A new website turns internet access into a Colorado marketplace.

The internet has undoubtedly changed the way consumers approach businesses, products, and services. The advent of internet has ushered in a more informed consumer with a host of purchasing options at their disposal. This shift in the marketplace has caused businesses to compete for the consumer on a customer service level as well as a products and service level. The internet allows consumers to perform in-depth research on products, pricing, and services. It also allows them to not only shop locally but search beyond the confines of their local area. In some cases the internet's capabilities have taken some business away from local companies.

Although the internet has formed a virtual marketplace in which a multitude of companies compete for the consumer's business there are still issues that influence the consumer to buy locally. Many factors stand in the way of the internet becoming the sole source of business to consumer transactions and those factors are identity theft susceptibility, credit card fraud, and delay in deliverables.

Today's consumer will most often utilize the internet to do their browsing and shopping online; searching out the best company for the services they need. Since a high percentage of internet shoppers will actually make their final decision and purchase at a retail location, the internet has become the new form of window shopping. The customer can have all the information they need in order to make smart purchases, such as a perusable list of businesses, products, and services. Shop online, buy retail, this seems to be the common practices and it can significantly alleviate the headaches and lengthy time commitment of making a significant purchase.

So where does that leave the local business and more importantly where does that leave the consumer? The local business must devote themselves to higher standards, holding customer service and customer management as the most important aspect of their business function. This, of course, will work if and only if the company is providing a competitive product and service. The local business must become visible to the consumer, establishing an online presence that provides valuable information. Outside of that, the rest of the burden falls upon the consumer.

Search engines such as Yahoo and Google allow consumers to track down local businesses, but how can the consumer be certain they are finding a trustworthy company and more importantly how can they keep revenue within the Colorado economy?

A new website promises the answer to today's sophisticated local market. The Metro Consumer, www.metroconsumer.com is looking to grow a database of Denver and metro area businesses, allowing consumers free access to research, review, and rate local companies. The idea is relatively simple but has been a long time coming. The Metro Consumer brings many similar qualities of existing business resources to the table while at the same time creating an interactive component all its own. The Metro Consumer merges the standards and dispute resolution of the BBB, the interactivity of CitySearch, and the information of consumer reports and makes it available to Colorado consumers only.

What makes this site different from other directory style sites such as CitySearch, Hello Denver, and Dex Media online is the fact that The Metro Consumer boasts companies that are committed to the satisfaction of the local consumer. Businesses listed on the site must agree to follow a Code of Ethics which emphasizes valuing the consumer. The Metro Consumer is designed to be a liaison between consumer and business resolving disputes and contributing to the overall enhancement of the buying experience. Owner and President of the company Ed Sanchez states, "Happy consumers are repeat customers and our business members know this. Our site makes certain that Colorado companies are keeping the customer satisfied by allowing them to provide feedback and giving them an incentive to do so."

You can find out more about The Metro Consumer by visiting www.metroconsumer.com . The Metro Consumer is currently looking for quality Colorado businesses to list on their website and is looking for consumers to recommend companies that they would like to see on the site.

For more information email ed@metroconsumer.com or call 303.920.1206