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December 28, 2005
Quixtar.com Ranked "worst"
By QBlog in Quixtar
A recent research report compiled by Blast Radius ranks Quixtar.com as one of the worst e-tailers based on customer impressions and satisfaction. The report (pdf) evaluates "89 U.S.-based retailers with the highest 2004 online revenue." At the top of the list is (of course) Amazon.com and coming in at number 83 is Quixtar.com.
Earlier this month The Indianapolis Star mentioned the report listing Quixtar.com along with other "worst" e-tailers such as qvc.com, costco.com and jcpenny.com.
Comments
This is very interesting. I did some shopping at Quixtar recently, and thought, this site hasn't improved much since its inception. Gosh, it doesn't even have a "Next" page button! You have to try to find the little teeny tiny page number to find the next page. I have never seen a site without a "Next Page" button. The products are the same old products in "Hot Buys", in no organized order, electronics that are advertised as "greatly discounted" from suggested retail, are actually 'refurbished' units. "What's New" items are limited to a new color lipstick or a new flavour energy drink or protein bar. I tried to buy a pair of shoes, but the photo was such poor quality, and so small, that I couldn't see the details I wanted, I had to look it up in the color catalog. The other sites have clearly added more selection, better graphics, more reasonable shipping, and of course, much lower prices. The Corporation's Buyers are not very good, or they have such a captive audience, they don't even care. They advertise that they are #1 in the "Online Health and Beauty" category. My guess is because no one else but Quixtar members are buying health and beauty items, online.
Check the document again, Quixtar came in at #83, much better than #84. :)
As an online retailer, Quixtar is a joke. Sure, the company may do a billion in sales, but almost all of it is going to the IBO's who are buying only for their personal use with no real customers! Sheesh, how long would Wal Mart stay in business if their only customers were their employees?
I prefer newegg.com over bestbuy.com any day :-)
Prices, and navigation :p
The more I read about A/Q's web site design issues, the more I'm puzzled as to why a multi-billion dollar corporation can't invest in a top notch IT staff that handles this type of thing. Even if they have a captive audiance, wouldn't it be in their best interest to make on-line buying as quick and easy as possible in order to generate more sales?
I'll never order from newegg again. My two experiences with them ended with very hassle-ridden returns. Their prices are great, but their customer service is horrible.
This is no surprise - I've been saying that Quixtar is the most user-unfriendly website ever since its inception.
One WOULD think, however, that they would have gotten a clue at some point, and corrected it.... but no, the Emperor STILL is not wearing any clothes.
Deb
To be fair, Quixtar.com has made tremendous improvements over the previous version. Last September marked a move in the right direction. Yes, they still have a long way to go but they are definitely beyond where they were.
Scott N:
I think there are two answers to your question about why Quixtar isn't better at what they do:
1) They really don't understand e-commerce, contrary to all the hype.
2) It isn't about retailing and selling afterall, so no one really cares if the site sucks.
So, how do those two (and I submit they are the only two possible) answers support 'the greatest business opportunity'? 'Awesome' = 83rd?
I think the answer is far more simple than some of the ones suggested here. Quixtar.com is a website built for IBO's. Quixtar really isn't geared to be an online retailer, like Amazon, who caters to the general public. If they did then there would be no need for the MLM business model they use. Sure they like to spout off numbers like "number online retailer of health and beauty" but they know and we know that's not what their main purpose is.
Well, if quixtar really isn't set up to be an online retailer, it would explain why you need an IBO number in order to make a purchase. Isn't it bad business to restrict Joe Public from going onto the website and ordering stuff directly from the website?
Regarding Quicksilvers comments, the website has BECOME a site for only Ibos. However it WAS DESIGNED for Customers and Clients too. When first developed, Q went to a new model called I-M-C, Ibo,Member, and Client. they went to great pains to even have different page views and log in requirements (a referral # was required in order to retain the referral based model). Their hope was, that some would not yet want to sponsor, show the plan or train a downline, but otherwise liked everything else. The Corp. hoped that by NOT registering EVERYONE as an Ibo, they would get their average income UP for "Active" Ibos, and those not building, would be a Member or a Client(and not have to be counted as an Ibo for income reporting). They thought it would be easier to retail, with the IMC model. The "Back Office" part of the site, for Ibos only, is very impressive, keeping track of Line of Sponsorships, Pv/Bv, renewals and more. However, the Diamonds did NOT endorse this model. No retailing was stressed. (at least that was MY experience). It was Amway as usual, AMWAY Online was correct. They said, "why don't you just sign up as an Ibo, give us a names list, and who knows, maybe you'll register some who will.... ", and began the usual Motivation work. You know the rest of the story.
I'd note the methodology -
We partnered with experts. Informa Research Services, a premier provider of market research and mystery shopping services, took on the task of buying and returning a single random product from each of the 89 online retailers and grading the experience every step of the way.
I'vee no comment on Quixtar usability per-se, as I don't use it and obviously from comments above it needs some work, but this methodology of a random shopper is completely contrary to Quixtar's target audience, so it's no wonder it did badly. It would be kind of like testing a car to get from LA to Sydney and then rating it badly as a form of transport. Wrong target audience for the product :-)
Joecool18 - no it's not bad business, because to directly market to Joe Public is to actively compete with your salesforce. This type of action was a major part of the reason why Nutrilite salesmen De Vos & Van Andel formed Amway.
Insider> Joecool18 - no it's not bad business, because to directly market to Joe Public is to actively compete with your salesforce. This type of action was a major part of the reason why Nutrilite salesmen De Vos & Van Andel formed Amway.
Joe> Sure some IBO may lose a few PV, but it would still (probably) increase sales for the corporation if someone could just go on there and order stuff. I bet there are many who may order say a case of XS that will not make any order if they have to seek an IBO willing to give their IBO number for the priviledge of buying.
I often buy hard-to-find CDs through Tower Records’ web site (www.tower.com). The first time through, I set up an account where they asked for an e-mail address for my Lgoin ID, a password of my choice, and a hint (for me) in case I forgot my password. I provided my name, address, phone, etc. Now, whenever I order a CD, I simply log in, fill up my shopping card, and check out using my VISA card to complete the order. The site is easy to use. Even the most difficult to find CDs arrive within about ten days. I’ve had to make one return and that was a breeze. I cannot say enough good things about this site.
NOW, why doesn’t A/Q do the same thing except that retail customers also include the IBO# of whoever referred them to the site?
Let's try that last post again. (I guess the blog doesn't like it when I copy and paste apostrophes from MS-WORD.)
I often buy hard-to-find CDs through Tower Records' web site (www.tower.com). The first time through, I set up an account where they asked for an e-mail address for my Lgoin ID, a password of my choice, and a hint (for me) in case I forgot my password. I provided my name, address, phone, etc. Now, whenever I order a CD, I simply log in, fill up my shopping card, and check out using my VISA card to complete the order. The site is easy to use. Even the most difficult to find CDs arrive within about ten days. I've had to make one return and that was a breeze. I cannot say enough good things about this site.
NOW, why doesn't A/Q do the same thing except that retail customers also include the IBO# of whoever referred them to the site?
Joe said "Sure some IBO may lose a few PV, but it would still (probably) increase sales for the corporation if someone could just go on there and order stuff"
Sure it would, but increasing corp sales is not the main company mission. Go check the company profile on quixtar.com -
Headquartered in Ada, Michigan, Quixtar Inc. offers a business opportunity that leverages a unique business model called I-commerce
Then why not simply have quixtar distribute
bonuses from those sales to all IBO's equally? That would be closer to true residual income than what they promote now.
The "Kingpins" really keep it from becoming what it could be. Their greed and wanting to be able to control everything is in the way and always will be.
Insider, all companies are in business to make a profit. There's no other reason, period. So even if Quixtar states we're in it to offer a business opportunity that's only partially true. The fact of the matter is they don't need to cater to the general public because they have a whole slew of IBO's who buy their products religiously. One of the downsides to this is the fact that they can sell their stuff for any price they want. So they can mark up their stuff and be sure that IBOs would most likely buy it because they want to keep their PV up. Quixtar's in it to make money, plain and simple.
And ironically, despite all the hype over internet commerce, WWDB still does product call in and pick up.
Hello negative anit-quixtar people, and innocent readers that stumble across here. This post and response discussion is incredibly biased so I figured I would point out some things. First, I am not disagreeing with improvements needed in Qstar shopping experience, but I am disagreeing with the blatent slant put on this study of the "BEST online shopping experience 2005" highlighting the word BEST. How many shopping sites are there? Thousands to tens of thousands counting only ones that du consistent and on going volume. This study chose 89. I have read through their metric, and ok, Quixtar came to that score both objectively and subjectively according to them. BUT, it was still on the a list of the BEST shopping experiences. Where is MARKET AMERICA or PASSPORT (or... that's now Oasis huh?) those are the competition first. Quixtar is combining person to person interaction with online presence, so you can't compare it to Amazon which rely's solely on online presence and the $2 billion dollars they still owe. Yes, AVON is on there, but if you look at their business, they do not fall under the same business model: they do not have to comply with the rules of advertising or sales that direct marketing/fulfillment companies have to, thus are not immediate competition and cannot be considered direct marketing. If you chose blanket comparison, Please refer to this list as well, in your "unbiased" pursuit of "understanding" this opportunity. www.internetretailer.com Quixtar is #14 of the top 400 e-tailers, and is #1 in Health and Beauty online in 2005. (Yes, you have to purchase it, just like if you want to see how nutrilite kicks the competitions butt in providing what it claims, go to www.consumerlabs.com and pay a fee, and see that there is only one other company that offers a multivitamin at the same quality as Double X, and their product sells for ~$80 per month. And that was just the old formula)
okay eveyone..i dont kno what your guys problem is ...quixtar is a great business. LOVE IT TO THE VERY END!!!Any one of you that have a problem....well...go deal with it yourself....LOVE QUIXTAR!!!!! The best business-it not only helps you built physically, but also mentally!!
"it not only helps you built physically, but also mentally!!"
eh?
What about financially?
of course it will also grow you finacially--thats a given -dont even need to mention. IT IS A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE BUSINESS!!!!!
And a lot of people are successful (meaning RICH!!!).
SOO PEOPLE COME TO UR SENSES!!!
of course it helps ya finacially....tats a total given ....daaaaa..ITS A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS!!! And I have seen a lot of people success (meaning - being RICH).
eh?.....jus becuz some ppl didn't work hard even in tha business--and then jus drop out and complain...
of course it helps ya finacially....tats a total given ....daaaaa..ITS A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS!!! And I have seen a lot of people success (meaning - being RICH).
eh?.....jus becuz some ppl didn't work hard even in tha business--and then jus drop out and complain...
Isn't THAT the truth!!
For all of the haters out there...remember this sometimes great success and even greater finacial success comes dressed in overalls! In other words if you're looking for success the easy way this aint for you. Don't be a troll stealing hopes and dreams from people who are not afraid to get out there and get it. Cause if you don't go get it somebody else will but when they do...don't be mad. Wasting valuable time posting nasty messages about a company that is consistantly producing multi-millionaires is not making you any richer, you'll be broke beacause your mentality is broke! Nobody twisted your arm to get in this business it was just an invitation. One last note to address the financial issues some of you had...hmmm if you had used half the energy you used to create the nasty blog you posted you could have generated some clients and performed some services might have been on your way to DIAMOND!!! You reap what you sow. So mind how your spreading those broke mentality seeds...
Everyone has the right to express their self. My opinion is if one dosen't like
a business or Co, dont do business with them . If you have been involved with Quixtar and did not see the results you hoped for it is no ones fault but yours. The business definately does work for evry one who does what thay are advised to do. No other business does exactly what it says execpt Quixtar all the work is done for you. No it isn't for everyone. If you sit on your butt the only thing that will hapen is that you'll get fat... lazy ...and you will go to work monday hating life because you could
have made a difference, but that's just my opinion. The only mark you're going to make in life is the one on your couch.
i am in quixtar and i think it is a joke...the shit they sell i can get cheaper at a store and you don't get much money back...ex...pull ups are 4 bags of 29 for $42...wow i would save 4 dollars!!! i can go to walmart and get 4 bags of 40 pull ups for $48..i think this company is a complete joke...and a little secret...By you buying the cds and books and going to conventions and the meetings...the big guys get thier money
shh - i am in quixtar and i think it is a joke...the shit they sell i can get cheaper at a store and you don't get much money back...ex...pull ups are 4 bags of 29 for $42...wow i would save 4 dollars!!! i can go to walmart and get 4 bags of 40 pull ups for $48..i think this company is a complete joke...and a little secret...By you buying the cds and books and going to conventions and the meetings...the big guys get thier money
you poor thing!! You've obviously gotten wrong information or weren't LISTENING!!!
You invest in YOUR business. Seminars etc is for YOUR Business. The big guys according to you get 'THEIR money' from THEIR Business by working and the Corporation rewards them DIRECTLY!!
So mind your own Business, work YOUR own Business and quit complaining and get some rewards!!
If a system works a particular way and you do things your way well duhhhh.... you won't make any money now would yah!!!
I can tell you are one who have not been following the system...and now complaining....SAD!!!!!!
so that little secret is YOUR BIG LIE!!!!!
I think Quixtar is a good business but the website has to be created in such a way as to attract comsumers or customers besides, it is very costly to join Quixtar. When someone join Quixtar they expect to see a more updated website, big and clear pictures of products, details about the product etc.
Wow. This thread of comments is very interesting, especially with all the Quixtar people writing good reviews. Use your brains people.
Have you googled Quixtar lately? They've bombed it to hell and all you can see are their links and testimonials. Do your research. Quixtar is a "get rich quick" scam not unlike a pyramid scheme. Check it out and learn something:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quixtar
Don't trust want anyone says (including me), just do the research!!!
ANYONE WHO IS PARTICIPATING IN THEIR QUIXTAR BUSINESS PROPERLY WILL KNOW WHAT THE BENEFITS ARE. THOSE WHO JUST SIT ON THEIR BUTTS ARE THE ONES THAT GIVE QUIXTAR A BAD NAME. IT IS NOT A GET RICH QUICK SCHEME. I HAVE BEEN IN IT FOR 6 YEARS AND LOVE IT. I DONT MAKE QUITE AS MUCH MONEY AS ID LIKE TO BUT THAT IS MY FAULT. I SEE THE GROWTH IN OTHERS. AND FOR THE ONE PERSON WHO SAYS ITS EXPENSIVE TO JOIN. THINK AGAIN. $65.00 IN NOT EXPENSIVE. YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE IN THE WORLD JUST DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING. STOP TAKING OTHER PEOPLES NEGATIVE COMMENTS! TRY IT FOR YOURSELF. BE A LEADER, NOT A FOLLOWER!!!! KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING "NO" TO.
Qblog did you notice a lot of their "Partner Stores" are at the bottom too!
Posted by: ray | December 28, 2005 5:06 AM