Today we had the opportunity to meet with one of the Cultures franchise owners, Mr. Edward Jao at 505 University Ave. He has provided his input regarding the website and preferences. Mr. Jao explained to us that it is essential for his business to have a "catering" link to his customers to provide quick service and information. Thus, making it more accessible for his clients to know what they want to order and how much it will cost. In response to this, we suggested the possibility of providing a downloadable menu (in 'pdf' form) on the website. Mr. Jao was kind enough to provide us with catering brochures and take out menus to assist us in listing the products. He also gave us a brief background on the history of his franchise. He is well aware of the fact that we are creating this website for experience, and that some factors may not be produced to the level of expertise as a polished web professional. However, he welcomes this opportunity for growth and views it mutually beneficial for both his business and for us, as e-commerce students. It is also made clear that all suggestions and inputs pertaining to this project will be taken into serious and fair consideration, with active participation from both parties.



As established, the main purpose of the website is to serve as an information venue about their catering service. Up until this project, Mr. Jao did not rely on aggressive advertising and marketing tactics, since Cultures is already a franchise with an established clientele. This enhancement to their current service will essentially generate an increased customer base by providing exposure through the web. Moreover, we have also discussed possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the company prior to the development of the website. We have also brought into light how these factors will change once the site is complete. In addition, we have briefly discussed how the five environments will impact the perceptions of its potential viewers.



Relying on our e-commerce training in class to date, and what we have gathered from Mr. Jao's site preferences, we are confident that we will produce a well thought out and competitive site that will assuredly be worthy of credit from web developers on a professional level. In conclusion, we are anticipating a creatively stimulating semester that will enhance our experience and appreciation of web designing and internet businesses.