Last fall, two-time Webvan user Nancy Hendrix of Acworth tried to order online but couldn't get a delivery window that fit her schedule. For Steve and Sue Ailshie, setting up an online list seemed daunting. The Kennesaw residents tried the service just a few times. It takes time and we figured we could just jump in the car and go get those things. Webvan is increasingly using promotions to lure shoppers.
Analysts question whether that can be done.
The demand hasn't been there as Webvan expected it would be. We haven't been big believers that this would be a viable model. Webvan fell into the trap of profitless prosperity and made every mistake in the book. However, it also reported an 8 percent dip in order volume. Whatever Webvan's future, the online delivery concept will likely survive in some form.