Not sure why the media, and some “pundits,” are so ga-ga over this. Seems to me to simply be another place to sell stuff and nothing unique about it… think “click to buy here” or about shops offered in the past from Yahoo, etc. Shoppers tend to buy most in dedicated ecommerce environments where they are comfortable and in a buying frame of mind. This is nothing more than an additional storefront in a place that someone is less likely to make a purchase. IMHO will not add significant sales to a retailer, but worth trying if available and cost effective. Even Facebook is not expecting much in sales or they would be asking for a rev share/affiliate fee… instead they want to simply sell more ads which they know will be profitable for them.
Brands Setting Up Shop on Facebook… no big deal
by Ted Rubin | Dec 30, 2010 | Featured, Marketing, Social Media/Marketing
To me, Facebook “word-of-keyboard” advertising is great; it allows people without blogs to put their opinions out there. I just visited a store (IRL) that I didn’t know anything about until my sister “Liked” it on FB. I don’t have a problem with businesses marketing on FB, either.
I agree 100% Barb. That is what works best within the Facebook environment and why they are not looking to participate in sales as a partner, but rather sell advertising. Thanks for your input 🙂