Discussion Forums > Technology
Just need to understand how Westeners buy things
Proin Drakenzol:
Even when I lived stateside I did most of my shopping online. It's more convenient and (as previously mentioned) you can sometimes avoid sales tax (harder in California since so much stuff ships from there and that's where I live).
Now that I live in Japan almost everything I buy that needs to be in English is purchased online since the Navy Exchange has a shitty selection. However, I have found computer parts and anime figures to be cheaper (with an equal selection) in Akihabara, so I also do a lot of shopping there.
I also use Steam for my PC games, so that's all online shopping.
lapa321:
--- Quote from: Natheria on April 11, 2010, 03:35:28 PM ---I actually think that online buyers are far more knowledgeable about what they are actually purchasing than people who just go to the mall to buy things (which is most people, although there are definitely more and more people buying online). When someone goes to the mall they buy the first thing they see. You usually have the most popular items at the front of the store with the most floor space because retailers know they will sell better because we have all been programmed to buy what everyone else has.
--- End quote ---
No doubt they reseach the heck out of whatever they're intending to buy, but it doesn't really mean they look at the alternatives. When i'm about to buy a gadget, i read up on it, get what other people have to say, only to end up buying something else when i get to the mall because there's maybe a dozen of the same type next to it. The way the stores are laid out, you're forced to look at their entire selection. There's no centerpiece for you to focus on. There's a dozen phones on a single case, and those cases line up the entire store.
Come to think about it, most of the factories that make gadgets are over here aren't they? Maybe that's why we have more?
The way the forums describe it, it's like your malls are barren o_0 I'm gonna meet someone later, maybe i'll take a few picture at the mall and ask if it's the same over there.
killazys:
Well, I'm not sure of everyone in America, but personally everything is from Amazon/Newegg/Yesasia etc. etc. Living in the suburbs, (as most Americans do) many specialty stores simply aren't available. The internet helps the average person search for reviews, best products, ask questions on forums, etc.
Shipping is cheap, you don't have to leave the house, and there's no tax. Did I mention that Amazon and Newegg are definitely cheaper than, for example, BestBuy?
Proin Drakenzol:
--- Quote from: lapa321 on April 12, 2010, 01:01:39 AM ---
--- Quote from: Natheria on April 11, 2010, 03:35:28 PM ---I actually think that online buyers are far more knowledgeable about what they are actually purchasing than people who just go to the mall to buy things (which is most people, although there are definitely more and more people buying online). When someone goes to the mall they buy the first thing they see. You usually have the most popular items at the front of the store with the most floor space because retailers know they will sell better because we have all been programmed to buy what everyone else has.
--- End quote ---
No doubt they reseach the heck out of whatever they're intending to buy, but it doesn't really mean they look at the alternatives. When i'm about to buy a gadget, i read up on it, get what other people have to say, only to end up buying something else when i get to the mall because there's maybe a dozen of the same type next to it. The way the stores are laid out, you're forced to look at their entire selection. There's no centerpiece for you to focus on. There's a dozen phones on a single case, and those cases line up the entire store.
Come to think about it, most of the factories that make gadgets are over here aren't they? Maybe that's why we have more?
The way the forums describe it, it's like your malls are barren o_0 I'm gonna meet someone later, maybe i'll take a few picture at the mall and ask if it's the same over there.
--- End quote ---
Most Americans (that I know of) don't buy their phones over the internet. We go to the store of whichever cellphone company we plan to go with and look at their selection.
Same thing in Japan. You go to the kiosk or store with the cellphones.
Everything else is where 'net shopping comes in. I even know people that buy their groceries online and get them delivered (fresh, too).
lapa321:
i'm typing this from my phone. Iphone converted to dollars is $1,067.00
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