What does that page look like just before you “confirm” or “finalize” an order? This can be a big deal in ecommerce. Ecommerce Web sites should consider what their confirmation page offers, just before online shoppers are completely committed.

I think this Abercromie & Fitch page offers a good example. (more…)

In online shopping, it is common to sign up for an account. Often, an ecommerce Web site will send you an email welcoming you to the site. But it doesn’t always happen. And while it can seem annoying to have an inbox cluttered by welcome emails, I think it’s a good thing to send a “welcome” email. And not just because I had to register on 36 Web sites in order to get the 20 examples I provide here.

A “welcome” email confirms to the customer that s/he has, indeed, signed up. And for the ecommerce Web site, it can be a great marketing tool. After reading all of these registration emails, I can see how an etailer can get added value from sending the right kind of “welcome” email. (more…)

One of the most important pages on your ecommerce Web site is the customer service landing pages. This page often has contact information, and maybe even FAQs. The idea is to make it easy to find, and ensure that the information on the customer service landing page is easy for the customer to use.

Altrec has a rather “ultimate” customer service landing page: (more…)

Not too long ago, I did a post on “Welcome” emails. Since I had to sign up for all those accounts — and newsletters — it only makes sense that I take a look at newsletter emails sent by ecommerce Web sites.

Email newsletters offer great opportunities for highlighting products and services, as well as creating a sense of urgency for a potential customer (special 24-hour Internet-only sale!). And, if done with personalized linking, it is possible to offer customers great deals on products and services they actually want. Unfortunately, most of the email newsletters I received did not address my personal preferences. (more…)

Today I’m going to share my thoughts on gift registries. It is true that most ecommerce Web sites these days call them “wishlists,” but there are a few companies out there that make the distinction. Additionally, wishlists are often kept private and then sent out by choice, or made public by choice. Gift registries are usually public and searchable (makes it easier for guests to make use of it).

I’ve found a few ecommerce Web sites that really make a big deal of offering gift registries — especially for weddings and babies. But other events — birthdays, housewarming parties, anniversaries — are getting play as well in terms of gift registries. (more…)

Wishlists are becoming increasingly popular on ecommerce Web sites. This is due in great deal to the fact that we like to be able to personalize our online shopping experiences. Plus, what happens when you see something you like, but can’t buy right now? With ecommerce wishlists, it is possible to save something you like for later purchasing without having to look all over the Web site to find it again.

As usual, Amazon.com manages to steal the show with its awesome wishlist capability. As you can see below, Amazon offers a variety of different list options in addition to the generically named “wishlist.” (more…)