One issue that keeps coming up in my one-on-one work with crafters is that it's not crystal-clear how someone will give them money.
If your site visitors don't know HOW to give you money, then they probably won't!
Here's a quick list of ways you are making it hard for me (or anyone!) to give you money:
- It's not clear what you do, or that you take money to do that thing
- You have an Etsy or Artfire shop, but I can't find it on your website (or your blogger blog). If I have to scroll down to find it, it's too hard to find.
- You sell in ways other than Etsy, but I can't find that information.
- I'm not sure WHY I would buy from you. What are the benefits? What makes your thing different than Joe's thing?
- I don't know who you are. If your About page describes a faceless business, I'm not going to get that thrill of buying from a real, live person.
- You only have an Etsy or Artfire shop, so I don't know how to find more about you. I can't get to know you via Twitter or a blog or an About page.
- You list your prices in your country's currency. What is it going to cost me, a self-involved American?
This is only a partial list!
Do you have examples of what businesses do that makes it hard to buy from?
Share it in the comments!
Kristi aka Fiber Fool
October 5, 2010 at 5:56 pm (14 years ago)There a couple different businesses whose shopping cart software won’t complete the check out process in FireFox on Macs. I have to be really motivated and use a different browser to buy from them. I usually end up skipping it.
Ally F.
October 5, 2010 at 6:02 pm (14 years ago)Well, as a self-involved Canadian ;), if a place doesn’t specify that they ship to Canada, in general I will not contact them to find out if they will.
If a seller has worked out the international shipping and has concluded they don’t want to do it and therefore won’t offer it, that’s one thing. But if you COULD ship internationally without cutting into your profit margin, why would you not have that option available? And not as a “Contact me for international shipping!” thing either, unless you have oddly shaped or especially bulky items as one of my fave vintage sellers does — and she makes it VERY clear she WANTS international business.
Honestly, if I want to buy it, I want to buy it right then, so if someone is offering international shipping without the extra step of contact then I’m buying from them.
Kylie
October 5, 2010 at 7:07 pm (14 years ago)I can’t bear it when people don’t list their prices clearly or at all. I usually end up assuming the item is more than I afford. Or I make a note that I need to call or email them, which usually falls right off the To Do list.
karen
October 5, 2010 at 11:34 pm (14 years ago)if prices aren’t listed… i don’t like having to email someone or fill out a contact form to get a price list.
i get that some do custom work that is priced on a case by case basis, that’s fine. but why not have some ‘buy it now’ stuff too. if i love it, maybe i will hire you later for the pricey custom stuff.
Anonymous
October 6, 2010 at 4:18 pm (14 years ago)Oh, yes! The dreaded hidden pricing!
This is especially bad at craft shows, where you might be embarrased if the
price is out of your range and you are standing RIGHT THERE!
Thanks!
Anonymous
October 6, 2010 at 4:21 pm (14 years ago)Yes! I usually forget all about shipping (and don’t pay attention to the
country the person is from) and then BAM ginormous shipping charges or
(worse!) they don’t ship to me 🙁
Thanks for reminding me to make this more clear on my own yarny site!
Anonymous
October 6, 2010 at 4:23 pm (14 years ago)Oh, this is a great reminder to double check in different browsers (and
have your friends do the same)!
Thanks for the reminder!