First Assignment

My Blue Gem

Once my company works with customized jewelery, I tried to create a name that the potential client could identify themselves with something unique for them. The purpose of my website is to sell turquoise jewelry and what makes my home page differ from the others is the possibility to the user create their own customised jewelery.

What are opportunities and challenges you see to grow this website?
My store is located in Albuquerque and I have my local clients already. The opportunity that I see on display my virtual store is the possibility to reach people from all over the world. Doesn't matter my geographic location, I can reach anyone who is plugged in .
The challenges that I see is to show a new perspective to buy jewelry online with unique and exclusive design that identifies exclusively each one of our customer .

First Assignment

I started the process comparing prices at Dealtime.com and the best choice was Overstock.com ($23.82)

Reasons that this website works for me:

• The home page was really easy to access and when you search for an item, they have the description of the product which for me is a positive point.
• I like the fact that they show if the item is available in stock (some pages you don't know until you buy it)
• They have the option to pay with Credit card or "Bill me later"
• The registration form was really simple and easy.
• After I bought the book they sent me a email right away informing about my purchase and shipment (1-4 days).
• The process was fast (just one day later they sent me another email confirming that my book was shipped)
• They sent me the track number with shipment information.

Areas where the website fails

• After I finished the process of purchase, one pop-up came out in the screen asking if I wanted fill one survey with the chance to win $25. I filled out and at the end they gave me a "special thank you" for completing the survey with a bonus of 4 magazines signatures for one year free. I choose the magazines and them started something that I particularly don't like: They charge $2.00 per signature (which I don't mind to pay) but, the problem was I had to give again my credit card number (I found out that was another business linked to Overstock). Plus, in a small print was written that I was agreeing to be charged next year for full signature if I didn't call to cancel. In that point I decided not continue.

Ways that it could be improved?

I particularly don't like these special offers where they tell you getting a deal for free and you end up paying for.

I also think that keeping things simple is the best target, I had gave up buying on line in some web sites for been "not simple" or complicating to much the check out.

Security on the on line shopping is also a must on web marketing.

Overstock.com is a very trustful website where I can hardly see how to improve.