Creative Technologies

HISTORY:

Creative is the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer (PC) and the Internet.Creative was founded in Singapore in 1981 with the vision that multimedia would revolutionize the way people interact with their PCs. Famous for its Sound Blaster sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed ZEN line of digital audio players. The company's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services enable consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment-anytime, anywhere.

FEATURES:

The website is not solely for e-commerce transactions. It features the background history, corporate aspect, products and customer support of the company. Users can navigate the website to access and browse through Creative’s extensive product range. Some of the products include software applications, cameras and computer peripherals of which most are plug-and-play. The website also provides customer service and technical support. It is linked to several other websites for download of programs such as a recovery tool for MP3 players.
There is also a discussion forum for other netizens to interact and share useful hints and tips for fellow creative users. Forumers discuss a host of issues including trouble shooting for general problems not about Creative products or software.

Users can register an account and do their shopping online through the online store. There are also new promotions and events updated regularly. Creative does not only sell its products online, it also has stores around the island. Thus, it can be said that it is a “Click & Mortar” company.

Strengths

1. Free Registration

To create an account,all one has to do is to fill in the relevant information requested. Registration is free-of-charge and hassle free.

2. User Friendly Interface

Consumers are able to navigate the website easily without any difficulties. Its site is laid out in a relatively easy and eye-catching manner and products are divided into different categories for easy shopping.

3. 24/7 Shopping

Consumers are able to make purchases anytime of the day without any hassles. Moreover shopping can be done effortlessly with just a click away. Hence there isn’t a need to make purchases physically at the retail shops where it can be done over the Internet.

4. Benefits For Members

As a member of Creative Technologies, members will enjoy 5 percent rebate on all purchases all year round and other benefits such as promotions with the Club Creative Card.

5. Global

The site has extended to many countries worldwide such as Africa, Europe and North and South America to cater for easy shopping online. Furthermore, the site has also introduced different languages for different countries' needs. E.g. China sites are in Chinese, Japan and Spain in their respective languages as well.

6. Security

To protect consumers, Creative websites provides a secure server which contains confidential information that only the intended recipient is able to decipher it. This information, known as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate enables encryption of sensitive information during online transactions. In this way, the consumers will trust the site and Creative websites will be protected as well.

7. Privacy Policy

As for privacy policy, Creative adheres strictly to best privacy practices to ensure that consumers' privacy is respected and all personal information consumers provide is kept confidential. At the same time, Creative will not allow any third party to use cookies to track or collect any personally identifiable information from consumers.

Weaknesses

1. Payment Methods

Payment methods can be made using VISA credit cards only. No other cards like MasterCard, Amex (American Express) can be used.

2. Delivery Issue

Delivery is free only if orders are S$200 and above. However a S$6 delivery charge is applicable for orders below S$200. Thus consumers may not be willing to shop online if their purchases are below S$200 or else a delivery charge may be incurred.

3. Language Issue

Despite having a worldwide website, one key issue is the language that is being used in certain countries. Example North and South Korea's site is in English where Korean language would be more appropriate to suit their culture.

4. Internet Access and Credit Card Restriction

It may be generally a good idea to have a worldwide net in most countries but however not all countries, such as Mali, Bangladesh, Iraq provides for Internet access. Furthermore, the citizens of these countries may not posses credit cards.

Special Highlights

Majority of the products being sold may be from Creative but it’s hard not to go unnoticed that they do carry Apple products for iPod/Mac. The main reason behind it is Creative sued media player rival Apple Computer, alleging patent infringement. Apple filed a counter suit,which was followed by a second counter suit. In the end, Apple and Creative settled all their patent lawsuits outside court, with Apple paying Creative $100 million to licence a software patent, and Creative signing up to Apple's Made For iPod program.

Competitors

With the new digital age, Creative is now able to sell their products through E-commerce website. This has seen a rise in a number of competitors faced by Creative. Listed below are some competitors:

http://store.apple.com/1800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/singaporestore

http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/type/type.do?group=mp3aud
iovideo&type=mp3player

http://www.iriver.com

http://www.sony.com.sg/productcategory/pa%2Bwalkman?site=
hp_en_SG_i

Credits

http://sg.store.creative.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Technology