The original draft contained the links to the shop in question but I decided not to deliver like the webshop in question.
Sometimes, people take things for granted after positive experiences with something. Online shopping is a prime example. Buying online is a thing now. Everyone has pretty much nailed the concept. Well, there’s always some exceptions to the rule.
About 15 days ago I placed an order with a webshop which I’ll definitely name – because otherwise, how can I used them as an example during this rant? – where I’d bought some products before. It was a gamble thost two times. And the third time I lost. Let’s look at a practical use case for a dysfunctional webshop.
How not to run a modern webshop
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Use a domain name no-one will remember, ever, such as http://www.alongandcomplexname.coml/webstore/main/ because return visits are obviously overrated. Right?
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Use a webshop system that peaked around the start of the 21th century, probably before 9/11.
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Have a non-existant inventory system. If you order a product there’s a 50% chance you’ll need to wait a week or two, because the webshop doesn’t have an inventory. Neither is there any indication of a possible time you’d need to wait. Which, if you’re buying a €300 product, is bloody ridiculous.
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Use shipping prices which don’t make sense. Giving people the option for “free” or “paid” shipping but free shipping will only actually be given for certain amounts of money? Hey, why the hell not? I mean, it’s not like systems like WooCommerce or Prestashop exist, who can automatically calculate this stuff based on your baskets’ content.
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Logistics that make sense? Nah. We, uhm… have your product now but no longer have the product we originally had, because you had to wait for 15 days. We might have sold it in the meanwhile. Or we just can’t find it. Shit.
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Arguing with customers. Look, I get it. Sometimes, the customer is a PITA. But there’s still no reason to argue with them. Especially when you turn out to be wrong about something. It’s not really a confidence booster for repeat purchases.