This is an interesting paradox, and one that is going to pose an enormous challenge to marketers as the economy changes and consumer attitudes continue to evolve. The Internet is changing consumers' actions as well as their expectations. The Internet has given us new tools. It has taught us new things to do. It has shown us new ways to do things and given us new expectations, and none of that is going to go away.
People love their information and are willing to make sacrifices to ensure unfettered access to it.
Fifty-five percent say they eat what they like and don't worry about nutritional value, while 66 percent say they care about and are currently addressing the need to maintain a healthy weight. USA Today , January 9, 2000. No matter what their income, consumers believe they should command the same service as affluent customers. As a result, their expectations for service, value and just plain respect from business are higher than ever before. Businesses that don't take this shift in expectations seriously are headed for trouble.