Category Descriptions

Overall Score
This is based on the average weighting of the other three specific categories, with a slight weighting bias to the Net Shopper category. The category is thus intended to represent the average Internet shopper. The following weight bases are used:

• Price - 30%
• Site Searchability - 15%
• Site Useability - 15%
• Shipping Time - 10%
• Informative Links - 15%
• Amount of Stock - 15%

Net Shopper
The Net Shopper category is designed to characterise the regular Internet Shopper. This person primarily purchases on the basis of price, but can be attracted by the provision of a better website with features including customisation, comments, good links and good navigation. The following weights are used:

• Price - 40%
• Site Searchability - 15%
• Site Useability - 10%
• Shipping Time - 15%
• Informative Links - 10%
• Amount of Stock - 10%

Once Off
The Once Off category represents a first time or once-off novelty purchaser. Price is less of a concern, but a suitable website design is a must. The following weights are used:

• Price - 20%
• Site Searchability - 20%
• Site Useability - 20%
• Shipping Time - 5%
• Informative Links - 20%
• Amount of Stock - 15%

Rare Hits
The Rare Hits category represents a collector who is looking for a wide range of stock, whether it be classical music or hard to get recordings of artists. As a result site searchability is a key.

• Price - 20%
• Site Searchability - 25%
• Site Useability - 15%
• Shipping Time - 10%
• Informative Links - 10%
• Amount of Stock - 20%

Scoring Categories

Price - The score for price is based on the Australian Dollar price of an item. The average parcel is assumed to be 4 CD's, exchange rates taken into account at date of survey, and the prices used are the standard prices (ie no special offers taken into account, although loyalty schemes are).

Site Searechability - This score is based on how easy it is to search the site. This includes how easy it is to get to a search box, how the results are presented and how thorough the search is.

Site Useability - The score for this section considers general site design and navigation as well as personalisation features.

Shipping Time - The score is based on how long it takes from when goods are ordered to delivery

Informative Links - This score is based on the provision of information about a band or a song. This includes comments, other users choices or favorites and general band information.

Amount of Stock - This score rates the retailer based on the total amount of stock they carry.