A recent New York company over free personal computers, in return for the user filling out a detailed questionnaire and then receiving advertisements directed to that user. Seven lessons that might be learned from the track record, so far, of e-commerce in the United States 1. Copying is the highest form of flattery, so expect to be flattered. Ease of access is critical. Establish a close, hopefully unique, relationship with a major Internet portal to increase traffic through your website.
Ease of use is also critical.
A successful e-commerce website must be easy to use, fast, convenient and perhaps even fun. Convenience, by itself, is not enough. Online users are expecting to receive prices lower than those they would see if they visited a traditional retail store. Multi-industry online shopping malls will probably be controlled by a few major companies with patience and deep pockets. As IBM learned, lending your own well-known name and trademarks to an online shopping mall is not enough.