E-Commerce

Petsmart and Petco- a Comparison

Computers and Information Processing

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Petsmart and Petco- a Comparison

In choosing to compare and evaluate two e-commerce website, I decided to use Petco and Petsmart. Pet stores have taken a turn over the last two decades and have become more than just your neighborhood pet store that sells food and basic supplies. Now, you can get everything imaginable for you pet(s). From the basics of food, toys, and bedding to pet jewelry, clothing, training items and medicinal supplies. Online shopping has made it even easier to pamper your beloved pet!

Petsmart, a brief overview

Petsmart.com debuts on the Internet. At first it attracted about 1,900 visitors each day who wanted to learn about job opportunities, get the latest news about the company and find out where stores are located. Now over one million people visit the website each week that offers over 13, 000 different products for all types of pets. When you first visit the website you will find a clearly laid out page with color coded icons geared towards different types of pets. This make it incredibly easy to find items and links specifically related to only dogs, cats birds, fish, etc… A dog owner does not need to waste time viewing cat collars when they have a dog. For example, clicking on the REPTILE icon will take you to a new page with a changing view of different reptiles (this makes the page appealing). On one side of the page is the link “SHOP REPTILE” this has subcategories that allow you to find specific products such as books, cleaning products, feeders and waterers, food, habitats, medication and clearance items. On the opposite side of the page you will find a link to new products. The bottom of each page consists of links to services offered through Petsmart such as pet boarding/motels, veterinarian services, adoption services, doggie day camp and more. They have included everything that a pet owner could want or need and then some. Even with all of the available links and information, I did not find the site to be intimidating or overwhelming. It was very user friendly and informational. The site offered an extensive privacy policy including legal notices and conditions of use. They include the following statements as part of their policy to ensure that customers feel safe when using this site.

• We have taken numerous steps to ensure your payment information is processed confidentially, accurately, and securely. Our Site uses encryption technology, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), to protect your credit card information during data transport. SSL encrypts ordering information such as your name, physical address, and credit card number.

• As you do business with us, we take great care in safeguarding your personal information and in complying with all applicable Federal, Provincial, and state privacy laws, as well as our own internal standards and best practices.(PetSmart.com, 2007)

I would feel comfortable using and