Blogs influence Online Purchasing - Research Study

A study, "Harnessing the Power of Blogs," sponsored research by BuzzLogic and conducted by JupiterResearch, a Forrester Research company found that blogs can have a bigger effect on purchasing decisions than social networks.

Here are some of the highlights:

- 40 percent of people reading blogs have taken action as a result of viewing an ad on a blog
- 50 percent of frequent blog readers say they have taken action.

Of those actions:
- 17 percent have read product reviews online
- 16 percent have sought out more information on a product or service
- 16 percent have visited a manufacturer or retailer Web site

Read the full article.

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Online Retailers Return Policies - Forrester Survey Results

According to Forrester, Online retailers with generous return policies will flourish.

Here are some of the key stats:

81 percent agreed that if a retailer makes it easier for them to return a product, they are more likely to buy from that retailer.


81 percent agreed that they are more loyal to retailers that have generous return policies (e.g. free return shipping, ability to return any time for any reason)”;


73 percent agreed that they are less likely to buy in the future from an online retailer where the returns process is a hassle.

Here are a few links to Online Return Policies I pulled together:

Best Buy
14-Day Return Period
Fourteen days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on computers, monitors, notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, and radar detectors.

30-Day Return Period
Thirty days from the date merchandise was received, refunds are available on the remainder of our products (exceptions)

Target
We will issue a full refund for most items returned in new condition within 90 days of the shipment date. Please note that all returns to Target must include either the original receipt or a Gift Receipt. (exceptions)


Walmart
All merchandise purchased from Walmart.com may be returned either to a store or by mail within 90 days of receiving (exceptions)

Sears
Our goal is that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, simply return your purchase in its original packaging, with your receipt within 90 days of your purchase; 30 days for Home Electronics, Customized Jewelry and Mattresses for a refund or exchange. Video Games, CD, DVD must be unopened for a refund or exchange. If you are not satisfied with your purchase after these time periods, please let us know. Your satisfaction is important to Sears.(exceptions)


So, to summarize... the policies vary from store to store. So it's better to comparison shop for not just the products/prices, but also for the return policies.