<But I think they will have competition -- yes? Perhaps there is some high ground here
after all, but it will cost them a bundle to win it, and it won't get any easier. >
GST, a lot of the general portals have been working on the shopping mall idea. Of them, xcit may have a leg up in the cable market, and aol has the advantage of its captive audience. yhoo has its tremendous (but less loyal) audience. However, while yhoo does a lot right, it never seems to offer much to differentiate itself, imo.
Amazon, otoh, differentiates itself by offering a top-notch interface, speedy and reliable order fulfillment, and excellent service. That translates to BRAND, which is why it does so well in the product categories it enters, imo. And it is why my personal inclination is to always try the site first if it offers the product I seek.
ps. I've been enjoying your posts on Asia, as usual. Are you an economist, a political scientist, and Asian Studies jock? Just trying to put your thoughts in context.... |
