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I think one of the big reasons why people don't wanna switch from Amazon is that, understandably, they don't wanna go on a shifty site and get scammed. So, the good news is that I think this should be easy to fix, but it probably will require some testing. Specifically, we need to make a list of good online places to shop.
In order to meet the criteria as a "reputable" online marketplace, the site must meet these requirements:
- Must have a good return policy of some kind.
- Must have good customer service.
- Must stock a wide variety of the chosen type of product or products they sell.
- Obviously must ship products on time.
- Obviously must ship products as advertised.
- Products must be reasonably priced.
And finally, before we proceed, a quick rundown on a few terms. Some sites may have more than one term to define it.
Third-party seller - The site merely facilitates anyone or any business selling to a consumer. They host a listing, maybe also hold the items, but they themselves do not actually sell anything.
Second-party seller - The site receives products from some kind of maker or manufacturer and sells them to the consumer.
First-party seller - The site makes their own products and sells them to the consumer.
Current List (Incomplete):
1. Etsy (etsy.com)
Third-party seller
Description: Focuses mostly on crafted products, but they sell other things too. I actually had a really good personal experience with this one. Ordered custom M1911 grips and the product was reasonably priced and was exactly as advertised. Still kind of impressed with them.
2. Newegg (newegg.com)
Third-party seller
Description: Focuses on electronics. Don't seem to have a lot of deals, but I also don't have a lot of experience with them either.
3. TigerDirect (tigerdirect.com)
Second-party seller
Description: Like Newegg, focuses on electronics. These guys seem to focus more on business though. I have even less experience with them than Newegg.
In order to meet the criteria as a "reputable" online marketplace, the site must meet these requirements:
- Must have a good return policy of some kind.
- Must have good customer service.
- Must stock a wide variety of the chosen type of product or products they sell.
- Obviously must ship products on time.
- Obviously must ship products as advertised.
- Products must be reasonably priced.
And finally, before we proceed, a quick rundown on a few terms. Some sites may have more than one term to define it.
Third-party seller - The site merely facilitates anyone or any business selling to a consumer. They host a listing, maybe also hold the items, but they themselves do not actually sell anything.
Second-party seller - The site receives products from some kind of maker or manufacturer and sells them to the consumer.
First-party seller - The site makes their own products and sells them to the consumer.
Current List (Incomplete):
1. Etsy (etsy.com)
Third-party seller
Description: Focuses mostly on crafted products, but they sell other things too. I actually had a really good personal experience with this one. Ordered custom M1911 grips and the product was reasonably priced and was exactly as advertised. Still kind of impressed with them.
2. Newegg (newegg.com)
Third-party seller
Description: Focuses on electronics. Don't seem to have a lot of deals, but I also don't have a lot of experience with them either.
3. TigerDirect (tigerdirect.com)
Second-party seller
Description: Like Newegg, focuses on electronics. These guys seem to focus more on business though. I have even less experience with them than Newegg.