Is it just us?

[BuyCheapCondoms]

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Having had our server updated at the weekend, I've been checking our visitor logs and while conversion rates remain very good (around 1 in 5 visitors to our site buys something ) - I have also noticed an increased tendency this week for visitors to look around the site, add items to their basket, then go and check the latest delivery dates for Christmas via our menu, at which point they then abandon their basket.

Now presumably, since we still have delivery for a couple of weeks yet (our last delivery dates are very near Christmas) these are people who will come back later (I hope!)

Question is, what do I do about this

a) leave things as they are and hope these visitors come back
b) remove the last delivery dates from the site until nearer Christmas

What do you think? Anyone else noticed the same?

[renegade]

When I'm shopping online I'll only add items that are listed in-stock and I'm expecting next or 3 day delivery maximum on everything.
Anything which hints at or suggests this is not the case is enough to get me shop elsewhere.
I just placed an order with IWOOT - all items were "In Stock" on the site but the order came through, one item on 14 days and another on 7 days - but I'm too lazy to cancel my order so being slightly dishonest will get you more orders - the downside is you might get more hassle so it's a tricky call.

[Mogga]

At the "latest delivery dates for Christmas via our menu," point remind them of the discount they'll get for ordering prior to last shopping day (or remind them of the discount you offer)
some extra hook for the "not ready to order yet"
Can your cart save contents if they have an account? making it easier for them to come back and finish it off would be helpful (It might be already but you need to point these things out to people)

[John Jupp]

A lot of user friendly merchant websites have the expected delivery date next to the add to cart so the customer can immediately see when expected delivery (from today) would arrive. All before proceeding to checkout.

Saves time, bandwidth and unnecessary click throughs. Also enhances customer experience.