Digital cameras and camcorders are a perfect example of the "cheaper on the Internet" phenomenon. Ads by Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City repeatedly offer low prices on Canon, Panasonic, and Sony cameras, but DigitalCamerasAndCamcorders.net offers lower prices on her merchandise every day of the year. The very nature of Internet-based businesses makes this an easy proposition to manage, and allows small businesses to compete with large retail chains by virtue of their limitless selection and rock-bottom price tags. Not only are the bargains better, but the site is more inviting; with the implementation of an on-site blog to handle customer questions and discussion of merchandise, shoppers can interact with Patsy directly from the comfort of their home.

"Taking pictures is something my husband and I have always been interested in," says Patsy, discussing her initial reasons for opening www.DigitalCamerasAndCamcorders.net . "Family photography is important. I like digital cameras because they take a clearer picture, and you can put them on your computer and print them out as many times as you like, or take them to a photo developer and have them done professionally." The versatility of digital cameras and camcorders is undeniable, and has caused an upsurge in photography as a hobby, putting a lot of momentum into the industry. "I especially like the video cameras because they can capture so many memories and let you look back," Patsy says fondly, recalling her specific reasons for purchasing a digital camcorder. "I've got my daughter on video from when she was little, and now she's a teenager. I've got those memories forever."

An online business also offers limitless potential for information, as every item can be explained in detail. Technical specifications, requirements, suggested use, and recommended accessories are all immediately available, and product reviews and comparisons are just a click away. Patsy's customer service blog for DigitalCamerasAndCamcorders.net, www.digitalcamerasandcamcorders.org , also gives her customers another venue for product inquiries and comments. "I never thought I could compete with big chains like Wal-Mart," admits Patsy, who is proud of her business. "But we can offer things that they can't, and we can offer them faster, at a lower price. Who wouldn't be interested in that?"