The project is barely two weeks old, and already Dotcoza, the man picked by Andersen Consulting to participate in an e-commerce research project, has experienced the pitfalls of a power failure - brought on by a faulty connection in the dishwasher.
Despite the downed computers, Dotcoza still managed to get out of his predicament using the landline to telephone for help.
He`s also fast learning the tricks of the Internet trade, thanks to the online following which has built up in the interim.
"A lot of people referred me to a certain site to buy clothes. I placed an order with them on Tuesday. I received a confirmation, but so far, no sign of the pants. It`s very hard to get clothes on the Web."
Dotcoza is finding it even harder to buy underwear. "There is a great opportunity out there for underpants.co.za, or something similar - you can`t buy underwear on the Web!"
Dotcoza has been going to a lot of sites that he`s heard about; although there is a resource put together by Andersen Consulting researchers, he hasn`t yet had to rely on it. He also gets feedback from many chat buddies.
"I`ve done a lot of shopping through Megashopper, because they`ve provided the service. I`ve placed orders with other sites, which at the moment will remain nameless, but which haven`t delivered yet."
Thus far, Dotcoza has bought a microwave, a printer, some stationery, detergents and cleaning aids and some toiletries, which, he adds with evident relief, arrived the first day. Breakfast arrived a little later than anticipated though, which he says has taught him the value of ordering in advance. In total, Dotcoza estimates he`s spent about R3 000 this first week.
Of course, e-commerce is not restricted to real-time transactions. A secondary method is ordering via e-mail, which Dotcoza has done with several sites that aren`t yet e-commerce enabled.
Dotcoza is generating intense media interest - recent interviews include those with Carte Blanche`s Manu Padayachy, SAFM`s Tony Lankester and even a chat interview with a Polish journalist nicknamed Warsaw. In fact, there is so much "admin" to take care of during the day that Dotcoza only manages to do his shopping at night.
The "Name Dotcoza`s Dog" campaign is also bringing in a lot of feedback. Dotcoza confirms that the new name will be announced on Wednesday, 15 March at noon.
This week, Dotcoza will focus his attention on media and entertainment; in preparation, he`s already bid on a satellite dish through AucorActive.
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