Online retailers that have historically underplayed the value of reviews are beginning to change their tune. Perhaps they’ve been more concerned about site design, improving conversions and providing an excellent customer experience – all of these are important aspects of eCommerce, but they don’t negate the need for product reviews. There is a reason Amazon and eBay have used customer reviews since the late 1990s – reviews often improve the average order value. Reviews are especially important where electronics are concerned:...

Returns are so commonplace that some shoppers today don’t feel the need to try on clothing or test drive electronics. In fact, retailers have made the returns process so simple that many consumers consider returning multiple items as part of the decision-making process.   According to an article posted on DailyFinance.com, industry estimates put consumer returns each year at about $264 billion – about 9 percent of total sales. And although there are many reasons that could justify a return, many happen...

We’ll do what Google tells us to do, and we’ll like it. Because after all, Google, the search engine giant, is the king of the Internet – our go-to guy for everything under the sun.   Google’s new directive involves its new platform Google+ Local, which is replacing Google Local. Much like the old version, it will serve as Web surfers’ first stop for mapped-out inquiries. According to Court Cunningham, CEO of Yodle, a provider of online marketing services, in the article...