20 replies to this topic

[webstream]

the Internet saves me the extra step of going into the store to drop off the prescription

That was exactly what I was looking for.

Do they send you auto response or anything?

Thanks,

Webstream

[Jill]

They give you a thank you type page you can print up as necessary. I forget if you also get an email autoresponse as I haven't used it in awhile. I'm leaning towards no, but the thank you page is really the same thing.

So far, my prescriptions have always been there when I have used this method.

[crendogal]

I don't always get the Sunday paper (the one with all the ads) but Michaels Crafts does a great job of putting their Sunday flyer online so I can go check and see if there's a coupon or if any of the items I want are on sale. If I like what I see in the flyer I head off to the store (and sometimes stop and buy a paper just to get that 50% off coupon).

From the client point of view my father-in-law's winery hasn't noticed people buying from the online store then coming in -- but lots of folks visit the winery tasting room and buy some bottles then a few months later order online. I think for things you have to taste that the web might always work that way, in-person sales coming first then follow-on via the web instead of working the other way around. Same for tactile items, I bet.

[Scottie]

It's probably not what you are looking for, but I'll give you another example of using the internet locally.

My husband and I own a moonwalk rental business (big, enclosed bouncy things that kids jump in). Nearly every customer goes to the website.

We don't have a storefront and we don't keep them set up. (Some people insist they want to come by and see them and I tell them they can look at the huge rolls of wadded up vinyl if they'd like to stop by...)

Other people want a printed catalog which we don't do because of the cost and because our inventory changes often. So, the website is our online catalog- it's the only way customers can see what we have to offer.

Although most people call to reserve, online reservations have increased steadily over the past few years which is great- it frees up phone time and ensures we have the correctly spelled info, etc.

It does increase our business because local competitors don't have complete websites and just describe their equipment over the phone. In this day and age, it's getting harder to get people to go on a verbal description- they want to see pictures!

[Jill]

I think Scottie, that your case is a perfect example of how the Internet helps local companies!

[webstream]

Thanks, Scottie! I like that one too!

When you stop and think about it, rental businesses really should be using the Net to display their products and services to their local audience. Make the reservation online or offline, but it is a lot easier to see it first. Especially, if it is a moonwalk!

With all the crazy lawsuits and money-happy lawyers I am amazed that sort of business could be profitable.

Thanks,

Webstream