By VOA News
26 December 2008
U.S. retailers are slashing prices in a desperate bid to make money, while new data on industrial production is sparking concerns about one of Asia's leading economies.


People shop for after-Christmas bargains at a JCPenney store shortly after the store opened at 5:30 in the morning in Lawrence, New Jersey
Stores in the United States opened early Friday, offering discounts of as much as 70 percent in hopes of salvaging a disappointing holiday shopping season.

U.S. stores depend on sales in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday Thursday, December 25 to make a profit for the year. But the research firm ShopperTrak says customer visits to retail stores before Christmas dropped 24 percent compared to last year. Another survey by MasterCard's Spending Pulse finds retail sales plunged by as much as four percent.

There are also signs sliding demand is taking a toll on Japan's export-driven economy.

Japan says industrial output plunged more than eight percent in November from the previous month, the largest drop on record, prompting some economists to warn the industrial production is "falling off a cliff."

Japan's ministry of economy, trade and industry says decreases in production of transportation equipment, general machinery and electronics parts contributed to the overall decline. And there are concerns demand is unlikely to pick up soon.

Economists in the U.S., the world's largest economy, warn the global recession is forcing Americans to limit spending to products they really need. As a result, a industry trade group, the International Council of Shopping Centers, says retailers could experience the worst holiday shopping season in 40 years.

Comscore, a company that tracks Internet sales, says consumers also appear to be spending less money online.

Despite an economic meltdown that has battered the

(inan.info)-Over the weekend, Mobatar distributed up to 25,000 pieces of 5 cent coins to Romans for its first advertising campaign, which was rewarded with priceless expressions.

Rome, Italy (PRWEB) June 18, 2008 -- Over the weekend, Mobatar distributed up to 25,000 pieces of 5 cent coins to Romans for its first advertising campaign, which was rewarded with priceless expressions.


Alongside the coins are small notes that resemble a text message, encouraging people to register with Mobatar in order to keep receiving 5 cent with each SMS advertisement they receive on their mobile phones.

The concept is simple, yet intriguing. Mobatar stresses to its potential advertisers that an SMS is guaranteed to be seen and read by the

(inan.info)-By: Jim- Gov Gab-

Ever have a problem with a credit card? I just did. When I got my most recent statement, it showed that the previous month’s payment was late -- by one day! Unfortunately, I misplaced the bill in the mess I call a desk and got my payment in the mail a little late. Even though it was my fault my payment was late, I was still a bit ticked that the company charged me a late fee and had half a mind to cancel the card. Geez, I’ve paid off my balance in full and on time for nearly 20 years. Couldn’t they cut me just a little slack!?

Angry man-After I was done being mad at myself for being late, I realized that canceling the card wouldn’t be good for my credit history in the long run. The longer you hold on to your credit cards and make payments on time, the better. The point being, you want to develop a history of

(inan.info)-President and CEO-elect John Donahoe unveils fundamental changes to fee structure, seller standards and feedback at eBay's eCommerce Forum

Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2008 - eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) announced today that it is lowering fees for listing items, raising minimum selling standards, and offering its best sellers incentives and discounts for the first time in its history. These sweeping changes - which will be rolled out in eBay marketplaces globally - are aimed at improving the overall experience for eBay customers.

"Consumers have more choices than ever, and they expect more when they shop online today," said John Donahoe, the President and CEO-elect of eBay, in his
The fee changes, which vary by country, are intended to encourage sellers to list more items and use more pictures in listings, both of which are good for buyers. Starting Feb. 20 in the U.S., eBay is reducing its fees to list items (called "Insertion" fees) by 25 to 50 percent. eBay is balancing that change by increasing the fees it charges when an item is sold (called "Final Value" fees). Sellers prefer this structure, as it lowers their risk if an item doesn't sell. Donahoe noted to the audience, "Put simply, we will make more of our money when sellers are successful."

The company is also eliminating fees in the U.S. for its Gallery option, which should spur sellers to include more photos of the item for sale, something buyers normally want when they shop.

Coupled with the fee changes, eBay is also making a significant shift in the way it works with sellers. To start, the company is making its minimum standards more stringent for anyone who sells on the site, primarily to discourage behavior that causes buyer dissatisfaction, such as charging excessive shipping fees or not describing items accurately.

To this end, eBay will begin decreasing search exposure for the listings of sellers who have high rates of customer dissatisfaction. Also, the company will begin requiring a safe payment option, such as PayPal or a major credit card, for sellers who have lower rates of customer satisfaction or who sell in categories that have a high number of buyer complaints.

eBay is also setting the bar higher for sellers who aspire to its PowerSeller program. Qualified PowerSellers will receive valuable fee discounts and better payment protection from PayPal.

Donahoe also announced that eBay will begin increasing search exposure for the listings of sellers with the best buyer satisfaction ratings.

"It is our intention to reward great sellers," Donahoe said to the audience. "Sellers that describe items accurately, ship on time, and ship at a fair price will enjoy preferential pricing and discounts on eBay. We think this will significantly improve the buyer experience overall."

Lastly, Donahoe revealed that eBay will update its feedback system to reinforce healthy, vibrant trading and keep bringing buyers back to eBay.

More details about today's announcement, as well as a replay of the eCommerce Forum keynote, can be found in eBay's online press room at news.ebay.com.

The impact of the changes announced today was factored in to the financial guidance the company issued in conjunction with its fourth quarter earnings release on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008.