Guest Post by Derek Methu
In a world where time is money and men have money to spend, online shopping has increased, according to a May 2011 article in Business Insider by Todd Stone. The retail market has answered the call: some with a stereotypical business model (Gilt Men), and some with savvy common sense (JackThreads.com and EzSuits.com).
The Gilt Groupe in the Business Insider article paints a picture of men as robots, who retailers tell what is in fashion and that they should pay full price. JackThreads and EzSuits view men as fashion hungry and cautious spenders so, which is true or best?
I believe a mix of both perceptions describes a majority of men who now feel comfortable with the idea of online shopping. The ease of purchase, no-line or wait time, a full refund on purchase, specific/visual size information, price comparison information, responsive customer service and quick check-out (time is money) allows the experience to be fast and a productive use of time.
One thing that does ring true across the board, men take specifics into account on most of not everything that involves a cash exchange. For example JackThreads provides the size of the model (height, weight), a measurement chart of the product and clear pricing and shipping expectations. EzSuits shows you only one price and has everything included (tax, shipping and packaging) so no guesswork needed. This allows the search time to be cut down significantly and as an added value they guarantee that you will not find a better deal with a 100% refund policy (men love a sure thing).
The founder of JackThreads Jason Ross explains how most men who want to stand out (fashion wise) and have their money go a long way (discounts). Ross, from Columbus, Ohio, who loved lesser-known designer brands of men’s “street” style clothing, but couldn’t find a place to buy them at a discount. “From day one, I did a lot of research and found that there are a lot of people like me” –Business Insider interview.
It is clear that in this age of convenience, both men and women value time and a deal. The true difference is patience of how we use our time and what that time means when the purchase was made. The use of stereotypes is a model for those who care not of the value of money and sell to those that do not value money but want to spend it.
It’s a harsh contrast but ask yourself why would anyone buy something for $135 that you can get for $79 except if not to be able to say that you find the difference a non-issue? The modern-modest man knows there is a difference and any model catering to that perceptive will always have a customer.
(Mar…
