Although not yet the proverbial gold mine, the Internet is beginning to show signs of reaching the critical mass of computer users needed for a thriving marketplace, industry experts say. After several years of posturing, testing and analyzing, experts generally agree the Internet is a viable marketplace for at least some businesses. Among the most notable is the book industry, where Amazon books has arisen as a major player solely on Internet sales the past few years. Egghead Software, a national computer software and hardware retailer, last month announced it was closing its stores to conduct its sales exclusively on the Internet. Internet sellers of CDs, computer hardware and software, flowers and gift items are also reportedly doing well.
Many corporations use Web sites as key components of their marketing campaigns.
Some say the potential is there, if the benefits of Internet commerce are properly exploited. On many business Web sites, customers can only make a purchase by calling a telephone number listed on the site. Among the other perceived benefits of Internet advertising is the ability to display more information than would be possible in a newspaper ad or a company brochure. Whether it be a home business or a major corporation, a company undertaking the construction of a Web site needs to follow some basic rules, experts say. Keep things simple.