Featured to the right are "Bhavin" boots from Nine West. These stylish boots are available at both Zappos and Macy's (and also at Nine West and other retailers, but I digress). I will assume they are available in Macy's stores, though I don't know for certain if this is true.How much do these boots cost?
Zappos: $112.95. Sales Tax = $0.00. Shipping Cost = $0.00. Total Cost = $112.95.
Macy's Retail: $109.00. Sales Tax = $9.59 in Western Washington. Total Cost = $118.59.
Macy's Online: $109.00. Shipping Cost = $13.95 (item does not qualify for free shipping on $125 purchase promotion). Sales Tax = $10.82 in Western Washington. Total Cost = $133.77.
The multichannel merchant (Macy's) offers you the item for $118.59 if you are willing to spend time driving to the mall, or offers the item for $133.77 if you purchase it online.
The single-channel merchant (Zappos) offers you the item for $112.95.
As a consumer, do you choose the multichannel merchant (Macy's), or do you choose the single-channel merchant (Zappos)? Please provide your opinions in the comments section of this post.
I'd choose neither since Nordstrom offers the same boot for $94.95 and if you buy it in their store or online it is a better deal than Zappos.
ReplyDeleteLet me ask the question a different way. Would you purchase the same item from a multichannel company and pay more, or would you purchase the item from an online pureplay, and pay less?
ReplyDeleteAs a general rule, I buy from the lowest cost, reputable online retailer, after doing some brick and mortar research. I have used Zappos this way and they are great.
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No simple answer to this one, this reads almost like classic utility analysis: what are the trade-off profiles between price and convenience?
ReplyDeleteIf someone needs the shoes immediately, Macy's stores are the way to go, if price is the driver, Zappos will carry the day... I cannot think of a compelling reason for the Macy's online offer, but, again, I am not partial to women's boots either :)
Adelino de Almeida
adelino.typepad.com
I have bought shoes from Zappos, and have been pleased with the savings. Another factor is the policy of offering pre-paid postage for returns. Most merchants will charge you.
ReplyDeleteI would choose Zappos! Why? because they have a good shoes, great customer service, low price and on time delivery. Thats why i would choose Zappos. Yesterday i just got my pair of zappos from http://www.thehotshoestore.com, and i love it so much!
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