Building a better storefront
Published By Ryan on Jun.13.2008 at 8:00AM
When you're selling electronics you should give the customer all the details possible. Apple makes sure that you can clearly see what ports are available on their computers.
When storage on the web costs mere pennies why wouldn't you put as much information online as possible? It makes no sense for your customers to struggle for the information they need when making decisions about what product or service is right for them. Give them enough information to help them make an informed decision when buying from your store
There are all sorts of things you can include in your store. Obviously, not everything listed here will be applicable to your site, but there is almost always room for improvement within your site
Product Images
- Show the product from several angles
- Show the product in use
- Show every colour or pattern available
- Provide a 360 degree panorama of your product
- Provide a video of the product's functionality
- Offer enlarged views
- Show close-up photos to highlight the details
Lingerie retailer, Victoria's Secret provides customers with swatches for all available colours. Close-ups of each fabric swatch shows the textures of the fabric as well
Describe the Product
- Have a professional copywriter create a short description about the product
- Tell the customer how it works
- List the product's features for easy consumption
- Provide manufacturing information (ie: Organic, Made in Canada)
- Give dimensions or sizing information
- Put product manuals online
Warehouse superstore Costco puts details easily in the customer's hand. A well-written description, bulleted features, shipping and warranty info is easily located within the page.
There's no sales Rep sitting with them
- Ensure that the price and shipping details are easily found
- If it's on sale, let the customer know what it
did cost - Show stock quantities online and in-store
- Make the return policy and warranty information convenient
- Keep the checkout simple and secure
Future Shop, a Canadian electronics retailer, shows the customer stock availability at up to 4 bricks and mortar locations as well as their online sales stock.
Give them MORE!
- Provide customer reviews. Even a bad review might help you improve your product
- Show the customer accessory options for the product
- If the product isn't made by you, provide a link to the manufacturer's product page
- Show your customer what others have bought along with the item in question
Not only does Amazon show their customers what other people have bought along with the item in question, but they also provide countless product reviews written by other customers