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#Written by David Tam, 1999.           #       
#davidkftam@netscape.net Copyright 1999#  
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From tamda@ecf.toronto.edu Mon Jul 12 18:22:24 1999
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 22:01:41 -0500 (EST)
From: David Kar Fai Tam 
To: APS 424S 
Subject: #6-01/20/99-"Six Web site traits spur trust, on-line sales:study"



The Globe and Mail, Tuesday, January 19, 1999. B12.

    This article talks about a study that has revealed what may be the
secrets to e-business / e-commerce success.  In order to get consumers to
engage in electronic transactions over the internet, six characteristics
have been identified in gaining customer confidence on the world wide web.

These are:
1. brand-name recognition
2. easy site navigation
3. good customer service
4. good presentation of information
5. state-of-the-art technology
6. secured, encrypted connections

    These studies and this article indicates how modern day society and
businesses are trying to cope with the internet, www, and the many
opportunities it presents.  It was been stated over and over again that
e-commerce on the internet is worth a whole lot of money. Yet, most
consumers are still wary of purchasing online products and paying using
their credit cards over the internet. Despite secured and encrypted
connections to a web site, and signed digital certificates, and
VISA/Mastercard/American Express endorsements, consumers are skeptical.

    Businesses have been purplexed as to how they can encourage customers
to purchase online. Studies such as the one mentioned in this article will
help businesses in understanding their customers.  It will also encourage
more new business ventures to start, which rely solely on the web as its
marketing and distribution medium.

    I believe these "virtual" businesses have the potential to become very
success and popular. Amazon.com can be seen as one very positive example.

    Yet, these virtual businesses must not think of themselves to be any
different from regular non-virtual businesses. They must treat the
customer as "king", providing top-notch customer service, and honest,
direct information related to their products, services, return policies,
etc. Those above 6 characteristics have this  general theme unlying them.
After-all, a customer can easily go to a competitors web site just by
typing a new URL.

     These virtual businesses remember that along with several advantages
of having low overhead and the reaching a world market, there are several
disadvantages as well.

    Source: geocities.com/siliconvalley/campus/9640/4thYear/Business

               ( geocities.com/siliconvalley/campus/9640/4thYear)                   ( geocities.com/siliconvalley/campus/9640)                   ( geocities.com/siliconvalley/campus)                   ( geocities.com/siliconvalley)