Candid Camera

Integrating a webcam into his site has helped this scuba retailer reel in extra sales.

By Vicki Powers Jul 01, 2006

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Webcams generally let viewers catch a glimpse of the happeningsat exciting locations such as Times Square and stadium constructionsites. In Dallas, however, Larry Dague, 48, installed a webcam inhis scuba equipment shop that quickly turned into a clevermarketing tool, generating sales and contributing to the shop’s40 percent annual growth.

At ScubaToys, which has 2006 projected sales of $5million, 80 percent of sales are internet-driven. The webcamstarted out as an inexpensive security camera-turned-cool toy in2002, but Dague quickly realized its sales and customer-supportbenefits. “The technology creates a richer retail experienceand helps build credibility and trust with online customers,”he says.

The webcam also helps personalize internet shopping: Whencustomers call with questions, Dague takes products to thewebcam–and now attributes at least four sales every day to thetechnology.

Webcams generally let viewers catch a glimpse of the happeningsat exciting locations such as Times Square and stadium constructionsites. In Dallas, however, Larry Dague, 48, installed a webcam inhis scuba equipment shop that quickly turned into a clevermarketing tool, generating sales and contributing to the shop’s40 percent annual growth.

At ScubaToys, which has 2006 projected sales of $5million, 80 percent of sales are internet-driven. The webcamstarted out as an inexpensive security camera-turned-cool toy in2002, but Dague quickly realized its sales and customer-supportbenefits. “The technology creates a richer retail experienceand helps build credibility and trust with online customers,”he says.

The webcam also helps personalize internet shopping: Whencustomers call with questions, Dague takes products to thewebcam–and now attributes at least four sales every day to thetechnology.

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