2008 December

Here are tips and tactics for wholesale sellers and retail buyers to put to work in the new year’s marketing plans. All are based on the latest stats, trends and Best Practices. Marketing topics targeted here will be covered in more step-by-step detail in upcoming Top Ten Wholesale Newsletters. But there are plenty of usable tips listed below to recharge a marketing plan and launch at least one new tactic …

The number one reason potential customers bail out of online purchase transactions is concern over use of their personal information, according to recent study results from Jupiter Research. Small-print statements on Privacy Policy and promises to not reuse or resell personal information are being scrutinized as online buyers become more protective of their online privacy, as well as more aware of data thefts and hacker activities. Note, also, that Yahoo …

As soon as the books close on 2008 holiday sales reports, Value Price kicks off its first New York City Expo (January 11-13, 2009 at Jacob Javits Convention Center). Then, in early May, Value Price returns to Las Vegas (May 4-6, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center); followed by a pre-Summer Season expo in Atlantic City (May 17-19, 2009 at Atlantic City Convention Center). Seasonal Scheduling and Regional Trade …

According to new study results from ad spending tracker eMarketer, (1) spending for online advertising is slowing; (2) online advertising still pulls budget away from offline ad campaigns; and (3) search advertising continues to be a bright spot in the economic gloom. “Once seen as immune to economic slowdowns, the online advertising sector has now become the downturn’s latest victim,” noted Jeff Meisner in Online Ad Sector Showing Signs of …

Gain visibility in Buyer and Seller markets by tapping the power of search engine optimized (SEO) web pages. Here are three SEO Marketing tips: Use Site Search as a customer service tool; Use Buyer/Seller Key Words from web logs and analytics; and Tap Profit Power of the Long-Tail.   1.         Use Site Search as a Service A Site Search Box is a must-have for your corporate web site. You never …

With three weeks left to count up November-December holiday totals, and after passing the online sales gate marked by Cyber-Monday, previous holiday spending expectations from comScore, Forrester Research and eCommerce Times are being lowered a bit. And that’s in spite of the surge in sales, incentives and discount specials across the marketplace.   Holiday Spending Pulse Check To Date:   ·        Ditto 2007? Online retail sales trackers are revising their …

Here are five tips for tapping into Buyer and Seller markets. Includes: Get listed in Product and Local Directories; Scan new prospects from Trade Show Calendar sites; Get free guidance from Import/Export sites assisting small business. Also, see a mini-case study from the Toy Industry on regaining markets with the right Crisis Management.   1.         Put New Business Development into the Plan and Budget You have business health trackers in …

The buying and spending habits of tweens and teenagers across the globe would be valuable market research for sellers of online games, brand-name clothing, personal electronics, music CDs and other youth market lifestyle products. Gathering a reasonable cross-section of international respondents in the targeted youth group would also be a massive research effort that would probably take months to plan and implement. Yet, a Finnish company, Sulake, did all the …