News > Digital
Share on LinkedInSaveE-mailPrintMost PopularRSSReprints

Zappos Launches Insights Service

Quirky retailer set to debut unorthodox online consultancy

Dec 15, 2008

- Brian Morrissey


NEW YORK For those seeking brand religion, an unlikely shrine has emerged in the desert the past few years. It sits near the Las Vegas airport: the headquarters of online retailer Zappos.

Over the past few years, executives from dozens of companies, including Southwest Airlines and Best Buy, as well as ordinary customers, have made the trek to see its operations up close. The tour has undeniable Zappos touches: each department has its own greeting, and in-house motivational guru Dr. Vik has visitors sit in a throne for a Polaroid snapshot.

Now the company hopes to turn the intense interest in its culture and approach to business into a moneymaker. This week, it plans to roll out Zappos Insights, a subscription video service that lets companies ask questions about the Zappos way and get answers from actual Zappos employees. It will charge $39.95 per month for subscriptions.

The service, said CEO Tony Hsieh, is targeted at the "Fortune 1 million" looking to build their businesses. "There are management consulting firms that charge really high rates," he said. "We wanted to come up with something that's accessible to almost any business."

Zappos' legendary commitment to customer service has made it a darling of the marketing intelligentsia. In nine years, it's grown to be on track to sell $1 billion of goods this year, expanding from shoes into apparel and even electronics.

Despite the feel-good vibe, Zappos is not immune to the current economic turbulence. Last month, Zappos cut 8 percent of its workforce.


Zappos Launches Insights Service

Quirky retailer set to debut unorthodox online consultancy

Dec 15, 2008

- Brian Morrissey


NEW YORK For those seeking brand religion, an unlikely shrine has emerged in the desert the past few years. It sits near the Las Vegas airport: the headquarters of online retailer Zappos.

Over the past few years, executives from dozens of companies, including Southwest Airlines and Best Buy, as well as ordinary customers, have made the trek to see its operations up close. The tour has undeniable Zappos touches: each department has its own greeting, and in-house motivational guru Dr. Vik has visitors sit in a throne for a Polaroid snapshot.

Now the company hopes to turn the intense interest in its culture and approach to business into a moneymaker. This week, it plans to roll out Zappos Insights, a subscription video service that lets companies ask questions about the Zappos way and get answers from actual Zappos employees. It will charge $39.95 per month for subscriptions.

The service, said CEO Tony Hsieh, is targeted at the "Fortune 1 million" looking to build their businesses. "There are management consulting firms that charge really high rates," he said. "We wanted to come up with something that's accessible to almost any business."

Zappos' legendary commitment to customer service has made it a darling of the marketing intelligentsia. In nine years, it's grown to be on track to sell $1 billion of goods this year, expanding from shoes into apparel and even electronics.

Despite the feel-good vibe, Zappos is not immune to the current economic turbulence. Last month, Zappos cut 8 percent of its workforce.
Post a Comment
Asterisk (*) is a required field.
* Author:
* Comment:
 
The opinions expressed in comments are those of the individual poster. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Adweek or Nielsen Business Media. Attacks of a personal nature and comments that are otherwise inappropriate may be removed.


Our ProductsOur Products

ADWEEK DIGITAL DAILY

A morning briefing of most important interactive news stories.

SUBSCRIBE

Stay connected to what's happening in the advertising industry with delivery of the print edition and complete online access.

More VideosVideo




ADWEEK POLL



From print to online advertising trends, advertising professionals can read all about the latest advertising news at Adweek. Keep on top of the latest happenings in the advertising world, from online video advertising to the latest funny TV commercials. Check out our community and advertiser forums to discover and network with other advertiser and marketing professionals. Adweek provides advertisers with daily TV news and weekly ad industry editorials on a complete array of subjects. Use our advertising agency directory to find a career opportunity or to research an ad agency to fit your companies advertising and marketing needs. Explore Adweek everyday, or sign up for our Adverting Newsletter to get the latest ad industry news on demand!

Adweek Advertising Home | Advertising Industry News | Creative TV Advertising | Advertising Industry Community | Video Advertising | Advertising Data Center | Advertising Special Reports | Advertising Careers | Advertising Products | Advertising About Us | Advertising Business Statements | Advertising Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities | Ad Licensing | Advertiser FAQ | Advertising Magazine Subscriptions | Advertising News RSS | Online Ad Site Map | Mobile

© 2008 Nielsen Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy