Thanks for asking!
A long time ago (in a galaxy far away), I was a supervisor, then
manager of a tech support department/call center operation. I wish I
could have purchased headsets as easily, back then!
This was my first view of the new website. I was favorably impressed
by the professional look and feel, and the ability to "get shopping"
right away, using the "Are You Looking For... " feature.
I did some "dream shopping" first, looking at what I'd buy with an
unlimited budget. I sighed gently, and headed over to the corded
headsets aisle, choosing Headsets Only, and dialing in in the
necessary features (On-the-Ear, Noise-cancelling) from the pull-down
menus. From the eight different models offered, I selected several
models for comparison, and was able to quickly narrow down the choice
to the GN Netcom Stratus Ultra-G Headset, based on the combination of
features, convenience, and value.
The checkout process was very smooth. The one page checkout is very
efficient. I much prefer a one or two page checkout to the 6-7 step
processes some merchants drag their customers through. I checked
encryption, and sent the order off with a single click. Had the
transaction been "real" it would have been good to verify that I'd
typed the card number correctly. I printed out my confirmation screen,
and also promptly received the confirmation e-mail sent to a
1-time-use disposable e-mail addy.
Overall, I was favorably impressed by the ease of use, the intuitive
navigation, and the ability to move quickly through the website,
finding my items for purchase quite easily.
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Describe your impressions of the site in terms of our credibility.
In other words, do you trust us 100% as you make a purchase?
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As an individual buying up to $500 worth of merchandise, yes, I'd
trust Headsets.com about 90% on first purchase. The last 10% isn't
achieved until the products arrive on time and meet the expectations
formed during the purchase experience.
As an professional making a $5,000 purchase. I wouldn't have done so
without at least a phone call and a request for a bank or customer
reference. There's that little check box on my purchase order...
Perhaps an autoresponder that provides a reference by return e-mail.
I'd think this is probably a pretty universal corporate requirement
for first time purchase.
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Is the website appealing to you in terms of the content, menu
system, information organization, etc?
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The website presents information clearly, at just the right moments.
The category navigation system offers logical choices. I'd like to see
more than three features listed in the short descriptions, but I
realize that it's a tradeoff between appearance and how much info to
offer at that stage.
Well organized! Multiple ways of locating and getting to the deeper
content. I tend to let site navigation design lead me around, but
others search immediately. Both methods are available and intuitive.
The gold on white text of the Headset Wizard didn't catch my eye until
after my purchase.
The category menu system is easy to understand and use. However, since
it scrolls off the top of the screen on most pages, it might be useful
to also list the same six (major) categories on the side menu or offer
a text version of the menu at the bottom of the page. I always
appreciate the ability to navigate directly from my current position
on the page.
The detailed descriptions are very good, well organized. The tabs
simplify finding information via mouse click, without having to
scroll. Technical specs, or a link to manufacturer's website would be
useful for a volume purchasers. As is, customers need to call or
research on their own, and it's getting to the point that if the
entire purchase can't be handled on the spot, the customer can easily
consider another supplier.
The e-mail contained all the good stuff I might want to know, but I
have to admit, as a buyer, I always appreciate being told how to check
on my order status and/or shipping status.
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What tools, if any, helped you make your purchase?
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I used the category visual navigation system. I didn't notice the
Wizard until after I'd made my purchase. I honestly think it's a color
and shape thing -- blends into the background a bit too well.
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Both initially, and after thorough examination of the site, I'm left
with a pleasantly solid impression of both the website and the
business behind it.
Answer Strategy
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Explorations and "purchase" at Headsets.com
Best regards,
---larre |