assignment #2

1. I chose the Charles David black pointed toe pump.

2. From reading the reviews, I discovered that this "sexy classic pump" is half a size smaller than marked as well as a bit narrower.

3. Depending how much I really wanted the item, a review can definitely sway my purchasing decision. In this particular case, with the reviews on the Charles David shoe, I would still buy it if I had really wanted it.

4. I feel that there is a great advantage for potential customers to have reviews available to them. Reviews give objective pros and cons from customers that already have the product and have no agenda when giving a positive review.

5. An advantage to Zappos offering customer reviews on their website is it makes them appear more neutral and more like a"supplier" of different brands rather than a retailer with an agenda to "sell". With the reviews it's kind of their way for giving you fore warning of the product. To lay it on the table.

6. I do not recommend a retailer who sells only its own brand to have reviews. I feel that reviews work best on sites that cater to comparison shopping of multiple products and brands. I have a negatative review on your own website about your own product will defeat the purpose of building a good reputation. A company must always present itself in a positive light.

7. I do read customer reviews on websites prior to making a purchase especially when I comes to expensive items or products I'm not too familiar with such as tech products. I choose to read reviews because I enjoy the benefit of getting a honest opinion from someone that already has experience with the product in question.

8. I believe the types of sites that work best with reviews are those that offer multiple brands. These types of sites are less tied to the individual products and appear more neutral.

assignment #1

Assignment #1

3) List of potential uses of blogs for business purposes:

• A place to keep customers updated with new products and services
• Q & A forum
• Access to consumer opinions
• Place to get to know your customers and their needs and wants from your products and respond accordingly
• Offer inside news, perks, and advance promotions to the customers who are tuned into the company blog.

4) I feel that blogs should not look and feel like traditional marketing and advertising because the success and charm of blogging is in its human approach (more human and less corporate). To put the glitz and glamour of advertising into blogs is to strip away the charm and authenticity of the content and blog itself.

5) I feel that blogs are definitely not a fad. Blogs facilitate people's desire to communicate and express their opinions in a non-confrontational way but yet is still quite responsive.

6) A blog for any school department will only benefit the students and the school. Blogs open a forum for communication. It is sad to admit, but a lot of times it is easier to reach out to a computer than to a real person. The distance created by the blog eases and induces open communication. Blogs are a great way to tune in to see what others have to say and in turn respond accordingly. Our school blogs should include updates, events, a place for questions and concerns, etc.