Things You'll Need:
- Internet
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Step 1
If purchasing at an online store, check for a physical address, a 1-800 number, a verified business seal, and customer reviews from ANOTHER website. Never make a judgment on a product or service based on the testimonials a company will put on their website. Whether they are factual or not, a company or individual will always "cherry pick" their testimonials to make them look as good as possible. Get the real story on other websites.
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Step 2
To reinforce the above step, take measures to make sure the information they ARE giving out is LEGIT. Anyone can type in a 1-800 number, Photoshop a stock photo of an office, and copy and paste a business seal. If they have a number, call it to make sure it actually works. Actually click the seal to see if it opens a pop up window saying the seal is STILL valid. Many businesses have security seals that are placed on their website but haven't been valid for years -- and the only way you will know is if you click that seal!
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Step 3
If they ask for your Social Security or Driver's License number, forget it. No legit seller needs this information. Why? Do you walk into a Walmart and buy something and have the cashier ask for this information? Then why should you give it out online? Treat an online marketplace with the same level (if not higher level) of awareness as to what exactly they need from you to confirm an order or pay for something.
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Step 4
As a seller online, make sure you abide by the steps above and also follow these steps to gain your customer's trust:
Post photos of your merchandise. I can tell you from experience I never buy from an establishment if they don't show photos. To me, it shows a lack of effort, and also makes me weary of their motivations if they don't HAVE the effort to place photos of their products!
If selling on eBay, publically explain on your auction page how you will protect the buyer with insurance or refund policies. This will put them at ease and make them trust you. After all, you are going out of your way to accomodate them -- as all sellers should.
Comments
amberdawn said
on 10/28/2008 Good tips, thank you. 5*
amberdawn said
on 10/28/2008 Good tips, thank you. 5*
iamageniuster said
on 10/26/2008 Awesome tips you're sharing. Great advice. 5 stars!
Addonis said
on 10/3/2008 great work 5 stars