Friday, May 30, 2008

An e-commerce lesson from Grand Theft Auto

I read an interesting opinion piece by Michael S. Malone on abcnews.com called Silicone Insider: Applying ‘Grand Theft Auto’ to Business. Most of the article discussed how GTA continues to be brutal and violent but also about how the graphics are dazzling. Players can open doors, make purchases and even go bowling.

How does this apply to business? If our kids are enjoying “dazzling graphics” everyday in the gaming world, why are adults subjected to boring, static websites? Mr. Malone thinks it is due to lack of imagination and I agree with him. Cost is almost certainly another factor. Regardless, it’s time for the e-commerce marketplace to begin upgrading their websites to be more visually appealing and interactive. I for one would probably shop on-line more if I could look at books, clothing and products in a lifelike alternate reality.

Here’s another thought: If our kids are already accustomed to impressive graphics, what’s going to happen when they become adults and can shop online? Will web merchants be ready for them or will they still maintain the same old static websites?

Labels: e-commerce, marketing, virtual reality

posted by Siobhan Caragine at 9:07 AM   2 comments

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

New York and e-commerce tax

New York State is gearing up to add an 8.375% surcharge on purchases made online. The timing of this couldn't be any worse. Most retailers whether online, direct or storefront make most of their yearly sales during the holiday period. To announce this tax idea at this precise time is very harsh to say the least. According to Steven K. Berry of the DMA in and article from the DM News, it is questionable if this directive would even pass legal scrutiny.

Let's hope that this is a dead issue.

Labels: e-commerce, retail

posted by martin stein at 12:20 PM   0 comments