In: Operations Management
Should online businesses take part in virtual worlds.
Yes, online businesses should take part in virtual worlds as it is beneficial for both the consumers as well as that of the companies selling the goods. In an online business, the persons search for their desired items on the respective sites, give orders according to their choice, make the payments, and then the things ordered are delivered on their doorstep. In the case of a virtual world, different types of real-life environments are created by a computer, that gives the feeling of reality. It is useful to do online business in the virtual world from the customer's perspective. as the customers can have an idea about the product, which they are going to buy ie. accurate, shape, size, way of using the products e.t.c. They can have a feeling as if they are using it in the real world. In this way, shopping will be easier for them as the decision-making criteria simplify by getting some idea about the use of product in the real world. In virtual world things are presented beautifully;.They can also access the need and importance od the product in real life.
If we go by the seller's perspective, it will be easier for them to demonstrate the product virtually and also to establish a good personal customer relationship, which is otherwise impossible in online shopping transactions. In online transactions, there is a very communication between the buyer and seller but by virtuosity, both buyer and seller could communicate freely as if they are in front of each other. This increases sales, as well as helps in developing a good and loyal customer database fo the product. But it sometimes may create a problem as the computer creation virtual world may be more beautiful than reality and customers may think that they have been cheated by the seller as the goods may more attractive virtually than reality.
So, online marketing is good by the virtual world but sellers should make the customers aware that there can be some difference between what is shown virtually and reality.