Internet Shoppers Are Touchy-Feely

While consumers have warmed to the idea of purchasing books, CDs and many other products online, many still balk at buying clothes at virtual shopping centers.

The reasons, according to a survey by E-BuyersGuide.com, run the gamut from concerns about accurate sizing (28 percent) to worries about quality (14 percent).

Other reasons cited by survey participants include:

* Unsure of quality — 13.92 percent.

* Delivery costs — 13.71 percent.

* Price — 8.61 percent.

* Credit card security — 6.48 percent.

* Unsure of item’s exact color — 5.84 percent.

“Apparel presents a real challenge for online retailers because it’s such a high-touch item,” said Irwin Barkan, chairman of E-BuyersGuide.com.

For those who did buy clothes online in 1999, low prices (52 percent), free delivery (46 percent), large merchandise selection (42 percent) and ease of return (40 percent) topped the list of the most important features when selecting an online apparel merchant.

Whether or not you’re into augmenting your wardrobe online, here are a few Web sites worth a glance:

* Strictly local: As fast as new Web sites are cropping up these days, it’s tough keeping track. That’s true of local Web sites, too.

Omni Marketing has the solution. The company has assembled a directory of Spokane-area Web sites, including 15 recreational sites, 10 local spectator sports sites and a handful that provide live pictures from locations around town.

“At this time we have just over 250 Web sites listed,” said Omni Marketing owner Mike Thompson, who expects the total to double in the next few months and possibly reach 1,000 by year-end.

http://www.omnim.com

* Plowing new ground: Boise-based agribusiness giant J.R. Simplot Co. is building a Web site that’s being touted as “the broadest source of online agricultural services in the world.”

The company says its PlanetAg site offers farmers real-time information on every aspect of the agricultural industry, from local weather conditions and crop alerts to commodities pricing and industry news.

PlanetAg will also serve as a forum for the agricultural community, bringing farmers together through scheduled chat events and online messaging.

http://www.planetag.com