People online who know are talking about the imminent launch by Apple of the iPad Mini, a smaller version of their tablet computer. AllThingsDigital nominates October 23 as the date. Where there are already many mini tablets in the marketplace, a launch from SApple into this space would significantly lift consumer engagement because, well, because it’s Apple.
Not that we need reminding but here goes … how, when and where people access what they used to access anything in print is changing before our eyes. We newsagents need to catch up and get ahead of the curve. If our business models rely too much on print products for traffic and sales we will fade away. We need shoppers visiting for and purchasing other items.
While chasing growth in sales of print products, like magazines and newspapers, is important, it is not the same today as it was, say, three years ago. The performance of the whole business is more important than ever.
Newsagents keep wondering about the newsagency of the future and what it will be like. That question is redundant. The future is happening in front of us with each of these announcements.
We have seen 3 people in the last week take photos of the inside and outside of cards and then put them back on the shelf, when asked what was going on one person honestly stated that they liked the card but could not be bothered posting it.
When I told her that she may as well have stolen the card she seemed confused, this is the consumer we are up against the one that want something for nothing but expect to be able to touch and feel it first but have no idea of the cost of running a business.
When I told our rep about this he even said at times he did it if the card was not one of his as he still thinks no one is hurt by this.
Just an observation from our shop.
Luke
I mentioned this happening with cook books in on of Marks post on theft. I was advised it is a breach of copyright so technically theft. We told the person concerned in our agency that it is theft and asked them to delete the images and they promptly left.
Gregg, did they say storm out all offended as if you were the one in the wrong saying they will never return? honestly they think it a right that they can do this, smartphones have a lot to answer for.
We had a lass that picked up the Womans Day every week, copied the crossword and put the mag back. When I had established that this was indeed her routine I charged her $4.00 for the photocopy.
That customer is either incredibly stupid, or doesn’t know how to use their smartphone properly. Why would you make the effort to soth through physical cards to take a photo when there are a plethora of websites and apps that have free e-cards?
Anyone caught copying anything from a product in store should be forced to pay or reported – no matter how stupid they are.
I once had a customer bring the cookbook to the counter and ask for a photocopy……..what is wrong with people ?
Luke
They where rather suprised that it is theft and they thought it was ok to copy recipes and once it was explained to them they deleted the images. They didn’t storm out they where to embarrassed. Never seen the lady before and doubt I will see her again.
I get this a lot with Wedding magazines with some women wanting to get ideas for their upcoming wedding. I get guys doing the same with some titles like Zoo, The Picture. I stop at providing a pen for those that want to get a phone number out of Unique Cars.