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do teenagers buy stuff online?

by vineshp
27 replies
I am planning to sell an ebook which primarily targets an audience 13-22.

I am sure in india teens don't purchase things online, is it the same thing in North America and Europe?

Keep in mind that the product is very captivating.

Suggestions?
#buy #online #stuff #teenagers
  • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
    I can't speak for the whole of Europe of course, but the teenagers that I know do purchase stuff but not ebooks/info products. From what I've seen they're not really willing to pay for information because they're so good at using the internet they know how to find most stuff for free (and they get enough information thrown at them in school/college). They mostly buy ring tones, downloadable music, tickets etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Ask,
    WetSeal, American Eagle, Abrombiefitch, etc. etc. = )
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    • Profile picture of the author TheCren
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      Ask,
      WetSeal, American Eagle, Abrombiefitch, etc. etc. = )
      Clearly these companies don't produce ebooks! However, I'm sure a select group of teens will certainly purchase ebooks about acne remedies that are cheaper than ProActiv. There's this new concept called market research. Use Google to see how many people search for your "buying keywords" and how many advertisers are already bidding to tell you your answer. It's that simple really.
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      • Profile picture of the author Gary And Billy
        Even those who purchase ringtones etc are declining. Most teenagers I know try to get everything they can for nothing via file-sharing etc.

        There is a culture developing where young people think that the Internet is a 'Free for all'. They don't place value on music etc so I can't imagine them wanting to purchase information.

        Gary
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      • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
        Originally Posted by TheCren View Post

        Clearly these companies don't produce ebooks! However, I'm sure a select group of teens will certainly purchase ebooks about acne remedies that are cheaper than ProActiv. There's this new concept called market research. Use Google to see how many people search for your "buying keywords" and how many advertisers are already bidding to tell you your answer. It's that simple really.
        Yes, while the OP stated he wanted to sell an ebook online. He also said "THINGS" purchased. That's why I responded with retail stores because that is who my teen is buying from.

        In regards to an ebook I do not see my teen paying for information packaged that way. If she did it would have to be something very focused and fill a need she could not find anywhere else. imho.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyrus Antas
    Teenagers don't have much disposable income. They're more likely to buy cheaply priced products that are "cool" and trendy.

    Tyrus
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  • Profile picture of the author Michelle Strait
    The teens I know don't purchase information products online. They go for ringtones, games, and music. But maybe if your subject is hot enough among teens, they will go for an e-book.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
    Without more info on what the subject matter is it's tough to give targeted advice but this may help...

    You may want to consider first how many teens have credit cards or paypal accounts loaded enough to buy stuff more expensive than say $1 - $3 a pop?

    Also how many of them HAVE CC's? Paypal accounts maybe, but do they own CC's?

    A market that can't readily buy because they don't have the means is a non-market.

    Maybe you would be better off targeting their parents to buy this info for their teens.

    Also for subjects more main stream consider using Amazon and physical books, not all topics will sell well in ebook format.

    Cheers
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    • Profile picture of the author affilcrazy
      I have to agree. A Teen from anywhere in the world is very unlikely to buy informational stuff, e.g. e-books, how to's, educational, etc.

      Kids and Teens are the experienced one's when it comes to the net and they know how to sniff out a good deal and where to get stuff free! Or if what they want isn't free, they may try and find a way around it!

      Phone ring tones, Mp3 and ipod downloads, gaming and video downloads, Wii & PS cheap accessories is where the money may be at!

      Cheers
      Partha
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    • Profile picture of the author Darrel Hawes
      Originally Posted by Kunle Olomofe View Post

      Also how many of them HAVE CC's? Paypal accounts maybe, but do they own CC's?
      I don't have statistics on this; however with our bank, once a kid is 13 and their parent approves, they can get a VISA/Mastercard debit card. So I'm sure the same applies with many or most U.S. banks too.

      It would be interesting to see some hard stats on what teens actually use their debit cards for... (mine buy books and music...)

      EDIT: Also, the minimum age requirement for a Paypal account is 18.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Davis
    I have a teenager and there are always plenty around here and I have not known them to buy anything online. Part of the reason probably being, they would have to convince their parents to give out their credit card. I say put it out there and see what happens. You never know until you try.
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  • Profile picture of the author edman
    Not sure what your book is about... However, if it does target 13-22 there really is a big difference in the target groups.

    For example a 13 year old kid really has different priority and capability and even rights from a 22 year old.

    For a 13 year kid, you'll be better off targeting the parents rather than the kid.

    We need more information to help you break down your question
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  • Profile picture of the author motivated
    I agree that you would be better off targetting the parents rather than the teenager, especially if it's educational. The teenagers I know have zero interest in ebooks even when it's related to their hobbies (e.g. World of Warcraft or Runescape).

    Teenagers these days seem to be very clued up and most know how to get anything they want online for free (music, software, ringtones etc). I think in general it tends to be more of an older age group and parents buying the ebooks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    I think a lot of us are under estimating the buying power of teens.

    Read this: Overlooking the Teen Market? - ClickZ

    When my daughter wants to buy new clothes I am always bitching about going to the mall. I am sure I am not the only parent doing this. So her alternative is to shop at her favorite stores online. She actually gets better deals in many cases too.

    The following statement could not be more true from my experience:

    "Teens also influence an untold amount of spending by their parents, everything from cars to travel to computers and other consumer electronics. Teen power is fascinating. Consider these observations from a Euro RSCG study," "Connected and Connectivity -- The Power of Teens Online"
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  • Profile picture of the author InternetM39482
    I am sure in india teens don't purchase things online, is it the same thing in North America and Europe?
    I'm from India, and I do purchase things online -- from accessories to Info products, a lot of things.

    From a normal teen point of view, as my friends are, I can say they won't pay for anything. Not on the Internet anyways... :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Odhinn
    The biggest problem teens will face in buying stuff online is that 95% of those under 17 will not have a credit card, or a debit card they can use to purchase. They also can't get a paypal account until they're 18.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyler Ellison
    I started buying on eBay when I was a teenager, so personal experience forces me to say "yes" teenagers shop online.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roshan C
    Yep, Teenagers do purchase online, but not info-products or ebooks. They are more interested in buying gadegets,games etc....
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    • Profile picture of the author Wakunahum
      I purchased things online as a teenager mainly from amazon, ebay, or half.com.

      I also purchased some ebooks (actual in print book in ebook form) for my palm pilot.

      I can't speak for a teenager today.
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      • Profile picture of the author tjk1058
        I guess my teen is an exception as he has bought plenty of ebooks online for his passion which is Guitar playing.

        So if they have a passion then they are more likely to buy anything online as long as it fills a need for them and it does it quicker then looking for all the stuff free online (even if they can find it).

        He also has bought guitar lessons online, guitar tabs, guitars, accessories... etc. Some he has earned and some we purchased for him on special occasions. So yes, teens do buy - sometimes too much (anyone wants to support my sons habit PM me :-) ).

        TedK
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  • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
    Come to think of it. I started in IM wen I was about 21, before that I probably WOULD have bought ebooks on stuff like how to make money, the problem then would again have been the means to buy.

    Just asked my 14 year old and he says he would buy ebooks sure. So maybe you want to poll teenagers rather than us old gooks? lol

    Cheers

    PS: Darell, I thought Paypal usage might be limited to 18 years, and thanx for the heads up re: teens from 13 being given CC's strange practice tho as far as I'm concerned. Maybe DC's not CC's, but heck the world has changed, I'm old, bring on the new. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    I started buying things online when I was 13, lol. I agree with Hamida, though. They aren't likely to buy ebooks and things (Ted's experience has a good point, too). It would be their parent buying it for them in most cases, I would think.
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    • Profile picture of the author vineshp
      well, I am planning to sell an ebook which teaches you to manipulate teachers and use strategies to counter abusive parents.

      the tagline goes like: YOU DESERVE to be treated better.

      or: Tired of being insulted? COUNTER NOW!

      If you get what I have in mind.

      Now I am sure a lot of teenagers would be interested deeply, the only question is what would make an easy payment option and how do I implement it?
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  • Profile picture of the author Kate Carpenter
    Actually, I've been curious about whether a teen in the 13-17 y.o. range would purchase an informational ebook. I use Yahoo! Answers for some of my traffic in a particular niche. Everyday there are many questions from this group on how to make money or have a job. But I figured, if they are looking to earn money, they probably don't have any to spend.

    I don't know.
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  • Profile picture of the author seo702
    You may be fighting an uphill battle on this one vineshp. Though there are tons of places online that targets teens, the target them more with "shiny things" than informative things. Unfortunately, most teens do not read a book unless they have to.
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