Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our valued customers.

See you in 2011!

An Online Christmas

A few posts ago, I had noted that there was an influx of consumers starting to use the Smartphones to scout out the latest deals and offers that would make their Christmas shopping efficient, easy and epic.

Well, it turns out that online shopping for the Christmas season has so far reached $22 billion...and there is still a week to go until the big day. I guess that means there are more than just a few people utilizing Smartphones for deals and learning to shop online. It also explains why many of the wireless dealers have experienced a slight slow down in past weeks - an odd situation considering that this time last year, stores were packed to the hilt and sales reps didn't know which way to turn next to service their next customer!

There have been numerous incentives to shoppers looking to buy online, such as free shipping, which is most likely to be a winner for those looking to save a little something in the process. Even the promise of expedited shipping at no cost, ensures that these customers not only are saving money, but are going to be able to get their gifts to their loved ones right on time.

Online shopping is becoming more popular with the presence of services such as Groupon, and GoLoDeal, but don't forget your wireless dealers! 

I doubt there are many dealers that don't have their own website set up - these allow customers to review devices, check plan details, special offers, and even order through secure sites - you even have the choice of picking up your order, or having it shipped. Whatever is most convenient for you.

Did you know?

• About 66% of smartphone users will use their phones to assist in holiday shopping
• Over 50% will use them to compare prices
• 40% will look up product reviews.

And once those Smartphone users have completed all of the above....some interesting facts about online shopping this 2010 Christmas:

• 85% of online retailers will offer free shipping at some point during the holiday season.
• 37% of retailers surveyed said their budget for free shipping is higher than last year.
• 32% of holiday shoppers plan to spend more online this holiday season, specifically because of free shipping.
• Extreme procrastinators will have until Dec. 21 when 57% of online retailers’ express two-day delivery offers expire.
• 60% of online retailers will offer overnight shipping options for guaranteed Christmas delivery through Dec. 23.

As always, the greatest of thanks to iQMetrix News & Views for their informative newsletter, information and updates. Good luck with your shopping, whether online or in-store this season!

iPad Alternatives Are Becoming More Popular

With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, there is the expectation that more corporate users are going to demand it for their mobile internet needs. With the move away from paper and bulky laptops, tablets such as the Galaxy are likely to be popular with hospitals, doctors, and other business folk that have, until now, had to deal with endless paperwork.


The wait for the BlackBerry Playbook has also created an interest in these kinds of users, and functions such as HD capabilities, front and rear facing cameras, and the ability to tether with a BlackBerry device, such as the Torch, are tempting customers away from the ever-popular Apple iPad.


The Samsung Galaxy Tab is the first tablet device to allow full Flash performance, and with it's super high resolution AMOLED screen, the user experience is extremely impressive.


Until now, the Apple iPad has commanded tablet sales  with a 95% share of the market, but other manufacturers are jumping on the tablet bandwagon, with products set to emerge from Hewlett Packard, Motorola, Lenovo and Acer in the near future.


Companies that have so far focused their sales on standard PC's and laptops are looking to reduce their sales forecasts for these types of products in anticipation of cannibalization by the tablet market. Although the growth forecasts aren't changing dramatically, it is still evidence that customer preferences are moving to items that make their daily lives more efficient, and mean that they don't have to carry around such large devices to stay connected.


Most pricing is set to stay around the levels that Apple has set with its iPad, which suggests that customers are quite happy to pay between $299 and $699 for a new tablet.


This is definitely going to be an interesting market to watch over the Christmas season, and well into 2011. New competitors, new products - all very exciting!

Special Christmas Offers only at Rogers

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CELLWORKS AND ROGERS WIRELESS

The Christmas season is well upon us, with people starting to venture out into the cold for gifts and great offers, and this year, Rogers has created some unique offers to complement your wireless purchases:

• HD Phones starting at $49.99 with a three year agreement
• Free XMI Capsule Speaker with the activation of any HD device
• Free Gift Box with the purchase of any new device on a two or three year activation or hardware upgrade
• Enter to win a Sony Prize pack at any Rogers store - enter by text or by ballot

In addition, don't miss out on the Perfect Phone & Plan Package for just $35 a month!

• 150 Daytime Minutes
• Unlimited Evenings & Weekends from 6pm (you get this FREE! It's regularly a 9pm start)
• Unlimited Text, Picture & Video Messaging
• Unlimited Mobile Browsing