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Advance E-Commerce Assignment IV
5/12/2012 By: Amret Naz Sameen Fatima Summaiyah Fatima

Advance E-Commerce CASE STUDY WAL-MART TURNS TO MOBILE FOR WEATHER ALERTS

Questions:
I. Why was Wal-Mart interested in instituting an automated weather alert system?

Monitoring weather forecasts and weather emergencies is very critical to retailers businesses as they need to know the impact of weather on specific consumer demands at the store level and in turn on revenue and profitability. At the same time, they need to ensure the safety and well being of their customers, employees and stores during weather emergencies. Therefore, they have specialized staff devoted to this.

Until 2007, Wal-Mart's emergency operation center also monitored watches and warnings from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and Storm Prediction Center, and manually calling store managers to warn them of coming weather emergencies.

But then, Wal-Mart was interested in instituting an automated weather alert system because, for widespread and drawn out weather emergencies, it is difficult to keep up with the level of weather activity in specific locales. Secondly, a manual system creates too much of a time lag between the time a potential emergency is detected in a given locale and the appropriate store managers are notified. Thus in 2007, Wal-Mart decided to institute an automated system that would deliver locally specific weather emergency information to its 3,800 stores across the U.S.

II.

How does the Smart Notification Weather Service work? Why is it more precise, accurate, and relevant than the NWS tracking system?

The Smart Notification Weather Service works by generating, authorizing, and delivering severe weather alerts to subscribers when severe weather (hurricanes, lightning, floods, wind gusts, tornadoes) is detected within their proximity. The service is a partnership between Weather Bug and Send Word Now. The service utilizes information taken from the USPLN (United States Precision Lightning Network) and the NWS, to plot the weather conditions within a 3 mile area.

The Send Word Now network matches standard or customized weather alerts to each subscriber's specific location (based on their GPS-based phone and weather profile). The service then, formats the appropriate alert to the supported devices and relays the alert to each individual, which provides greater accuracy and relevancy than previous systems.

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A Java application on the user's mobile device lets the service know the user's location. Thus in the case of WalMart, alerts are routed based on a store manager's location. The service also provides two-way messaging, so that local managers can send back a message received reply, and it generates an audit log that shows who received the message, when it was received, and on what device they acknowledge it.

The Smart Notification Weather Service is more precise, accurate, and relevant than the NWS tracking system because the Weather Bugs stations update information every 2 seconds over the internet and are far denser than the NWS's 1200 stations, which are located mainly at major airports and provide updates every hour.

Secondly, the areas covered by the NWS are postal code-based and cover 5 miles to 30+ miles in area while the Smart Notification Weather Service plots the weather conditions within a 3 mile area utilizing the information taken from the USPLN (United States Precision Lightning Network) and the NWS.

Additionally, the Send Word Now network matches standard or customized weather alerts to each subscriber's specific location (based on their GPS-based phone and weather profile). The service then, formats the appropriate alert to the supported devices and relays the alert to each individual, which provides greater accuracy and relevancy than previous systems.

III.

What are the benefits of the Smart Notification Weather Service for Wal-Mart?

Following are the benefits of the Smart Notification Weather Service for Wal-Mart:

For most subscribers, the cost of the system is $10 per month. The automated system provided by the Smart Notification Weather Service is more precise, accurate, locally relevant, customized and reliable than the manual system it replaced.

With early warning about local conditions, managers have the information needed to make the real-time decisions.

The faster warning time enables maximum time for proper preparation, which minimizes safety issues and reduces the impact to the bottom line.

Delivers locally specific weather emergency information to its 3,800 stores across the U.S. Culminates the time lag between the time a potential emergency is detected in a given locale and the appropriate store managers are notified.

Provides two-way messaging, so that local managers can send back a message received reply. Generates an audit log that shows who received the message, when it was received, and on what device they acknowledge it.

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Part II
Question 1:
Select some B2C sites that cater to teens and some that cater to older consumers. What types of epayment methods do they provide? Are there any differences among the methods used on different types of sites? What other types of e-payment would you recommend for the various sites and why?

Answer:

B2C Sites catering to teens are:

EBAY.COM:

With more than 100 million active users globally, is the world's largest online marketplace, where practically anyone can buy and sell practically anything. Besides online commerce or ecommerce it also provides platforms and online payment solutions to a diverse community of individuals and businesses. The company operates its business through three segments: Marketplaces, Payments and GSI Commerce, Inc. The Marketplaces segment includes the company's core ecommerce platform eBay.com; vertical shopping sites such as StubHub, Fashion, Motors and Half.com; classifieds websites such as Marktplaats.nl and mobile.de, and advertising services. The Payments segment provides efficient payment and settlement capabilities for consumers and merchants on and off eBay websites and other merchant websites. The GSI Commerce, Inc. provides ecommerce and interactive marketing services to enterprise clients that include some of the premier brands and retailers. It also offers a broad suite of solutions designed to power merchants' online businesses and effectively integrate with their other sales channels.

Types of E-payment Methods:

PayPal Bill Me Later Credit Cards and Debit Cards Skrill

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Paymate ProPay Pay Upon Pickup Escrow Other Payment Methods

ALLOY.COM

is a direct marketing and retail company comprising of two life style brands primarily targeting teenage girls and young women. They generate revenue by selling predominantly to consumers through direct mail catalogs, websites and mall based specially retail stores. They operate two brands dELiA*s and Alloy- each of which are well established, differentiated, life style brands. Through e-commerce web pages, catalogs and retail stores, dELiA* offers a wide variety of product categories to teenage girls to cater to an entire lifestyle. Alloy is a prominent branded junior apparel catalog and e-commerce site for young women.

dELiA* develops, markets and sells primarily its own lifestyle brand, and to a lesser extent third-party brands, in its retail stores, as well as via catalogs and the internet. The dELiA*s brand is a distinctive collection of apparel, dresses, swimwear, room wear, footwear, outwear and key accessories targeted primarily at trend-setting, fashion aware teenage girls. It targets potential customers who fit the profile and have interests of fashion-forward high school juniors. Alloy markets and sells branded apparels, dresses, accessories, swim wear, footwear and outwear targeting young women via catalogs and the internet. Alloy offers a wide selection of well-known, juniors-targeted name brands, such as Truck Jeans, Spoon Jeans, Ralsey, Pink, Angie and Lily White.

Types of E-payment Methods:

PayPal

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Advance E-Commerce B2C Sites catering to older consumers are: PHOTOBOX.COM.UK

is Europes number one destination for online photo sharing, storing and printing - with over 11 million members! It offers customers high quality photographic prints and a fantastic range of personalized photo gifts. Complete with fast turnaround times and great value prices. Theyve something for everyone! They're Europe's leading online personalized publishing group with over 15 million members looking to products and services in order to express themselves. Leveraging technology, manufacturing, web-design and merchandising capabilities have given customers the tools to create a huge range of personalized gifts and keepsakes including professionally-bound photo books, personalized cards, personalized wall decor, plus high-quality photo prints and other photo-related merchandise, helping them celebrate special occasions and share best loved memories. The photo service thats as passionate about your pictures as you are. We love celebrating your life through your photos. Share with us your memories and well help you make the most of them. Prints, photobooks, calendars, cards, mugs & much more They bring photos to life with award-wining print quality and fantastic range of personalized photo products, complete with loads of great design options.

Types of E-payment Methods:

Master Card VISA American Express Maestro Visa Electron PayPal

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Advance E-Commerce DRUGSTORE.COM

is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, and clinical skincare, vision, and pharmacy products. Their portfolio of brands includes: drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com, and VisionDirect.com. All provide a convenient, private, and informative shopping experience while offering a wide assortment of more than 55,000 non-prescription products at competitive prices. The drugstore.com pharmacy is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) and operates in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations in the United States. drugstore.com is a leading online provider of health, beauty, vision, and pharmacy products, offering a wide assortment of more than 60,000 products at competitive prices while providing a convenient, private, and informative shopping experience. Beauty.com has the best beauty products from over 300 prestige brands including gifts with purchase, the latest beauty trends, tips, expert advice, and more. VisionDirect.com offers a simple, fast, and hassle-free way to order your contact lenses including a great selection of contact lens accessories and solutions. SkinStore.com, founded in 1997, is among the leading online beauty retailers worldwide. Millions of women and men have discovered the unbeatable value, incomparable selection, and expertise SkinStore offers. With more than 200 premium brands typically found only in luxury spas, fine stores and doctors' offices, you now have convenient access to your favorite products. Walgreens.com is America's online pharmacy and has been serving its customers needs since 1901. Shop online at Walgreens.com to refill

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prescriptions, schedule flu shots, print photos and much more. Look below and discover many of Walgreens products and services that are available for easy shopping online.

Types of E-payment Methods:

PayPal Google Checkout Bill Me Later Truste Checkout

B2C Sites catering to both consumer groups are: AMAZON.COM

is a leading global Internet company and one of the most trafficked Internet retail destinations worldwide. It seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Site has numerous personalization features and services including one-click buying, extensive customer and editorial product reviews, gift registries, gift certificates, wish lists, restaurant and movie listings, travel, and photo processing. Amazon is one of the first companies to sell products deep into the long tail by housing them in numerous warehouses and distributing products from many partner companies. Amazon directly sells or acts as a platform for the sale of a broad range of products. These include books, music, videos, and consumer electronics, clothing and household products. The majority of Amazons sales are products sold by Amazon, though many are from thirdparty sellers.

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Amazon.com, Inc. incorporated in 1994, serves consumers through its retail Websites and focuses on selection, price, and convenience. The Companys four customer sets include consumers, sellers, enterprises and content creators. It also manufactures and sells Kindle devices. It offers programs, which enable sellers to sell their products on its Websites and their own branded Websites and to fulfill orders through it. In addition, it generates revenue through other marketing and promotional services, such as online advertising, and co-branded credit card agreements. The Company serves consumers through its retail Websites, and focus on selection, price, and convenience. It designs its Websites to enable products to be sold by it and by third parties across product categories

Types of E-payment Methods:

Debit Cards Credit Cards Visa Check Cards Amazon Store Cards Payment from your Bank Account Amazon.com Gift Cards and Claim Codes

LLBEANS.COM

has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice for 100 years. Founded in 1912 by Leon Len wood Bean, the company began as one-man operation. With L.L.'s firm belief in keeping customers satisfied as a guiding principle, the company eventually grew to a global organization with annual sales of $1.44 billion. L.L.Bean is a privately held, family-owned company L.L.Bean products are recognized around the world for their practical design and high quality. Many items have been in the product line for several decades, such as the Field Coat, introduced in 1924, and the Chamois Shirt in 1928. The widely recognized Boat and Tote Bag was introduced in 1944 as Bean's Ice Carrier. Today, over 150,000 items are stocked for the catalog, Web site and stores. L.L.Bean Signature features a modern fit and updated style and includes classic items from the company's archives, such as the 1933 Chamois Shirt, the Matinicus Rock Sweater and Bean's Zipper Duffle.

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The company devotes significant time and energy to product research, testing and development. This process includes lab tests, field testers and employee and customer feedback. L.L.Bean operates its own independent test lab for scientific analysis of materials, construction and design. Prototypes for new products are tested, revised and retested in a continuous cycle until they meet customer requirements and L.L.Bean quality standards. Established products continue to be tested to maintain their high level of performance and quality. The company also brings new and innovative products into the marketplace through extensive interviews with customers and subsequent concept development meetings that help ensure the products being designed will meet specific customer requirements for outdoor clothing and gear. L.L.Bean product expertise is also reinforced by a group of 1,300 independent field testers adults and kids who help assure product quality and performance. The company uses a combination of expertise and testing to enhance existing products even though many are already considered "best in class" based on customer feedback and objective consumer ratings.

Types of E-payment Methods:

Credit Cards PayPal

BUYACAMERA.CO.UK

expertise lies in creating fantastic offers on a wide range of top quality digital compact cameras, digital slr's, lenses, flashguns, and camera accessories, all available for next business day delivery across 99% of the UK. Its values which have combined to make it one of the UK's number one online imaging companies are: Huge range of products and best selling brands

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Next Business Day Delivery available on virtually all UK orders Secure online shopping through our partnership with SagePay Services

Types of E-payment Methods:

SagePay VISA MasterCard Maestro

Differences among the used E-payment methods on different types of sites:

Almost all B2C websites are accepting Credit Cards or Debit Cards as their Payment Methods except for few like alloy.com which is offering PayPal only as a Payment Mode. Apart from this, major B2C websites are also offering PayPal as a Payment Method. ebay.com is a B2C website which is offering a large no. of options for Payment Methods as mentioned above. While amazon.com is another B2C website which is offering a different concept of payment method to its consumers that includes Amazon Store Cards and Amazon.com Gift Cards and Claim Codes. Thus more or less, all B2C websites are offering safe and secure e-payment methods ranging from Debit or Credit Cards, PayPal to other secure Payment Methods.

Other types of recommended E-payment Method for various sites:

Few of the B2C websites are not offering PayPal as a Payment Method, so recommendation for those B2C websites is to start providing PayPal option for e-Payments as PayPal is the preferred payment method for most buyers and sellers because PayPal lets you send payments quickly and securely online using a credit card or bank account. Similarly, few of the B2C websites are not providing Credit Cards or Debit Cards as a Payment Method, so recommendation for those B2C websites is to start offering Credit Cards or Debit Cards option for e-Payments as Credit cards or Debit Cards to a seller with an Internet merchant account is convenient and immediate. You pay directly from the listing page or email notification and payment is traceable too. Apart from these recommendations, ebay.com is the B2C website which is offering a wide variety of e-payment options to its customers and setting a benchmark in the entire e-commerce industry. Thus, the recommendation to all the other B2C websites is that they should start following the practice set by the industry leader and must start offering a variety of e-payment methods other than PayPal and Credit or Debit Cards, so that all types of consumers may start opting to transact with their businesses as well over the internet, resulting in the success of ecommerce applications boiling down to the high earning of their revenues and profitability in future.

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