My Five Online Shopping Sites

In Reviewing my top 5 online shopping sites I realized that although they are different in a number of ways, there is a formula they use to get you in, to the shopping cart and out before you can yell CHARGE! Here are some of my thoughts on them.

1. Royal Distributing - http://royaldistributing.com/

Products Available - this site has a wide variety of parts for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, bicycles, watersports, as well as safety equipment and apparel to wear while you are doing it.

Searchability - while there is no search function, the use of mega menus and an index helps quickly navigate the site. The main navigation bar is also categorized very well. I am able to find items from large to small without trouble.

Ease of Adding to Cart - The site content looks like the catalogue they give you and you can add to the cart by clicking on the image link. If it is out of stock it will tell you immediately and when there are specifics that need to be pointed out to you, it does so. An example of this could be when two snowmobile seat covers are similar but one covers the fuel tank, and the other doesn't, it will point this out. You can also view the cart at any time from the main nav bar. 

Features Liked - I really like the mega menu to find things quickly. Although some sites have search engines, this seems to work for me. I also like that their toll-free number is right on the homepage so you don't have to dig for it in a sub-menu. They also divide out summer and winter for their products which adds to the speed of finding items.

Detractions & Why? - The homepage is quite busy looking and the internal pages can be a bit to look through as well. You have to squint a bit to take everything in! They have designed the site to look the same as their catalog. It would be a better experience if they created a website design that displayed their products in a better way. Some things are quite small so I don't know how they would appear on a tablet or smartphone.

2. Classic Industries - http://www.classicindustries.com/

Products Available - this is a manufacturer of classic truck and car parts offering many reproduction stock parts in addition to performance parts from other suppliers. They have specialized in certain vehicles and have created catalogs (online and paper) to market them to targeted audiences.

Searchability - the site has a keyword and part number search engine which is a great feature for narrowing the time it takes to find that small item you are looking for. You can also click on an image link of the catalogs on the homepage which narrows the search to that specific vehicle. When you go deeper it features another search engine to narrow the search. Quicklinks at the bottom of each page is a form of a mega menu.

Ease of Adding to Cart - Adding to the cart is very easy... just ask my VISA card. There is an "Add to Cart" link below each item and a "You May Also Like" feature on the right of the screen that helps you find associated items to go along with it. You can view the shopping cart from the main navigation bar which helps keep you within budget. You can also track your order and create an account.

Features Liked - When you hover over an item it gives you a blown up view. You can find out more about the product by clicking on a tab below it, you can see what other vehicles it fits, or you can send a message to a tech who can answer your questions.

Detractions & Why? - This is a well thought out website that progressively narrows the search for the buyer. If there is a criticism to make it would be that some of the text is quite small to read. This is likely a sign that there is too much being presented on the pages.

3. Vistek - https://www.vistek.ca/

Products Available - Vistek offers video and photography equipment and accessories from consumer level products through professional and broadcast. They have number of locations across Canada and offer rentals and photofinishing as well. The storefronts offers the consumer the chance to check out a product in-store before buying. Electronics are not returnable in most cases so this is an important aspect of their business.

Searchability - A search engine is located on the homepage as well as internal pages of the site. The use of a mega menu from the main nav bar lets you find the item quickly. Also broken down into catgories (ie: full frame zoom lenses, non-full frame lenses, four-thirds zoom lenses, it helps narrow the search on items. Using the example of lenes you can also search by brand, focal length and mount type. This theme carries on throughout the site. A side menu at left also helps quickly select items and shows how many options there are for each.

Ease of Adding to Cart - Super easy to add to the cart. Click on the item and it gives you a breakdown of your savings, others items that you might need, and a checkout option when you have tagged everything you need. If you enter your postal code it even calculates shipping for you and gives you a total price.

Features Liked - Very clean layout and detailed information is provided for each item. The ease of getting around and finding specific items and the ability to compare is something I have grown to appreciate over other websites. Each item has an overview, detailed specs, accessories, compare, and resources on the bottom of its display page. The site also list their stores with phone numbers so you can call and ask any questions you might have.

Detractions & Why? - For some categories the comparisons can be overwhelming. You can spend 30 minutes just comparing prices from one item to the next similar one and end up choosing the first one you looked at. It seems like the same items come up as well in an endless loop.


4. Visions Electronics - http://www.visions.ca/

Products Available - A wide variety of consumer level electronics for the home and car, furniture and pro audio, as well as accessories to go with them.

Searchability - The use of a sidebar menu to the left of the main carousel image includes mega menus to guide you into the category you are looking for items. The menu continues into the internal pages which works well. A search engine box is prominent on the homepage and internal pages.

Ease of Adding to Cart - 'Add to Cart' buttons are prominent on the product pages. You can't miss them because they are in bright red! You can also increase the quantity of the items if desired. A cart icon is at the top-right of the page to allow you to check in on the items you have added as you navigate the site. After adding items it gives you the choice to continue shopping or proceed to the secure checkout.

Features Liked - I really like the clear images of the items and the ability to click for more details about them. When you do this overview, features, what's included, and dimensions tabs all appear below. Multiple views of the product are also an option for you so you can visually check for features. You can also check if the store near you has an item which can be a handy feature if you have a long drive to get there.

Detractions & Why? - If you don't like scrolling, the homepage can be a long wheel to the bottom. The main image carousel is a bit fast for the eye. If you are quick enough you can stop the change in image and make the click.

5. Princess Auto - http://www.princessauto.com/

Products Available - A Canadian company that offers a wide variety of tools, items for around the home or farm, and surplus (sometimes unique) components to piece together if you know what you are doing.

Searchability - Mega menus assist in getting around, a search engine box is available in the main navigation bar, and image links guide you to sale items. A simple navigation bar, with a sub-menu, gives you a quick way to get to what you need. When you type an item in the search box a list of suggestions comes up in a drop down menu.

Ease of Adding to Cart - Each item has an 'Add to Cart' button with it and when you click on them an image appears of the item confirming the item has been added. This is unique from other sites I have been to. You can then view your cart if you wish or close the box. It also gives you a subtotal which is nice to keep track of your spending.

Features Liked - Each item has Attributes and Specifications details displayed which allows you to know what you are buying. It also gives you the package dimensions for the item and the weight for it. You can enter your postal code to calculate shipping charges. Some items are heavy so this is a great feature. These details are added to by accessories, review, Q&A, manuals and parts and compare products tabs at the bottom of each page.

Detractions & Why? - There are options to 'Rate this Product' and 'Read All Reviews'. In order to rate the product you have to login. This may be a barrier for true reflection before buying but I understand it to be a security feature. The number of ratings is also displayed but in some cases there are only two so it leaves one to wonder how good the product really is.