Do your customers trust your ecommerce site?

As with all business transactions, trust is at the heart of every sale. How can you make your customers trust your ecommerce website and increase sales?

We’ve all been on THAT website – you know the one, it looks like it was built in 1995 and you wouldn’t ever trust it with your credit card. No ecommerce entrepreneur wants to be in that position.

What does your ecommerce site need for your customers to trust (and buy from) it?

Contact information

Without any doubt, displaying contact information is the most important trust factor for customers. Your ecommerce website should prominently display a phone number and email address, which allows prospective or existing customers to get in touch.

It goes without saying that you need to respond to their queries as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to keep them happy.

Privacy statement

You also need a privacy statement – this isn’t just a question of displaying small print at the bottom of your page, but a qualified statement that shows how you will use their personal information.

You could use a standard statement from a trusted provider such as TRUSTe, for example.

Reviews

An easy way of gaining prospective customers’ trust is to display testimonials and reviews. These need not all be 100% positive, either – negative feedback from customers is normal and, as long as you can address the problem, will not hurt your website.

Transparency is valued by internet users, so ensure reviews and testimonials are genuine. Customers can tell the difference.

SSL certificate logo

A branded SSL certificate displayed on your website is another easy way to gain customers’ trust. SSL certificates are used on the majority of successful ecommerce websites.

VeriSign is the most recognised name, and it (rightly) conveys the message that your ecommerce website is safe and secure for sales transactions.

Returns policy

Displaying a clear, no questions asked, returns policy is also key to gaining customers’ trust. Because of the inherent nature of online shopping, customers are unable to feel and play around with goods before buying them.

By showing that it isn’t difficult for them to return an unwanted or damaged item will hugely benefit your online sales.

What tricks do you use for encouraging customers to trust your website and buy from you?