Why New Online Stores Often Have Trouble Gaining Legitimacy

 (Collaborative Post)

We’re all aware of how many scams there are online. As a website owner, it’s a trend you don’t want to fall prey to or be grouped in with. However, there’s a real issue around new online stores being seen as untrustworthy. This can be for a variety of reasons, but the three below tend to be most common.

The Website Looks Off

Creative website design is a great way to set your site apart from any other retailers in the same niche, but you don’t want to scare your traffic away by being too out there. You need the site to still be easy to navigate and accessibly readable, but you also want to be eye-catching and memorable. 

It’s a fine line to balance, but it’s one you can experiment with and see what your traffic really thinks. If you’re noticing people bouncing off more than usual, there may be something wrong with the current layout. Alternatively, if your site’s retention is higher, you might have struck the jackpot with the design you’ve gone for. 

Long Delivery Times Look Suspicious 

The longer an item takes to arrive, the lower a customer’s confidence. Even if you’re set up and ready to take orders, you’ll need to make sure your delivery partner is just as sound. 

You need to know your products can be packaged and shipped ASAP. No one wants to wait more than 3 to 5 days for their new dress to arrive! Take this into hand from the moment you open up your new store by being transparent about the length of the process, as well as the ways someone can complain if they have a problem. 

Your shipment options need to accurately reflect delivery times. Indeed, if a customer pays premium for next day delivery, it’s important to act within this timeframe. Otherwise, your storefront could very easily be labeled a scam. 

It’s Easier to Take Risks on Low Quality Products

You want your store to be up and running in as little time as possible, and that sometimes means padding out your product catalogue with items that cost little and are easy to ship. However, in doing so, you’re taking risks on low quality, potentially unsustainable products. This isn’t the thing to do if you want your customers to trust you! 

Take your time in finding the right items to list on your website. If you’re a new fashion house, shop around for a reliable womens wholesale clothing supplier before submitting any orders. If you’re selling handmade vases and urns, make sure you’re working with strong materials like clay, glass, and stone that have been sourced ethically and responsibly. 

Don’t take a chance on your supply chain. It may cost more right now, but you’re more likely to attract and retain repeat custom, good reviews, and very few refunds from something ripping or breaking in transit! 

Got an idea for an online store? Build a good reputation by avoiding the mistakes above.