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09/28/2005: "Inflated Gasoline Prices Mean More Money for Internet Businesses."

I predict that the high cost of moving from point A to point B will mean more business for Internet enterprises. While Americans don't mind floating around from store to store to find a bargain, the cost of gasoline is putting the skids on this activity for a large percentage of us. That means more of us will buy online.

Indeed, buying online is more cost effective. In my state and my community, sales tax is 7.5% and on a major purchase, that's a lot of extra freight. Couple that with the drive to the store and all it entails, it's a big expense and a big waste of time.

I went to Best Buy three weeks ago to buy a laptop. I knew what I wanted so I walked in and asked for it. When they totaled it up, I opted to walk out and buy on the net. I did and I've not regreted it. I should have done that to begin with. In fact, I bought it on ebay. The price was great and shipping not bad at all. I got the PC in about a week. I bought my office Dell on ebay as well. Both purchases have proven to be very wise ones indeed.

So if you're an Internet marketer, start now to make your marketing materials --- especially your Web site --- user-friendly and professional. Take advantage of these inflated gas prices and the downbeat consumer. It's the smart thing to do.