that's why iPhones didn't really catch on ($1,000.00 iPhone vs $280.00 5800XM and you can't use your existing media library with the former). They're available at every store, but nobody's buying. We don't have TV advertisements, no specialty stores, no overzealous salesmen. Just the products displayed side by side.

I've been to quite a few american hardware forums and it's like everyone has a tracking number in the air constantly. Instead of going to the store and comparing them first hand, they tend to just read an advertisement, then go straight to newegg and click on it. Doesn't this make them too susceptible to hype?

Chug:
I can't speak for America but here in the UK buying online is very popular. 

vuzedome:
I can order online or I can go to a shop.
There are local online retailers.
I'm in Malaysia.

Stsin:
Since most things are out of state, that means no tax.  So while the base price is less expensive, costs even less with no tax, and have it shipped to your door often with free shipping.  In the US, it takes about about 3 days ground to receive...that's for the cheapest delivery (often being free).  Not counting weekends, and can always pay extra for next day delivery.

The other is the availability.

I'm a sucker for those NewEgg special sales emailings.  Like I just bought a $5 Bluetooth adapter for my computer, which I really don't need.  On the otherhand, a $2 SATA cable on NewEgg, costs over $20 at Best Buy.

As for the hype, people are more likely to do their research off of reviews and check products at retailers before buying online.  I doubt being from online has to do with Hype more than advertising and what their peers are using.

Another reason why some online retailers are preferred, like Newegg, it's easy to return products without the reasons required by manufacturers and most other retailers.  If they put out a sale days after you buy something, write them about it and they'll often reimburse you.  They take customer service seriously.

nstgc:
About half the stuff I buy (in terms of dollars) is purchased online. I don't think it leads to the purchasing of overly hyped products. As mentioned before, if you are in the US and buy online, chances are you will not pay any tax. I buy all my books online and then pick them up from a local book store -- still, no tax. Many people also pay all their bills online.

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