Question
The new checkout procedure from Andale Stores make absolutely no sense. In fact, it is likely that the new system will cause Andale store owners to lose customers. Let me explain...
Now when a customer visits an Andale store and decides to buy an item by clicking a "buy now" button, they are automatically taken to checkout and asked to provide their shipping information, etc. This makes absolutely no sense since they are going to want to review their shopping cart before checking out. Yes, they will see their shopping cart but ONLY after they enter their shipping information first. Many people will be intimidated by this and likely drop their order.
It might be OK if the customer is only looking to buy a single item and then proceed direct to checkout, but what if the customer is there to make multiple purchases? He decides on the first item by hitting the "buy now" button and expects to see a list of what he has already decided to buy (i.e., to see his shopping cart)...his intention is to continue shopping and not to checkout! But instead of seeing his shopping cart, he is required to provide his shipping information for checkout. He can only continue to shop or view his shopping cart AFTER his shipping information is provided. I don't think many people will be willing to provide their shipping details up-front before they finish shopping...most people want to review their shopping cart total, shipping charges, etc. and then proceed to checkout and enter their shipping and billing information. The current Andale store checkout procedure makes this impossible! The same thing happens when a customer clicks on the shopping cart button...instead of seeing their shopping cart they are directed to a checkout page.
I have contacted Andale regarding this issue. I "think" they may change but who knows. I just wanted other Andale Store owners to be aware and to voice their concerns to Andale to have this changed as soon as possible.
Answer
I've been an Andale user since their earliest days, but recently they've lost touch with what works for their users and what doesn't.
It seems that their accountants and their programmers are on their own, with no customer service or "usability" specialists left.
Answer
Good information to have. Thank you for posting it.
Answer
Just sent an email to my rep. Lets see what kind of story I get.
Answer
Anytime I see that Andale checkout button I ALWAYS hit the back button. ALWAYS-even on things I've really wanted, someone some other time is going to have it again and I won't have to do the checkout.
I also hit the back button on any auction where I see that any form of checkout is required. I've never bid on any of them, either. But I usually on something will stay in the auction long enough to see if it's required.
I'm not comfortable giving my info to a third party, and WILL NOT, ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT fill in any info-I'll take the neg if you tell me after the fact I must checkout.
Andale pictures, gallery, etc. usually cause the auctions to hang for me-always have about 75-80% of the time.