Another Set of Eyes

A Simple Rule

I grew up in retail. As neither retail nor what we sold (it was a neighborhood dress store) was of particular interest to me, I never paid that much attention to it. But, despite myself, I did learn a few things.

When, many years later (through an unfortunate series of circumstances) I found myself running the place, I had few rules for the staff -- most of whom had been working for my family for many years by then. The most important -- and the only one that would actually anger me when broken was simple:

When. They're. Ready. To. Give. You. Their. Money. -- Take. It!!!

There are few things more annoying in a retail setting -- and few things that can ruin a shopping experience in general -- than choosing items, even with superior service, and then having to wait endlessly to complete the purchase.

I think this concept applies to more than the simple storekeeper; patent issues aside, it's hard to calculate just how valuable `one click shopping' has been to Amazon. Different situation? Yes. Same concept? You bet!

posted by Another Set of Eyes @ 7:40 PM