SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : eBay - Superb Internet Business Model
EBAY 81.64-1.1%Dec 16 3:59 PM EST
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: rob108 who wrote (5174)9/2/1999 9:57:00 AM
From: mrknowitall  Read Replies (1) of 7772
 
Rob - thanks for the post on amazon . . . here's what I see as the inherent problems in all consumer-level e-commerce businesses:

1) Take the total number of potential consumers (xxx Millions).
2) Subtract those that do not have access to the internet at all or are not old enough or equipped with a credit card (x Millions).
3) Subtract a portion of those who only have access to the internet through their workplace, and are blocked from e-commerce sites (x millions).
4) Subtract a portion of potential customers who are not comfortable using their credit card for purchases over the Internet and those who have privacy concerns (x-millions).
5) Subtract those prospective customers who actually enjoy hands-on shopping (x millions).

Ok, now you have a more realistic "target" market. It's growing, particularly as cheap computer and service deals keep luring people to the 'net. BUT, the real buyer ratio isn't significantly changing. We're through the "early-adopter" phase of e-commerce and the growth curve is just not going to get much steeper until the "comfort" issues are satisfactorily addressed.

I think we're about to reach the level of near-stasis, where market share among e-commerce businesses drifts in competition with traditional retailers.

Mr. K.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News