Paper on Zappos Marketing Tactics

Marketing 3490, Summer Session 2

July 21, 2009

In 1999, a man by the name of Nick Swinmurn was searching through footwear stores in a mall for a specific pair of shoes. One store carried the right size but not color, another carried the right color but not size. After searching to no avail, he decided to leave the store. This experience gave Nick Swinmurn the inspiration and motivation to start his own online shoe retailer, so that no one would have to go through that experience again. That same year, he quit his job and founded Zappos.com.

Originally the goal of Zappos was to offer its customers "the absolute best selection in shoes in terms of brands, styles, colors, sizes, and widths." However, with the success the company has experienced over the last 9 years, the company's goals have taken a different approach. Zappos has now altered its focus to providing its customers with the best online service, and not only in shoes but in virtually any department.

Figure 1

English: This is a picture of Tony Hsieh, CEO of Z...

Zappos Office Tour

By doing so, with such excellent execution, Zappos has become the biggest online shoe store and has grossed $1 billion in sales in 2008.

In order to understand Zappos' dedication to providing its customers with the absolute best service, its important to take a look at the approach the company takes with its employees first. An interesting quote by the Vice President, Craig Adkins, accurately displays this approach; "We believe in treating the employees well first, then they treat the customer well." The President Nick Swinmurn and CEO Tony Hsieh have headed an unusual yet strong tight-knit relationship with its employees that demands loyalty by providing a fun and comfortable working environment.

When an employee is hired by Zappos, regardless of their designated position, they must...