...QRT 2 E-Business Task 2 Online Business Expansion Proposal for The Children’s Hour Western Governors University Introduction The Children’s Hour is an upscale fashion boutique specializing in unique women and children’s clothing, accessories, shoes and gifts. It has been in business for 30 years and in 2008, growth prompted a move to a larger location. The store has been very successful without a strong online presence, making online expansion an attractive and low-cost way to increase sales of its already popular merchandise. This online expansion proposal outlines a viable storefront solution, strategies for search engine optimization, international considerations, and customer relationship management in the online environment. Storefront Solution A dynamic, easy-to-use storefront is critical for online expansion because it provides the portal through which internet customers will browse and shop at The Children’s Hour. We have selected Quick Shopping Cart by Go Daddy as our e-commerce vendor. They offer a premium plan at an annual cost of $299.88. This plan is beneficial for The Children’s Hour because it allows for an unlimited number of products with up to 10 images per product, and also provides a free domain for hosting the store website with a guaranteed 99.9% uptime (GoDaddy, 2014). This benefits customers by avoiding frustrating technical problems that could cause them to abort a transaction. It also benefits The Children’s Hour because technical problems on...
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...Running Head: QRT2 E-‐Business Task 1 of 3 QRT2 – E-Business Task 1 of 3: Spazmatic Streamlining - Online Expansion Through Consolidation Jennifer Whitus Western Governor’s University QRT2 E-‐Business Task 1 of 3 Table of Contents 2 1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….…….3 2. Viability of Products and Services………………………………………………….……..5 3. Assessment of Current Online Competition………………………………………………7 4. Online Marketing Strategies……………………………………………………………..14 5. Social Media Integration………………………………………………………….….…..21 6. References…………………………………………………………………………….….25 QRT2 E-‐Business Task 1 of 3 QRT2 – E-Business Task 1 of 3: 3 Spazmatic Simplification – Online Expansion Through Consolidation Introduction A band billed as a local group called The Spazmatics played a Superbowl Gala in 2011 and thrilled the crowd at Billy Bob’s Dance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas (Star-Telegram, 2011). The new wave cover band performed well-known hits from the 80s and 90s while portraying “nerds” – members wore thick, horn-rimmed glasses with tape holding the nose bridges together, they wore their pants too short, ties unkempt and neck braces. They were quintessential throwback...
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...Running head: E-Business (QRT2) Task 2 1 E-Business (QRT2) Task 2 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Part 2 E-BUSINESS (QRT2) TASK 2 E-Business (QRT2) Task 2 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Part 2 Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats is a small but rapidly growing business located in Atlanta, Georgia, which derives the majority of its income from the production and direct-to-consumer sale of organic, grain-free, gluten-free dog treats. Its two best-selling products are 100% organic meat jerky (no additives or other ingredients besides meat) and organic dog biscuits made of unique, non-grain ingredients and offered in distinctive shapes such as miniature cupcakes, pizzas, etc. At present the company does not have an online strategy; it has only a single extremely basic web page referring customers to an email address. All sales are local and distribution is through breeder’s clubs, dog shows, farmer’s markets, and two small boutiquestyle retail stores catering to very high-wealth individuals. Although growth in the local market remains strong, the company is aware of the potential for eventual saturation. More importantly, it is clear based on the success of their existing product line that there is a tremendous opportunity to grow their sales by expanding beyond the Atlanta metropolitan region. As the owner of a premium, very high quality and high margin brand, having limited capital due to its relatively small size (roughly $500K in annual sales), the company does not...
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...Running head: E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 1 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion E-BUSINESS (QRT2) TASK 1 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion A1. Viability of Product Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats is a small but rapidly growing business located in Atlanta, Georgia, which derives the majority of its income from the production and direct-to-consumer sale of organic, grain-free, gluten-free dog treats. Its two best-selling products are 100% organic meat jerky (no additives or other ingredients besides meat) and organic dog biscuits made of unique, non-grain ingredients and offered in distinctive shapes such as miniature cupcakes, pizzas, etc. The company is also developing ancillary products such as dog shampoo that leverage the brand and increase sales to its existing customer base. At present the company does not have an online strategy; it has only a single extremely basic web page referring customers to an email address. All sales are local and distribution is through breeder’s clubs, dog shows, farmer’s markets, and two small boutique-style retail stores catering to very high-wealth individuals. Although growth in the local market remains strong, the company is aware of the potential for eventual saturation. More importantly, it is clear based on the success of their existing product line that there is a tremendous opportunity to grow their sales by expanding beyond the Atlanta metropolitan region. As the owner of a premium...
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...Running head: E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 1 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion E-BUSINESS (QRT2) TASK 1 2 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion A1. Viability of Product Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats is a small but rapidly growing business located in Atlanta, Georgia, which derives the majority of its income from the production and direct-to-consumer sale of organic, grain-free, gluten-free dog treats. Its two best-selling products are 100% organic meat jerky (no additives or other ingredients besides meat) and organic dog biscuits made of unique, non-grain ingredients and offered in distinctive shapes such as miniature cupcakes, pizzas, etc. The company is also developing ancillary products such as dog shampoo that leverage the brand and increase sales to its existing customer base. At present the company does not have an online strategy; it has only a single extremely basic web page referring customers to an email address. All sales are local and distribution is through breeder’s clubs, dog shows, farmer’s markets, and two small boutique-style retail stores catering to very high-wealth individuals. Although growth in the local market remains strong, the company is aware of the potential for eventual saturation. More importantly, it is clear based on the success of their existing product line that there is a tremendous opportunity to grow their sales by expanding beyond the Atlanta metropolitan region. As the owner of a premium...
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...E-Business (QRT2) Task 3 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Part III Website Design and Cost Estimates David Woodruff MBA-07/01/14 ID# 000401226 Cell: 801-709-4382 Time zone: Mountain dwoodr5@wgu.edu The Canard House is a small 12 room, family owned bed and breakfast planned to operate in conjunction with This is the Place Heritage Park (TITP) in Salt Lake City, UT. The inn is a reconstruction of a historic mansion and embodies the traditional charm and hospitality of a bygone era. The company operates as an independent partner with TITP and benefits from tourism, weddings and other special events held at the park. While there are several bed & breakfasts and boutique inns within Salt Lake City, none can boast a finer location than the Canard House. The inn provides a unique historical setting in a prime location within close proximity to events, dining and transportation. It has unobstructed views of both the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch mountain range, and is situated in a 450 acre preserve surrounded by picturesque and historic structures. Currently, all advertising has been done by the in-house marketing department. The department is overwhelmed by having to create campaigns for five separate entities within the umbrella of the “This is the Place Heritage Foundation”. Consequently effective online marketing and sales for the Canard House have been sluggish at best. To help bolster growth and sales, consultants...
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...QRT2 Task 3 Part A Proposal For Online Expansion Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats Sitemap of New Website HOME PAGE Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats Campaign-specific landing pages Store Blog Library (of relevant articles) About Us Contact Us Site Map (Auto-generated by Bigcommerce platform) Cart Privacy Policy (page footer) All Products Blog post 1 and comments Article 1 – Dangers of Pesticides to Animal Health The Gaia’s Story Wholesome Products for Healthy Pets Email and phone numbers Customer Service hours Direct links to each major section of the website Checkout process (connects out to Authorize.net) Our commitment to privacy Links to Offsite Resources (page footer) Vegan Dog Biscuits Blog post 2 and comments Article 2 – Blueberry May Reduce Joint Inflammation In Dogs 100% Organic Meat Jerky Facebook Etc. ... Etc. ... Twitter QRT2 Task 3B Proposal for Online Business Expansion Gaia’s Organic Dog Treats New Website Mockup Home Page Store Main Page Blog Main Page Estimated Costs: Project Implementation Component Vendor Cost Explanatory Notes Domain registration, GoDaddy.com 1 yr. Bigcommerce Bigcommerce comprehensive e commerce and website hosting package, "Gold" Authorize.net Authorize.net payment gateway eCC Desktop Webgility $19.98 Domain registration for website, and business class email service (GoDaddy, 2014). $69.95 E commerce and website platform. No setup charge. Billed by the...
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...E-Business (QRT2) Task 3 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Part 3 – Website Design and Cost Estimates Established in December of 2005, The Prickly Pear Salon is a small, privately owned and operated, organic salon. It is quietly nestled in a private home atmosphere so clients can truly experience the “me time” they deserve. At the Prickly Pear Salon, the mission is to provide natural care for the natural you. Committing yourself to these services on a regular basis will lead to a new perspective and a balanced lifestyle. Prickly Pear Salon strives to educate and help you as a valued client discover the health of your body the way nature intended: with services designed using only the purest of natural and organic products. Their motto is: “From the earth, to our hands, to your soul – come grow with the Prickly Pear Salon!” Prickly Pear Salon’s unique, toxin-free environment stands alone in the Lemmon and surrounding areas by providing an alternative for those with chemical sensitivities or those making the conscious decision to use natural, organic hair care products and services. At present, the company does not have an online presence, other than a Facebook page. The previous sections of this report (Task 1 and 2) recommended the company develop an online business expansion strategy, and provided a comprehensive analysis and detailed discussion of the components of that strategy. This section contains information regarding the specifications for the new...
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...E-Business - Task 1 Lisa Wagner WGU E-Business (0610) QRT2 January 8, 2014 E-Business - Task 1 Werner Quarter Horses is a business started by Gary Werner in 1977. Mr. Werner explains that he grew up showing quarter horses as a child in Nebraska, and he was able to use his knowledge and skill later in life to turn it into a profession. Though his current specialty is halter, he started out as a pleasure horse trainer raising and training world-class western pleasure horses. After suffering a pelvic fracture in a fall in 1985 resulting in pain when riding, his moved his focus to the halter-training arena. (G. M. Werner, personal communication, January 11, 2014) The business of Werner Quarter Horses has several components. The first and most visible component of the business is the fitting and training halter horses for world-class American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows around the country. This involves all of the care for the horse, including feeding, bedding, grooming, exercising, and training of the horse, as well as showing the horse for customers at shows. Collecting a monthly boarding/training fee and showing fees produce the income for this component. (G. M. Werner, personal communication, January 11, 2014) The second component is the area of breeding, both the actual breeding of mares to produce foals for sale and also the sale of semen in the form of stallion fees. Mr. Werner has a herd of broodmares that he breeds each year. This produces...
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...E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Linscomb # 000374026 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion A1.Viability of Product Danria’s Lil’ Angels Children Shop is a boutique located in Houston, Texas that exclusively caters to the fashion needs of both boys and girls, ranging in sizes from 0 – 5t. Our emphasis is designing and producing casual chic toddler clothing and shoes for the high fashion genre. Our products include dresses, rompers, fancy pants and blouses for girls. For boys we have shorts pants, suits, rompers and sports jackets. Danria’s Lil’ Angels Children Shop also plans to expand to include premature infant sizes starting at 00 in a shoe size to 7lb weight in size. We will target gowns, blankets, pajamas and onesies in our preemie line. Currently being sold online and through partnerships with a handful of local boutiques in the Houston area, the company is projecting to sell upwards of 250,000 in its 1st year, with the ultimate goal being 750,000 within 5 years. In order reach that goal, we plan to set up distribution and manufacturing relationships in the fashion capitol of the world, New York. Presently, the company does not have an online strategy; there is a single web page that refers customers to a website. The company’s website features services that are both unique and innovative, such as, interactive style assessments, alterations, personal shopping and of course special orders. As part...
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...QRT2 Task 1 QRT2 Task 1 A1. Viability of Product or Service N & F Computers of Clarksville Tennessee is proud to start offering its expanded product line online through e-commerce. Customers have to personally enter the business in order to facilitate purchases at this time for home and small office computer solutions. Currently N & F Computers is engaged in the local market with a Website but it does not allow online purchases. Through offering products for purchase via a modified Website within and outside conventional hours, the organization can reach new customers regionally and expand globally. Profits are expected through offering medium to large businesses affordable, mid-level, customized personal computers (PC’s), and enter the booming market of Chromebooks. Windows XP is an operating system in use that will have its last update released in April of this year. According to Bott (2013), “20.5 percent to 31.42 percent” (para. 3) of computers are still running this operating system. Potential customers will seek contemporary computers that have the hardware capability to support newer operating systems. Businesses will purchase computers in bulk allowing N & F Computers to purchase parts, operating systems, and common application suites from suppliers at a lower price. Passing this savings on to the customer will differentiate the organization from the competition by not sacrificing price for performance. Chromebook products are in the growth stage of...
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...Emerald Quilting Company E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion Emerald Quilting Company E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Online Business Expansion A1. Viability of Product The Emerald Quilting Company is located at Henderson, KY and has been in operation since 2009. This company receives the majority of its income from the sale of quilting fabrics, notions and other craft supplies that can be used for the most popular craft projects. To date the Emerald Quilting Company has only had success in a brick and mortar type business. Customers come to the building to peruse the multitude of fabrics available for purchase. Classes have also been offered and held within the business hours. The Digital Age has put a lot of pressure on current businesses to build an online presence since customers are now in touch with the internet round the clock. Since there is a growing demand for online purchasing, this business is in dire need to create its own online environment. The online environment vision would include merchandise that is featured in the retail store as well as online crafting classes. The culmination of the local retail store as well as creating an online store will greatly impact the expansion and future growth on revenue. The business has decided to place an emphasis on allowing customers to create and personalize their own fabric. A pilot run has been implemented in the local retail environment and has increased the sales by 30%. ...
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...Elero Omoba E-business QRT2 Task 2 E-Commerce Solutions By expanding a business, the company is going to use an online instant store vendor called Squarespace for E-Commerce. Squarespace is ideal for small business because, it’s quicker to create and cost effective. It also makes designing the website easy and fast and does not need any code expertise. The process of design is mainly a technique to choose from using drag and drop. Using square space is a plus because it benefits the company by having features that are easy to integrate to social media for example twitter and facebook. With trying to expand, it is easy to import information from previous vendors. It is also an easy payment option partnered with strip with a 2.9 % per transaction as well as coupon creation. When designing the website, strip is easy to register for and can be used by a customer from anywhere in the world for customers to have the abvility to use their credit card. Another important feature for using strip in squarespace is that the tax ID is also connected. And CitiLimo is able to add a bank account of any currency for example US, UK, or Canadian currency. Another feature is data management. Easy order management and shipping tools. The vendor itself will benefit by having a long term client and serves as advertisement when customers use their product. With squarespace, it is easy to add products, create shipping option, and connect with a stripe account. It is easy to update...
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...E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Expansion into the Online Market Part 1 E-Business (QRT2) Task 1 Proposal for Expansion into the Online Market A1. Viability of Product/Service The Fairy Godmother is a small, locally-owned business currently based in Bloomington, Indiana. The main source of business comes from local customers interested in custom clothing. The two biggest revenue streams come from the custom production of prom dresses and drag costumes. The business does offer other services such as custom costumes for Halloween or fan conventions, regalia for graduation, and formal wear for any occasion. Currently, The Fairy Godmother does not have an advertising campaign and is relying solely on word-of-mouth promotion. The owner decided to move the company online and pursue a more active involvement in marketing with the hope of raising awareness and boosting sales. The owner had not considered going online with The Fairy Godmother until a former customer recently contacted her from Georgia. The former customer was in need of a new drag show costume. The customer had himself measured and then communicated with the Fairy Godmother via phone and email. The communications included pictures, sizing, fabric, and style preferences. With the all of these necessary pieces, the owner created and shipped her first non-local order. This transaction went very smoothly. The customer received the order within the given time parameters; furthermore, it was exactly...
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...Amazing Foods Online Business Expansion Western Governors University MBA- Strategy and Management E-Business QRT2 Task 1 October 1, 2013 A1. Viability of product or service Amazing Foods was founded in 2013 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to provide quality home cooked meals. The goal for business was to provide a fast alternative to homemade family dinners. The vision was to provide food that was simply AMAZING. The business was new to downtown Conway, which is the center for many schools, churches, clinics, businesses, and families. It started with a grand opening boom. Customers were interested in the new facility and brazen name. Early Amazing Food’s grand opening about 500 customers in the community were laid off by one of the biggest revenue creating companies for the city. Unexpectedly, the layoff impacted sales greatly forcing the owner to take on other roles along with reducing hours and staff to stay in business. Online marketing would be an efficient source of advertisement and development of awareness. This would be financially feasible, east to maintain, and also a great source to grow a customer base and sales. If the site is easy and fast, customers are more likely to make repeat purchases. There are many restaurants in the area. Amazing Foods will differentiate itself from other restaurants with quality food, affordable prices, and excellent customer service. As of now, Amazing Foods does not have an online presence. Amazing Foods wants to incorporate an...
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