Comments on: 17 Features for E-Commerce Success

By: Justin Vanhove

Justin Vanhove — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:11:48 +0000

I think you hit the nail on the head when with feature #1 about having to log in to check something out. I do not like websites like this becuase they take you a long time just to look at one thing.
I really agree with being sure that you trust the developer you hire and feel that you can stick with him for the long run when it comes to your website.
A lot of times when people switch developers the next developer does not understand some of the code used by the previous one.
It is definitely important to hire someone you trust.
Great List!!

By: 3xp

3xp — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:26:02 +0000

LOL – You may be angry, but I was rolling on the floor laughing when I read this post. I can say that because I have been as angry as you are now over these kind of issues. I especially like number 9. Why is it that they have to question everything that is asked of them. They come acrossed lazy when they do this.

By: Pro designer

Pro designer — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:32:10 +0000

Hey Lan!
I agree with your suggestions…I need some advice..I am above 18 years of age but I don’t have a credit card.I want to shop using paypal so i went to my bank and they said i will not get my card until I present a salary statement of 2 months (which I didn’t had at that time. So I decided to create an account on paypal without verifying my credit card.Is it safe for me to purchase any thing from e commerce websites via paypal with an unverified account?

By: Ian

Ian — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:00:11 +0000

@Alan Great question. Session IDs create huge headaches for SEOs, as they create duplicate content. They also make it harder for folks to quickly link back because of the extra goop in the URL. And it’s just ugly – I’m a very obsessive programmer and I hate – HATE to see those long sessionIDs when I know bloody well they don’t have to be there.

By: Alan

Alan — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:48:58 +0000

Great list. I’ve had many of the features you mention built for me. The SEO payoff has been fantastic.
Would explain #12 in more detail? What is the downside of numerous session IDS

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:21:38 +0000

Waaaaah, I wish we could implement this terrific advice at the place where I work. Unfortunately I’m being held captive by “It’s all about the COOOOOL LOOK” gremlins. And they have more power than I do. :(

By: Daren

Daren — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:19:50 +0000

There are always people who think that e commerce is all about building a web system or online store. They will think the more advance the features are the better chances they have. They think everything can be done by programming. I guess this is the group of people your developer is in.
But in fact e commerce is all about marketing and web system is only a supporting feature. That’s why so many people trying to make money online but only a few who understand the marketing success.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:10:24 +0000

SESSION ID’s! Talk about a pain in the butt when you’re looking at analytics reports.
I’ve worked with clients that were completely convinced that they just needed images, not copy. Images are what sells. “It’s how we communicate our brand.” They loved images and a clever taglines EVERYWHERE that make the owners feel like Mad Men copywriters, yet make their stores search-engine retarded.

By: Charles

Charles — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:08:28 +0000

Great list. It’s ridiculous how many businesses are throwing up a shopping cart and still expect people to use it.
I would add one item to this list.
18. Integrate with Google Website Optimizer or other testing platform. Because if you’re not testing you’re not trying.

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:46:06 +0000

@Thomas Sorry about that. I’ll look into it.
On the login: I agree. Having an OPTION for folks to create a login is great. Forcing them to create a login is not. At least ask them for the login info at the END of the checkout process, instead of the beginning…