| Online Buying Guide |
As our business grows, we have been increasingly using the internet to source consumables, and this has allowed us to consider, in depth, the pros and cons of buying for your home or business online. For us, the process has been painful, as we see online traders ignoring the most basic rules. |
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| Customer Retention |
| So, you've spent many hours and plenty of money developing your site, and marketing, only to find that customers aren't flocking to the checkout, and those that are, only buy once! In online marketing, providing you have the right product, keeping your customer happy is a good way to ensure repeat business, thus maximising your Adwords or Bing budget. |
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| Simple Rules |
| 1. Accurate product descriptions |
| Ensuring the viewer has access to detailed information is imperative. It's not like they can rush to the site and physically pick up or see the product in real life. An accurate description, including any instructions they may need, and what they can expect in the box is a must. |
| 2. Accurate stock indication |
| There is nothing worse than buying something online that you are told is in-stock, only to find that the site is a drop shipper and they have lead times and can't deliver for 3 weeks. If you expect a 3 week lead time, then say so. if you're up front with the consumer, they'll be up front and honest with you. Our advice for anyone who orders and hears nothing for a week is to cancel the order. |
| 3. Delivery Information |
| Make sure that you have a page that outlines what your delivery protocol is. You should state when clients can expect delivery after they've ordered, and be up front about costs. Be clear about returns policies and return carriage. If you're browsing a sitre and cant find the delivery page, dont use the company. |
| 4. Terms and Conditions |
| Make sure that you have terms and conditions available to view on your site. You should also send these with any order by PDF. Avoid sites with no visible Terms and Conditions |
| 5. Contact Information |
| Make sure that the business you're dealing with has a contact number. You'll need to be able to contact them by this number in case of issues. a contact form is not enough. |
| 6. SSL |
| Only buy from sites which have SSL encryption when you reach the checkout. If you can't see the padlock in your browser, buy elsehere. |
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| Businesses who've broken our golden rules |
| Dell |
- Wildly inaccurate delivery estimates |
| Office Supermarket |
- Goods stated as, but not, IN STOCK |
| InterCounty.com |
- Goods stated as, but NOT, IN STOCK |
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- No delivery info page |
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- lied to avoid cancellation |
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| If you know of a business that deserves a mention here, contact us. |
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