407designs ecaoomerce websites

Everything you need to know about selling your product(s)
or service with a Website or Facebook Page

The Purchase Decision There is a known three stage mental processfor the purchase process: want, need, and rationale. A website is unique because it can direct and focus a shopper on each of these stages, along with the added advantage of providing a shopping cart to respond to an impulse buy.

Stage1 Want	Stage2 Need	Stage3 Rationale
You may think that visitors arrive at your website only because they want your product or something similar, not just because they're curious. This may be true but, it can't hurt to reinforce this 'want' and at the same time grab the attention of the 'just curious'. Making someone want something is often done with the glamor shot. On the other hand, especially where you're selling into a niche or micro market, a superb image of just the product may be compelling enough. The basic reasons for wanting something can often be stated in very brief phrases: look cool, be creative, be a hero, be recognized, be more productive, feel secure, attract friends, etc. Longer statements are usually addressing the 'need' not the 'want'.	-Now that the 'want' emotion has been stirred, it's time to create a need. Using 'create' may seem strange in relation to 'need' but, this is exactly what a good promotion has to do. Even if your product is as mundane as a roll of paper towels, it's important to establish the need in your customer's mind. In the case of paper towels, they aren't just for drying up spills anymore; now they kill germs. -If your product has many features, a separate page listing may be appropriate. If you're selling several similar items, a feature comparison page can help the customer decide the best fit to their needs. A page comparing your product features to the competition is good if you offer more or better features. -Once a need is established, your website presentation can move to stage three, providing a rationale.	-The rationale for purchasing is the process of establishing in ones mind a set of valid reasons for buying a particular product. This information will help the customer develop this rationale. This requires a presentation of the hard facts that are specific product attributes, comprising specifications, price, and any special offers. -When appropriate, especially for technical products, a page listing the important product specifications can be very helpful to the customer's process of rationalizing the purchase. Compare the product specifications against those of a competitor where you have a clear advantage. This helps the customer to know that they are doing the right thing. Special pricing is always good for the rationale. You can just hear someone brag. "I got it on sale!".
Summary The three stages of the of the customer's psyche are always there. The astute merchant will find ways to best make their website presentation compelling enough to turn 'want' into 'purchase' or 'contract'.

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