Discussion Forums > Technology
Just need to understand how Westeners buy things
Tiffanys:
I buy computer things online. Why? Because for the most part, it wouldn't do any good to go see it in a store, and it's easier. I mean, if you're looking at like a hard drive or video card or something, seeing it in person isn't going to make it seem any better than what you can see online. Now, if I'm buying a TV, radio, phone, cellphone, furniture, appliance or something like that though, I'll actually go to the store and look at it so I can compare with other things and try them out.
mgz:
--- Quote from: lapa321 on April 11, 2010, 01:13:34 PM ---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 $280.00 5800XM and you can't use your existing media library with the former). They're available at every store, but nobody's buying. We don't have TV advertisements, no specialty stores, no overzealous salesmen. Just the products displayed side by side.
I've been to quite a few american hardware forums and it's like everyone has a tracking number in the air constantly. Instead of going to the store and comparing them first hand, they tend to just read an advertisement, then go straight to newegg and click on it. Doesn't this make them too susceptible to hype?
--- End quote ---
when dealing with hardware component in most places if you go to a store you have a limited selection on usually overpriced hardware items.
Sites like newegg allow users to browse the components especially for computer hardware read hundreds of reviews from the people who bought them there. And then purchase everything at usually one of the better prices on the internet and with cheap or free shipping. From a site that is known for having really good customer service.
As far as the iphone thing goes. People watch tv and we have apple stores here. And the iphone here started at like 400 or 500$ and has never been 1000$ here.
Now you can get an old iphone from att for like 50 bucks with a plan. Its not hard to see why sheep buy them.
lapa321:
--- Quote from: Stsin on April 11, 2010, 02:05:06 PM ---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).
--- End quote ---
This floored me :o
Natheria:
--- Quote from: lapa321 on April 11, 2010, 01:13:34 PM ---We don't have TV advertisements, no specialty stores, no overzealous salesmen. Just the products displayed side by side.
--- End quote ---
And there's the difference.
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.
As far as mp3 players go people just buy ipods because they look nicer than anything else out there and because the word 'ipod' has become synonymous with the word 'mp3 player'. I have a Sansa Clip because i use the internet and online stores to do my research before purchasing (whether or not I'm actually purchasing online or not).
People buy the popular brands more often (hence popularity...) because we Americans have far more money in our economy invested to waste on marketing. People are so flooded with advertising that at the end of the day no one knows anything else except ipood.
TL;DR: row row fight the powah! :P
relic2279:
I think online buying is about 2 things. Selection and price.
Everything is typically cheaper online, especially electronics. Due to the obvious lack of overhead costs that come with a brick and mortar store. Most people don't buy consumables/groceries online, or clothes that may need to be tried on however. At least nobody I know does. I'm sure people do though.
Selection and availability is another reason. There are some crazy things you can buy online that you can't get anywhere else. Or might have to drive out of state/country to get.
Want a real wood and brass replica hellraiser puzzle box? BAM $125:
(click to show/hide)http://www.pyramid-gallery.com/LamentConfig.html
How about first generation box of garbage pail kids trading cards from the 80's? BAM $1,100:
(click to show/hide)http://cgi.ebay.com/GARBAGE-PAIL-KIDS-USA-1st-SERIES-1-1985-FULL-BOX-NM-MT/300394880907
There is some crazy shit online... :D
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