1. AdultShop: Who says sex doesn't sell?
Category
Adult/Lifestyle
Overall impression and usability
This site has just about got everything right--this is one place where the batteries really are included. The site is easy to use, and the customer can either take their time browsing through the site, or quickly find a specific product and get out. The site also allays the fears customers may have with respect to security, privacy, and discrete packaging and billing desired by most customers when buying in this field.
The staff at AdultShop certainly don't take things too seriously, with some fantastic product descriptions--double entendres and quips abound.
Hits
- The site is clearly professional and boasts positive imagery, and does not contain derogatory comments on people's preferences.
- It is easy for the customer to find what they are after, with a list of categories presented on the home page to allow quick and easy access to a range of specific products. More specific subcategories are then presented to the customer for a more specific search.
- Customers have the option to sign up to a mailing list to receive updates from Adult Shop.
- A range of free services are provided on the site which are likely to be of interest to customers, but also promote the products for sale on the site. These include fun e-postcards customers can send to friends, a question and answer section on sexual issues, competitions, hints and tips, Q&A, guides, and help on choosing the right product.
- The site also promotes itself to Web site affiliates. It offers 25 percent commission to owners of Web sites who sell any of their products on their site. This is a clever way of getting their product across on Web sites other than their own, even to customers who would not otherwise visit an adult Web site.
- The site contains corporate information for investors.
- Information on how to use the site is available to new customers, and people broadening their horizons for the first time.
- Adult Shop has not forgotten about the browsers unwilling to purchase online. The alternative provided is purchasing over the phone, using either credit card or cheque. For those customers willing to purchase online, the details required are kept to a minimum, unlike some other sites that demand huge amounts of information from the customer in order for them to make a purchase.
- The site shows it is aware of the need for discretion when selling erotic goods. It promises that goods are delivered in plain packaging, and that the credit card statement will only show ashop.com. The customer does not have to be home to receive their goods, as it will be taken to the customer's nearest post office held there until collected.
- Batteries are included with all products.
- A safe trade warranty is offered for all customers, so that if a customer's card is used fraudulently the customer is protected for up to AU$2000.
Misses
- Customers can only return a product if it is defective. Refunds and exchanges are not offered under any other circumstances, which may deter some customers from making a purchase.
Purchasing procedure
- If purchasing online, the process is simple. The customer is kept informed as to how far through the purchase process they are.
Security
- The privacy and security of the customer is guaranteed, as the site uses encryption technology.
ePharmacy currently has 3 staff members. It proves that you do not have to have a massive business structure to have a successful e-commerce business.