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Here's How Pinterest Plans to Get You To Shop More (fortune.com)

Posted by msmash on from the shop-more dept.

Pinterest is figuring out new ways to bolster its revenue. On Tuesday, the social media company announced a range of new e-commerce features that will encourage its users (the service attracts more than 100 million users every month) to purchase items directly from its website. One of the biggest features is visual search for products, which will allow users to take a picture of an object and then see similar items to buy on Pinterest. The company has also announced a shopping bag that can be accessed on its mobile apps and website. From a Fortune report:Merchants will be able to create dedicated pages displaying all the merchandise being sold through Pinterest and, like Amazon, will suggest items that a user might want to buy. [...] The company wants to make it increasingly easier for people to buy items on its site. If Pinterest does have ambitions of becoming more of an e-commerce destination, it makes sense for Pinterest to start emulating moves made early on by e-commerce giant Amazon, such as personalization and recommended items. The key to personalization for Amazon has been the trove of data it has accumulated in order to recommend more products to its users. Pinterest said that its users are currently pinning four million items per day, and this data could be key to providing users with more personalized recommendations.

44 comments

  1. Are they giving out free money with this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    No? Then I can't possibly shop more.

  2. Pinterest? by Yvan256 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The first thing they should do is let people view their website without needing an account.

    1. Re:Pinterest? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      OMG Yes! This.

    2. Re:Pinterest? by Frederic54 · · Score: 1

      Au contraire, as long as they keep this feature it ensures I will never go on their site or be interested by what they are. I am still not sure, are they a kind of Instagram? (I have no account there too).

      --
      "Science will win because it works." - Stephen Hawking
    3. Re:Pinterest? by Yvan256 · · Score: 1

      From the limited content they have graciously allowed me to view without an account, I think they're more like a modern Geocities.

    4. Re:Pinterest? by aardvarkjoe · · Score: 1

      I really wish Google would relegate Pintrest results to the bottom of the trash bin, where they belong. Any content that requires jumping through hoops to access shouldn't come up on a general search results page unless you specifically ask for it.

      You can use the chrome extension to remove it, but that doesn't help when you're using a different computer than usual.

      --

      How can we continue to believe in a just universe and freedom to eat crackers if we have no ale?
    5. Re:Pinterest? by Snake98 · · Score: 1

      In firefox it called inspect element, and delete the node that greys it out. I"m sure chrome has the same feature. I've had to start doing this on Facebook also.

      --
      Freedom of Speech only include discussion that are approved by the RIAA, MPAA and DMCA.
    6. Re: Pinterest? by Luthair · · Score: 1

      I don't know if this is the case with Pinterest (or care) but with many sites deleting the bigger isn't enough and there will be server side restrictions these days.

    7. Re:Pinterest? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, the first thing they need to do is convince males that they're female.

      Only women use pinterest.

    8. Re:Pinterest? by GrumpySteen · · Score: 1

      That's a lot of work to go through just to view shitty reposted images. I think I'll stick with my current plan of just not going to Pintrest.

    9. Re:Pinterest? by WallyL · · Score: 1

      I know some men that use pinterest. Albeit their interests lie not in home decorations, jewelry, and cooking. My male friends on pinterest look at memes, media entertainment things, and recreational vehicles and camping stuff.

  3. if this works by turkeydance · · Score: 1

    i'll have to get another gun safe to store them

  4. Shark Tank by gurps_npc · · Score: 1

    Shark Tank rejected a business woman that had this model because they knew Pinterest could do it better.

    But it won't work unless Pinterst scraps the "need an account" to view functionality.

    Which come to think of it, should be a law. The entire "need an account to view" idea is there to let them track you. That should be illegal - no tracking unless you agree to be tracked.

    --
    excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
    1. Re:Shark Tank by Yvan256 · · Score: 2

      As much as I hate their stupid "account required" bullshit, it's a private company so they can ask you to sign-up to use their website.

      Me? If I see a link that goes to Pinterest, I don't even bother.

    2. Re:Shark Tank by Dorianny · · Score: 2

      I don't have a problem with the current setup of no access for me and no advertisement dollars for them. If they want advertisement money for my eyeballs and possibly commissions on purchases, then open it up

    3. Re:Shark Tank by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Eh, I've heard of pinterest a bunch of times but have no idea exactly what it is. Don't care enough to be bothered with looking it up. Sometimes get a bit curious but not enough to actually do anything about it.

    4. Re:Shark Tank by C.+Mattix · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't "creating an account" be a pretty good indication that you are "agreeing to be tracked"? If you don't agree to be tracked, then you don't get an account.

      Its their playground, if they want to only allow registered users, then ok.. they only allow registered users. It is annoying that I can't look at some family photos because I don't want a Facebook account, but it is, their playground.

      There is no inherent right to go to a website.

      It would be much "worse" if they didn't force an account, but then tracked all those "anonymous users" onto any website that has a "pin-it" social button in order to "improve the experience" and display things that you are "interested in" based on the sites that you visit.

    5. Re:Shark Tank by gurps_npc · · Score: 1

      Your argument about a private company is bull shit. What, you think government can't pass laws that affect private companies?

      They do it all the time - for lots of things.

      If I said "right to privacy, this is already illegal" then you would have a point. But being a private company is not a magic shield that prevents governments from passing laws regulating what you can and can not do.

      Or if you had some argument about less regulation being a good thing, then I would have had to convince you that in this particular case, less regulation is not a good thing.

      But you got nothing but a half remembered argument that someone else once said. Not convincing at all.

      --
      excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
    6. Re:Shark Tank by Penguinisto · · Score: 1

      Agreed with parent. I think I've only seen their website perhaps two times in their entire existence, and both times were accidental.

      --
      Quo usque tandem abutere, Nimbus, patientia nostra?
    7. Re:Shark Tank by gurps_npc · · Score: 2

      You are correct there is currently no inherent right to go to a website. But that is only because there is NO SUCH THING as an "inherent right". Rights are granted by laws, not by inherentance.

      So when I said "there should be a law" that is me saying "we need to create a right to visit websites".

      Basically, internet corps have abused the crap out of our privacy and I think we need to start passing laws to reign them in. This would be one.

      Stop thinking like a subject (obeying your superiors) and start thinking like a citizen (creating the laws).

      --
      excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
    8. Re:Shark Tank by C.+Mattix · · Score: 1

      It is interesting how you think. I'm pretty sure that most legal precedent is based upon a certain set of inherent/inalienable rights. In fact, the entire argument you are putting forward is based on the fact that you believe that you have a right to privacy. Ok. Where did that right come from?

      To think that rights are "granted" by a organization or entity above you is the definition of being a subject ("you have the freedoms that they say you have"). To think that I have rights without any sort of government/organization influence is being a citizen ("you have freedom, other than the limitations on that freedom that they have instilled).

      So which is more "free": 1) providing the framework to barter information for the use of a good or service, for which either party can choose to not take part in or 2) force one private entity to provide goods and services without compensation to another private entity through the use of the legal system.

      But in truth, this discussion really is rather pointless.... the majority of people really do not care at all, and are perfectly fine with letting the "world" know that they like golf, kittens, and game of thrones. If that was not the case, then DuckDuckGo would be the top search engine. Are you angry that the "internet corps" are using the income generated by this "invasion of privacy" to facilitate the infrastructure of your blogspot.com blog? You do realize that is Google right, and they know that you like Kayaking because you wrote it on their servers?

    9. Re:Shark Tank by tohoward · · Score: 1

      There IS such a thing as an "inherent right". Go do some reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_and_legal_rights

      Having said that, I would agree that there is no "inherent right" to view a website, which seems to be your point. We, as a society, could create a legal right to do so, and although I don't believe corporations can or should have inherent rights, they do have legal ones, which makes the issue one for debate.

      I think your suggestion is essentially that "if you want to sell to the public, you need to provide for anonymous access like you'd get in a retail store". Personally, that both seems reasonable/desirable from a consumer point of view, and a no-brainer from a retailer point of view (since you'd be eliminating potential customers otherwise).

    10. Re:Shark Tank by ArylAkamov · · Score: 1

      That should be illegal - no tracking unless you agree to be tracked.

      Isn't the act of making the account agreeing to be tracked?

  5. And here is how it doesn't work by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Seeing only a fraction of a webpage's content without creating an account where I have to enter pretty much any and all personal information but my shoe size means that google searches are usually done with an included -site:$page

    In other words: If you want to get me to do something, the first thing you have to do is make me WANT to visit your page.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    1. Re:And here is how it doesn't work by QuietLagoon · · Score: 1

      ...Seeing only a fraction of a webpage's content without creating an account ...

      Is Pinterest the website that slowly hides the page as you're trying to read it? If so, I'd never sign up with them.

      .
      If they purposefully annoy me that much when they're trying to get me to sign up, I can't imagine how they would treat me after they got me to sign up.

    2. Re: And here is how it doesn't work by Luthair · · Score: 1

      Shane Google removed the block list for sites they used to have.

  6. Big Bang Theory ripoff by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Penny had this idea (or similar) in the episode where the guys were building their 'equation solver' app. Penny's idea was that a person could take pictures of 'cute shoes' that someone was wearing & be able to find them immediately on-line for purchase, simply extend to 'any product' (other than shoes) & its the same idea.

    1. Re:Big Bang Theory ripoff by C.+Mattix · · Score: 1
      Around 2008 "like.com" (https://web.archive.org/web/20080101112449/http://www.like.com/aboutus.py) tried this. From the archived page:

      Like.com is the first true visual search engine, where the contents of photos are used to search and retrieve similar items.
      We believe that there are literally millions of items that are difficult to describe via text-based search and where individual tastes are all over the map -- think of your favorite pair of earrings or shoes and what an ordeal it can be to find something new but in a similar style.
      We created Like.com to solve the challenge of finding "the perfect you" for a broad range of aesthetic and soft goods.
      Like.com utilizes our Likeness Technology to create a digital signature that describes the photo's contents and enables a more accurate search for similar looking items and products. Our initial launch focuses on handbags, jewelry, shoes, and watches - allowing users to search and purchase items from thousands of leading and boutique brands. We will very quickly add clothing and a number of other aesthetically oriented product categories. Key features of Like.com include:

      • Likeness Search - the ability to search by image instead of text;
      • Like Detail - finds items that have a specific feature you like (such as a buckle, straps, bezel, etc);
      • Like Color - find color variants of the item you desire;
      • Like Celebrity - find clothing, shoes and accessories similar to those worn by your favorite celebrities;
      • Like Upload - the ability to upload your own photo of your favorite item and find the same or similar products, coming soon.

      • To learn more about Like.com and the great ways to use the product make sure to visit our blog . Happy shopping!

      Google owns the domain now and it just goes straight to their shopping landing page.

  7. Here's what I'd do... by QuietLagoon · · Score: 1

    ...allow users to take a picture of an object and then see similar items to buy on Pinterest....

    Once I found out the manufacturer and model number of the item from Pinterest, I'd pop that info into a search engine to see the best combination of price and shipping costs. Why pay the extra amount just so Pinterest can skim profit off the top?

  8. pinterest by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Pinterest is a load of shite.

  9. This is truly groundbreaking. by pteddy · · Score: 2

    I applaud Pinterest for this groundbreaking revolution in online shopping.

  10. Pinterest to bolster its revenue .. by tetraverse · · Score: 1

    Pinterest to bolster its revenue, it that the best you can find to post on slashdot, the technology site?

    How I welcomed an immigrant family with a Linux laptop

    1. Re:Pinterest to bolster its revenue .. by RobotRunAmok · · Score: 1

      It's obviously a paid "slashvertisement." Pinterest is clearly not the only website struggling to monetize itself better...

  11. Mandatory accounts by Alypius · · Score: 1

    Do I still need to create an account just to use the site? Yes? Then, no, I shall not be helping them increase their revenue.

  12. Again with that 'you' in the headline. by Fly+Swatter · · Score: 1

    Here's How Pinterest Plans to Get Visitors To Shop More

    This headline reads as less hostile towards to me, especially since I have neither a pinterest, facebook, or I guess next to be in the news, a twitter account.

  13. Here's How Pinterest can... by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

    Here's How Pinterest can suck my dick. Open Pinterest's mouth, insert schlong.

    The part about me "buying stuff" isn't part of that equation, I'm happy to say.

    --
    Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  14. Why is this here? by epyT-R · · Score: 2

    Who actually uses that site and why is their gullibility to marketing relevant to slashdot readers?

    1. Re:Why is this here? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Slashdot, like Pinterest, is trying to appeal to the female demographic.
      At least that is what the Marketing slime is advising.
      Most men and women don't give a damn about Marketing. But the morons who own websites have become convinced, by Marketing, that Marketing is needed to make a buck. (Why these idiots never consider an actual meatspace job eludes me...)

      There has been a feeling among Internet Surfers that they are the victims of Internet Marketing, but that really isn't the truth at all. They are merely the bait. The real money is made by convincing website owners that Marketing is to be trusted, especially with website money. Fools.

      I thought of a new game for Marketeers, and it's even more fun than the Tar and Feather Gauntlet: Guillotine Ball.
      At the signal, the Guillotine drops, and a Marketeer's head starts bouncing down the steps. It is now in play.
      The object is to keep the head from touching ground, until it sails into the Goal box. Only feet are allowed, or perhaps hockey sticks. No hands, because of Cooties.

      I'd pay good money to watch that.

  15. Wow by Dunbal · · Score: 1

    Companies valued at multiples of billions of dollars are finally trying to come up with some sort of actual business model?

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  16. jeux by omaramrouche188 · · Score: 1

    subway

  17. P-not-interesting by Tom · · Score: 1

    What is this Pinterest for anyway? The only place where I ever see it showing up is when I'm searching for something by image search and the results are spammed with Pinterest links which are all dead to me because you can't get to the original source from there.

    I've made it a habit to exclude the domain from image searches, and that's all it means to me. Anyone found an actual productive use for it?

    --
    Assorted stuff I do sometimes: Lemuria.org
    1. Re:P-not-interesting by apoc.famine · · Score: 1

      They actively flag and remove porn images, so no, no productive use for it.

      --
      Velociraptor = Distiraptor / Timeraptor
  18. I'm in the market for a house by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hey Pintrest, I'm in the market for a house. I'm saving my ass off, and recently got a better paying job so I can save more for the frigging deposit. The house prices in the UK are insane as it is, and it's like I'm playing "Sisyphean Catchup" all the time. Go on, convince me to shop more. My current shopping level: Scrooge. Duration of this level so far: as long as I can remember. I have a car, but I plan to ditch it and get another thousand pounds a year in my savings - I barely drive it anyway, and use public transport in a very cost conscious way.