21 Feb 2008 10:58:02 | David Coyne
Let’s face it. Buying products and services from the Internet
can be a bit intimidating.
You may have no idea where the online merchant is located. You
may not know how safe your personal and credit card information
will be.
You may be unsure if you’ll even get the product or what to do
if the product is broken when it arrives at your door.
These types of concerns are what you are up against when you
sell products from a website.
Here some tips to build credibility with potential customers.
1. Include all your contact information on your homepage. Your
phone and fax numbers, e-mail address, etc. List the hours
you’re available to take customers’ phone calls.
2. Offer a money-back guarantee. This is a must, especially if
you’re selling higher price items. Mention your guarantee at
least a couple of times in your copy.
The more details you give about your guarantee the more
comfortable your prospect will feel. Your guarantee should be
valid for at least 30 days after the purchase and it’s best to
have a “no-questions-asked” return policy.
Be prompt in refunding the customer’s money
3. Tell your site visitors how their credit card and personal
information will be protected if they buy from you.
Do you use a secure,encrypted server to process their
transaction? Tell them. I have this info spelled out right below
the “Buy Now” button on my website.
If you use a online credit card processing company like PayPal,
be sure to include the credit card buyer protection policy and
merchant verification process. People want to know how they’ll
be protected against credit card fraud.
My credit card processing company, PaySystems
(http://www.revecom.com) has a 100% guarantee against credit
card fraud. Customers can click on hyperlink to read the
guarantee before they actually fill out any credit card and
personal information.
4. Use testimonials from satisfied customers. Nothing helps sell
a product like a happy buyer. The more detailed the testimonial
the better. Be sure to get your customer’s permission before you
quote him or her in your marketing material.
Always use the customer’s first and last name, company name and
title (if applicable) and their location.
I think you’re less likely to believe a testimonial if it’s just
signed “J. Doe” instead of “John Doe, President, XYZ Company,
Houston, Texas.”
5. List your credentials or experience on your website or in
your ezine. Again, the key is the more a customer knows about
who they are dealing with, the more assured they going to feel
doing business with you.
By putting these suggestions into action, you’re bound to have a
happy group of customers. And good “word-of-mouth” is the
cheapest, and most effective form of advertising.
About Author :
David Coyne is a marketing consultant and information publisher.
