We discussed this before implementing the user account feature in our cart, and decided to require the information before checking out. We also never store the credit card number at all. There are a few practical considerations. First, real time shipping requires accurate zip code and country data. Humans make typos. Having an account in place before checkout with a validation process can remove complexity and considerable amounts of time once into the checkout process.
Secondly, I personally probably spend more money online than off (if you take out cigs and coke :)), but I would not continue to buy from a place that made me type in all of my information continually, and if two places have the same item, even if the site which has a longer checkout time has a lower price, I'll go for the more expensive, less time consuming way. I have an unwritten rule that I will pay $20 for convienience. What that means is that if you have a more convienient checkout, at least with me, you can have a better profit margin. Is someone really serious about buying something if they are not willing to type in their information into the site? They have to give you their information either way... The last bit of reasoning I fall back on is based on my time answering phones from people interested in buying what we were selling. Anytime you have to put a person on hold to get a piece of info, always get a phone number. Not only do you have their phone number just in case, the person on the other line has now entered into a transaction with you and is in the buying mode, and are much less likely to hang up. Basic sales... jon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nathan Stanford" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "CF-Community" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 2:09 PM Subject: Should Mandatory Sign up when Shopping be required? > Question: > > Several websites when you decide to buy a product they have you sign up. > This way next time you come there you do not have to fill out your > information again. > > Should this be required when you do this? > > > > > Nathan Stanford > ______________________________________________________________________ Structure your ColdFusion code with Fusebox. Get the official book at http://www.fusionauthority.com/bkinfo.cfm Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/cf-community@houseoffusion.com/ Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/index.cfm?sidebar=lists
