Interactive online TV boosts sales at Buy.com
One of the early movers in tying social networking to retail e-commerce, Buy.com Inc. expanded its horizons in late 2004 by launching YUB.com, where users can earn money for referring products to friends. So it’s no surprise that the e-retailer has begun to capitalize on Internet TV.
BuyTV, its new interactive online video program on Buy.com, has led to a sizeable jump in sales for the pureplay online retailer—an average of 319% during the week following the initial air date, it says.
Produced by Buy.com Inc. itself, the weekly Internet TV program highlights consumer products, technology, gaming, music, and movies while including interviews from industry experts and Hollywood celebrities. Featured products have included the latest from retailers such as D-Link, Sony Ericsson and Netgear. The program is aired on Buy.com and Instant Media (I’M), a technology company pioneering Internet TV for numerous companies.
Through an interactive platform, BuyTV segments shown on Buy.com display real-time product pricing information and allow shoppers to initiate the purchase of the product being reviewed, the retailer says.
“The BuyTV show has seen an immediate and positive response from viewers, indicated by the stronger sales of highlighted products,” says Doug Marrs, vice president of marketing at Buy.com. “The ability to offer our show via I’M has increased consumer awareness of the program, and in turn of the featured products.”
