Shopping on the Internet

Introduction

WE ALL HAVE THAT clever friend or colleague who purchases CDs or books on the Internet at prices far below what we'd pay at 'home'. However, Internet shopping, or cybershopping, still isn't the norm. As an habitual cultural activity, most people still visit real shops or large shopping centres to buy most of the goods they need. These shops are reasonably close to their home. For many people, shopping is a form of local entertainment and/or a ritual that is embedded in their daily lives.

A General Suspicion

Most people are guarded and suspicious about shopping from a shop that you can't see, and buying products you can't look at, or touch, before delivery. In some ways, this is sensible and it sometimes pays to be cautious. As with all new developments, there are the inevitable pitfalls for the unwary, or the unlucky. Without a doubt, the online environment is still very unregulated.

However, this will not always be the case. Already, policies and laws are being developed in some countries to increase the safety and security of Internet shopping. Major companies, such as the Commonwealth Bank are investing many research dollars into the development of smart cards, value chips and secure e-commerce transactions.

For instance, see the Commonwealth Bank web site for an example of current moves to address the e-commerce security issue:
www.commbank.com.au/Shopping/default.htm

An Increasing Trend

While real shopping may continue indefinitely, one thing is clear. Cybershopping is fast emerging as a supplement and, for a small but increasing number of people, an alternative to real shopping.

This trend isn't developing as people make an 'either-or' choice between virtual or real shopping. Few, if any, people will decide to 'give up' real shopping on a particular day, and opt to become cybershoppers from that point onwards. Rather, the trend to cybershopping is developing in a patchy and uneven way, as more and more people are exposed to the Internet, become familiar with it, and increasingly realise the benefit of purchasing particular goods and services online.

As is currently occurring in other areas, the dichotomy between the technologically and economically franchised and the technologically and economically marginalised will widen, and this will be reflected in quite different shopping patterns between the two groups.

A Global Class of Cyber Shoppers

One possible scenario is the development of a global class of shoppers, probably at first a very small group of time-poor but financially and technologically advantaged people.

For instance, consider the shopping habits of the hypothetical E-Family. This family purchases its groceries online, from several local suppliers. It buy CDs from Vietnam, regular clothing from the USA and China, books from absolutely everywhere and ski apparel from Canada. Mr E's new racing bike was purchased online from a store in Dublin. Mrs E's new suit was ordered online from New York. Christmas presents were ordered from a dotcom shop that just keeps shifting - but is so cheap. The family car was purchased at a very competitive price via an online auction conducted on an Internet site based in Sweden. At the end of the year, the E-family is going on a holiday package that was organised via the Internet by Mrs E. This was unavailable through local travel agencies, since it was not marketed in their country. No doubt, they'll send e-post cards, to their friends (in all countries) while they're away.

The Advantages of Cybershopping

The advantages of cybershopping for different people will vary, according to their circumstances and lifestyle. For people with a mobility problem, the option of purchasing their groceries from an Internet supermarket, must be attractive.

For others, the almost overwhelming diversity of product and service offerings from what is a global cyber 'supermarket', accessed by a computer, is a huge attraction. For the first time, in history, it is possible to buy almost anything, from anywhere. Delivery, in many cases, is remarkably fast.

Inevitably, the further opening up of the global market will have huge implications for prices, and, in fact, the financial viability of some local uncompetitive businesses that managed to survive when the market was predominantly 'local'.

Already, some goods and services from e-shops are dramatically cheaper than the same products and services offered by traditional shops.


Internet Shopping for Schools?

Will schools one day do most (if not all) of their shopping on the Internet? Some people may find this question ridiculous. However, schools are not immune to the broad social, economic and political changes that are currently sweeping the globe. Nor may they always be able to resist, or even wish to resist, new opportunities.

While Internet shopping for schools may appear outlandish to some principals today, especially in the context of today's circumstances and school management policies, it may, in fact, be an economically sensible option several years down the track.. Rather than reject the idea out of hand, it would be wise to 'keep an eye' on the development of e-commerce, especially as it applies to schools.

Rather than hoping cybershops will go away (which they won't) it would be more strategic to watch out for opportunities where your school (and your family) might be advantaged by shopping in a larger, and perhaps more competitive, global marketplace.


Different Types of Cybershops

As with the cyberschools, which we explored in Week 3, cybershops fall into two categories.

- Hybrid Cybershops
The first category is that of the hybrid cybershops. These are real shops which have usually been engaged in traditional business for some time and have lately developed online 'extensions' as a supplement. These hybrid cybershops have a real shopfront and accept real customers.

- Dotcom Shops
Dotcom shops do not have a real shopfront, as in a building with a door through which real customers can enter. The actual 'shop' is just a server located in someone's home office, garage or garden shed.. The goods and services on offer may be in a warehouse elsewhere, or may be acquired from other secondary sources as required by e-customers.


Customer Protection

As with true cyberschools, cybershops are not local or even national in that they are not physically connected to a particular area (only in the sense that their server is physically located in a particular place). True dotcom shops deliver internationally, and their customers live everywhere there is an Internet connection.

As with cyberschools, the location of the server can change overnight, if local/national regulations become too restrictive or uneconomic. The issue of control and regulation, especially in relation to consumer protection, is a pressing one occupying the minds of those with an interest in promoting e-commerce as a safe everyday activity for the general population.

Warning and guidelines abound on the Internet about 'safe cybershopping' but most, at this nationally-oriented stage, presume they are addressing a specific national group, and point to national laws and policies which just don't apply outside that legislative boundary. Few of these 'warnings' or well-intentioned guidelines address cybershopping as a transnational, global phenomenon. For example, see:

'Cybershopping: Should You be Quick to Click?'
www.osecu.org/HFFO/1099/1099_d.htm

'Tips on Cybershopping-What You Need to Know'
www.bbb.org/library/cybershop.asp

'Shopping on the Internet'
www.earntoshop.com/safe.html

This site advocates the benefits of cybershopping. The highlight is its argument that Internet shoppers are less likely to be harmed or killed than those who venture into public places.

Cybershopping Tour

Below is just a very small random sample of the cybershops currently operating on the 'Net. Note the different types of shops, and the incredible diversity of goods and services being offered. As with the cyberschools we 'toured' last week, no attempt has been made to show you the 'best' or the 'worst'.

Please apply your own judgment as to the reliability and worth of each shop. Take time to note the differences between all of the cybershops on the tour. You will be amazed with the diversity of the goods and services on offer. Some goods and services simply aren't available from stores in your country.

Week 4's tutorial isn't an orienteering course - just have a leisurely look through these e-stores and think about their different features and offerings. Think about the possibilities of cybershopping for yourself personally and maybe for your school. Perhaps you will find a cyberstore you subsequently contact for a quote on school supplies. Maybe you will find a new pink hat for your dog! Maybe you'll just wait and see.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember that neither the APAPDC nor CyberText endorses any of the products or services on offer by any of the cybershops listed on this tour, and are not responsible for any losses or damages that result from you, or your school, contacting or engaging in business online.

If you are willing to 'test the waters', very tentatively try the shallow end first, before diving into the deep end. Seek the advice of colleagues and friends who have already entered the 'pool'. Consult with your bank, if you're concerned. This way, you'll learn to swim gradually and more safely. When (and if) swimming becomes absolutely necessary, you'll at least know what to do while those who sat on the edge of the pool for too long won't have a clue.


Let the tour begin!

We now move from category to category. Some cybershops are part of a larger and complex 'e-department store set-up. You could get lost for hours in the multitudinous layers of these fascinating stores.

Other are 'stand alone' cybershops with their own dedicated web sites. Some incorporate online auctions. Some have 'e-staff' or 'email advisors' who can 'help you' as you shop, even determining what size garments you require. Some (such as gift shops) can even make the choice for you, if you're unsure about what to buy that special person.

Some cybershops operate internationally; some restrict themselves (for now) to particular countries or geographic areas. Some aren't in English, which greatly restricts their customer base globally but may be a marketing asset within national boundaries.

Illegal Goods and Services

Some transnational cybershops offer services which would be deemed illegal, or at least immoral, in some cultures and societies. Apart from the pornographic variety, there are 'shops' offering fake college or university degrees/doctorates (as a 'novelty' they say), fake passports and drivers' licenses, essay writing services to 'help' students or 'surveillance' services which provide wide ranging personal and private information on a person of your choice. None of these are covered on the cybershopping tour.

Creating a 'Fun' E-Shopping Environment

Most cybershops try very hard to recreate the 'fun' and the physical environment of real shopping, and some are very creative in doing so. There are shopping trolleys, attractive 'shop fronts', upmarket e-malls and positive 'customer friendly' language. 'Have a nice e-day!'

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

French Toast School Uniforms
www.frenchtoast.com
This describes itself as the school uniform superstore.

AUTOMOBILES

Car Prices.com
www.carprices.com/

The Auto Report
www.theautoreport.com/

eauto
www.eauto.com.au
The complete Australian car service and purchase site. Excellent photos of new and used cars.

GIFTS

Paula's of Beaumaris www.delphient.com.au/paulas/index.html This is a hybrid cybershop, with a real version 'tucked away in the heart of Melbourne's fashionable bayside suburb of Beaumaris'. A very attractive web site where the proprietor uses her own experience to select a gift for your loved one or business colleague, within guidelines you enter into a form on the site. Delivery within Australia only.


Disney Store Online
www.whbc.com/shop_am.html
Find this e-store as part of a larger e-department store.

FLOWERS
Petals Network
www.petals.com.au/index.htm
Consult a 'gift advisor' if you're unsure of which flower, balloon or hamper package to purchase from this e-store. And if you aren't certain about the quality of the product that will be delivered, read the long list of testimonials provided. This e-store is almost global, in that it takes order from Australian customers for delivery nationally or internationally. However, it cannot yet accept orders from outside Australia to locations outside Australia.

JEWELLERY

The Bug Lady of Hawaii
www.icw.com/buglady/
Find out about 'motion fashion' jewellery.

Papilon Jewelery
www.papillonjewelers.com/
Sterling silver pearls and beads.

COMPUTER HARDWARE

Tom's Hardware Guide
www.tomshardware.com

BOOKS

The Book People Online
www.thebookpeople.co.uk/home.htm

Follett Educational Services
www.fes.follett.com
This e-shop for schools describes itself as 'the world's largest provider of reconditioned textbooks and instructional material'.

MAPS

Thaifocus
www.thaifocus.com/shop/maps.htm
An online map shop.

CLOTHING

ejami.com
www.ejami.com
A children's clothing e-shop which announces that it is a 'Registered Safer Shopping Site'.

Le Cybershopping & Les Boutiques Virtuelles
www.bsf.ca/expression/10_3.htm
Great for fashion devotees who speak French. This site includes 'Le Mannequin Virtuel 3D'. The problem with this site for first-time shoppers is that there are sections of it 'locked away' by password.

UPDATED 2/5/01 - Linked to the new English-text part of the site.


New Centurion
www.newcenturion.com/html/products.htm
Worried about personal survival? This e-clothing shop offers concealable body armor for the fashion conscious. Before you order that '5 inch by 8 inch stainless steel trauma plate', check out the helpful ballistic information provided.

GROCERIES

The Grocery Store
www.whistlergrocery.com/

netgrocer.com
www.netgrocer.com
The slogan of the e-store is 'no lines, no carts, no hassles'. An amazing array of products are on offer here, including 'Bonanza gourmet blend food for rabbits' and water bottles for small animals.

coles online
www.colesmyer.com.au
Enter the Coles Myer 'front door' to get to Coles Online, where you can order your groceries online.

Chocolate Covered Crickets
www.flukerfarms.com/p2d.htm
This e-shop offers crickets which 'are oven roasted to perfection then covered with the finest chocolate available to create one truly unforgettable exotic snack'.

FUNDRAISING THROUGH SHOPPING
AAA Australia Shopping Mall
www.aaaaustralia.com.au/mall.html

GENERAL

Worldwide Hampers - St George's Square
www.stgeorgessquare.com

Visit this attractive shopping village, with its wine shop, hamper shop and ..... Find out what a Hot Irishman really is. This e-village has a very respectable name and even includes an online funeral director.

Stuff
www.stuff.com.au

Shopaholics
www.shopaholics.org.uk/

Shopping in Australia
www.waiviata.com.au/Australia/shindex.htm

MALL Internet
www.mall-internet.com/
This is described as 'The Internet's Worldwide Shopping Supersite'.
 

Belief Scan
www.tracewilco.com/
This e-store offers self-help products that help you to work out what's been preventing you from enjoying life to the fullest.

Tyler Mentoring
www.tylermentor.com/index.html
This e-consultancy 'provides soulful guidance where it is needed, wisdom which comes from having a depth of life experience, and a compassionate heart to awaken your own natural abilities to change'.

Delphi Enterprises Australian Mall
www.delphient.com.au
An interesting feature of this e-mall is the Online Optical store, which invites people to consider opening their own Online Optical -e-store in the in own 'virtual neighborhood'. This challenges the whole notion of what the word 'neighborhood' really means, and how its definition will be significant altered by the Internet. Just who is your neighbour in a virtual neighborhood? How will the Internet break down the concept of 'local'.

auctionaddict.com
www.auctionaddict.com
This is a 'no placement, no commission fee online auction and classified service', which supports over 60 different world currencies.

PETS & PET SUPPLIES

L.A. Paw
www.webspinner.net/lapaw/
Check out L.A. Paws resident feline and fashion consultant, who: 'urges you to set your beloved pet apart from the rest with a unique custom accessories'.

Video Catnip
www.cattv.com
This is a 'one stop shop for cat entertainment'. If you're concerned your cat is bored, occupy its mind with 'video taped and edited compilations of birds, squirrels and chipmunks designed to entertain cats'.

ADVENTUROUS 'POST-INTERNET CONFERENCE' HOLIDAYS FOR PRINCIPALS

www.travelegypt.com/specialty.htm

This is the website of South Sinai Travel. Amazingly, this well-organised Egyptian-based company can create tailor-made travel itineraries for groups of up to 1,000 people! My choice was the 8-day 'Egyptian Ship of the Desert Camel Trek Vacation', where (presumably) hot and saddle-sore travellers follow in 'the footsteps of Laurence of Arabia'.

www.indepthadv.com/trekking.htm

Indepth Adventures offer a range of personalised adventure activities in Thailand. If you're in 'moderately good shape', you might enjoy elephant trekking, bamboo rafting on jungle rivers or coral reef ecology tours? Other extra possibilities, according to this holiday company, include of meeting your future spouse, as did Rick and Jacqueline, whose wedding photo is featured on the site.

www.alaskabike.com/

This is the website of Alaskan Bicycle Adventures. If the smiles of the two fresh-faced owners of this company are anything to go by, cycling must be good for you. This couple obviously spend most of their time on wheels - a huge number of tours are available in Alaska and Canada. My choice was the 11-day 'Arctic Ocean Ride of Pain', which runs in July. It's heartening to know that Alaskan Bicycle Adventures would 'never run a tour without a seat in the relief van for everyone'. 'This is the sub-arctic', after all, they warn us and we can 'never get too complacent'.

www.walkingtheworld.com/about_us.htm

Here can be found a great range of 'reasonably priced' small-group walking tours available on this web site. The only hitch is that you have to be at least fifty-years-old! Apparently, under-85s are walking all over Asia, Britain, South America, Europe and Central America, albeit at a pace which allows them time to take in 'a little local colour'. Walkers can be comforted by the presence of guides trained in First Aid and CPR. 'You will never be expected to compromise your health and safety, even while being encouraged to challenge yourself'.

www.baloonsafaris.co.uk/aboutbal.htm

Fortunately, you only have to be ten-years-old to participate in one of the hot air balloon tours operated by UK company, Balloon Safaris. Here, atmospheric explorers wisely abstain from smoking as they float through the clouds, equipped with expensive cameras and videos. Groups of eight or more can even choose their own launching place (within reason I would hope). Workaholics and alcoholics are even considered: 'The passengers are advised not to schedule any appointments immediately after the flight'. Flight time varies with the weather and atmospheric conditions and, once safely landed, the safari party is provided with complimentary champagne. This web site allows for online booking and also offers a range of balloon safari products, such as sweatshirts and baseball caps.

www.azraft.com/

Ever dreamed of rafting 227 miles down the Grand Canyon? Arizona Raft Adventures provide a range of rafting tours, including those where you build up your biceps by doing all the paddling yourself. Rafting trips are also provided for disabled people, and those who prefer a motor to be attached to their raft (tours which include a paddle and a motor are called 'hybrid tours'). Arizona Raft Adventurers are very flexible about age. So long as you're seven-plus, 'you are never too old'. Basically, you have to be old and rich enough to tip the 'wonderfully caring and knowledgeable' staff (the subject of tips is raised in the 'what's not included/what to bring' section). This web site has some highly motivating action photos of people having fun together. For those travellers with families, Arizona Raft Adventures recommend a San Juan River rafting trip as a family reunion activity.

www.wheelsup.com/

Adventure shouldn't stop just because you're confined to a wheelchair. Wheels Up! is a travel specialist which specialises in planning and arranging travel for people in wheelchairs. The website contains motivating photos of wheelchair-bound people in all sorts of places. As well, an online travel magazine, 'Smart Trips', can be accessed through the site. Part of the site is occupied by Travel Wrights, a company which works with Wheels Up! and allows would-be travellers to book their travel online.