Abstract: We’ve learned from the required reading this week, Circuit City goes Social, that the more ability users have in communicating with the company they want to purchase from the more popular that site becomes even if it’s understaffed, as was the case with Circuit City’s online forum. For my presentation, the concept of user interaction with e-Commerce and the effects it has globally will be discussed around the subject of eBay’s loss in China.
References:
Xiaojuan, Carol O., and Robert M. Davison. “Why eBay Lost to TaoBao in China: The Global Advantage.” Communications of the ACM 52.1: 145-49. EBSCO. University of Washington. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://offcampus.lib.washington.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=36002068&site=ehost-live>.
“Circuit City goes social: web-site review: new social-networking site shows potential.(ELECTRONIC RETAILING).” Chain Store Age 1 Jan. 2008: 1-2. 22 Feb. 2009 <https://eres.lib.washington.edu/eres/docs/147316/circuit_city_goes_ocial.pdf>.
I like your topic about circui city going social. I thought it was odd myself and its not a forum I would engage in, but i can see how it may interest some users.
First off, very interesting discussion. I do believe that if EBay does not keep up with the trends of online commerce, it can become outdated. In the case of TaoBao, it took an old idea of customer service, and applied it to a new one. Companies such as Nordstrom, even with the high prices at times, there customer service and policies are hard to beat. Their “Customer Is Always Right” attitude has earned my loyalty.
Hey Ted – I wish I’d had a chance to participate in your presentation. The Circuit City goes social stuff sounds interesting.
I hadn’t heard of TaoBao before, so the comparison to EBay and it’s relative success because of the online communication features is fascinating. I’d never even considered the value of being able to IM with sellers on eBay, but now that I think about it, it seems amazing that eBay DOESN’T have this feature. Easy to see why TaoBao has been so successful.
Yes, why doesn’t eBay have an IM function with sellers? Did they learn nothing from the China failure? I think it may be a cultural thing. Western shoppers don’t care that much about personal interaction with sellers. It was interesting to see that Chinese people favored TaoBao because it was more indigenous.
I really liked your presentation.
You brought up some interesting points as well as a great contrast of Ebay vs. TaoBao.
Its interesting to see that there is one more thing added to the list of things that others seem to do better!
On a serious note, I would completely choose TaoBao over Ebay anyday, since it does offer a more personal experience and therefore better customer service.