Did a high end online shopping cart increase your sales?

[n.e.photo]

Hey Everyone,

This question is directed at those who have implemented shopping carts into their online sales such as photocart, redcart, or pickpic.

Now I have studied the carts like crazy, and know their strong and weak points, so I don't need any advice as which one to get.

What I am wondering is for those of you who are using them, did you notice an increase in sales or not after switching over to that method of online sales?

Any input is appreciated.

[dreamcatcher23]

I haven't integrated any of the above carts, but what I can tell you from my personal experience is this:

Content is king. If the photos are great and you can get the audience there, they will sell. The biggest challenge is getting the people there. Are we talking fine art sales, event sales, wedding sales, stock sales or what? clarify.

The next best way to convert sales is to make sure you don't put anyone off. Make it a FAST loading page, have no unneccesarry signups (what's the point in a customer account for one sale from an event? seriously? get rid of it). and make your prices and postal prices clear. Some people will jump through all kinds of hoops if they really want the product... most won't, so be careful you don't turn them off.

The next things to investigate are all small incrimental changes - cross-selling, up-selling, extra products, referral fees etc. etc.

We moved some photos onto a new system that runs much slower and sales dropped by 60% (hundreds and hundreds of dollars), even though the new system is better in EVERY OTHER WAY. You guessed it, we're considering downgrading our system so we can get the speed back, even though the customer service will take longer, our overheads will be (slightly) higher, the range of products is narrower and the system isn't nearly as pretty.

[n.e.photo]

The majority of my work is portrait (weddings, couples, families, etc) so I am just looking at a more involved proofing /shopping cart system if you will.

My idea of thinking is that with the shopping cart, clients may purchase more based on the availability of it all (all of the possible options layed out right in front of them), basically giving them the option to purchase something like a gallery wrap or small album, which they may not have thought of just seeing the photos and making their print selections.

So my question is really for anyone who has implemented a similar shopping cart, and whether they noticed an increase in sales or not.

[Picture North Carolina]

If wedding and events are your game, then Photocart is for you. It does cost a few $, but being very familiar with the new version 5 I can tell you it is a configuration and customization dream. You can find a way to do just about anything with the config you want. And no, I'm not connected with it.

[n.e.photo]

If wedding and events are your game, then Photocart is for you. It does cost a few $, but being very familiar with the new version 5 I can tell you it is a configuration and customization dream. You can find a way to do just about anything with the config you want. And no, I'm not connected with it.

Thanks CannedHeat, I know I am going to be going with one of them for sure, I was just curious if anyone saw an increase in their sales after switching to a shopping cart system :)

[Picture North Carolina]

Thanks CannedHeat, I know I am going to be going with one of them for sure, I was just curious if anyone saw an increase in their sales after switching to a shopping cart system :)

Yes, but I also did extensive work with website redesign, landing pages, seo, etc. So where did the benefit come from?

Which is why answers to your question may be misleading. With the addition of the shopping cart, people may have also done the same plus added google adwords, etc.

I tend to doubt that the act of changing shopping cart methodology can be credited solely with an increase in sales. Potential customers must first be lead to that cart and it is probably those promotional campaigns that are principally responsible for any upswing. Good luck.

[tim]

Print sales are dropping every year for me. I suspect the B&G tells everyone they're getting digital files so just wait until they get the CD.

[Picture North Carolina]

Print sales are dropping every year for me. I suspect the B&G tells everyone they're getting digital files so just wait until they get the CD.

Well.... I'm sure if you just print a label on the CD that files are not to be copied / distributed that will solve the problem... ;) ;)

[tim]

Well.... I'm sure if you just print a label on the CD that files are not to be copied / distributed that will solve the problem... ;) ;)

You know, it could actually help, even if just a little.

[dreamcatcher23]

I think it would help a little bit, especially if you make it brutally clear that it is illegal and offenders will be prosecuted.... don't want them to think you're a douche though.

Also, you could put that images are protected by http://tineye.com/

[Jadam]

I purchased Photocart and it helped me out big. More than paid for itself after my first race with it integrated into my site. My sales went up well over 50%. I assume that it was due to the fact that I looked more professional as well as the convenience of not having to contact me directly to make orders.

[bwolford]

Why would you provide digital files on a CD without your logo watermarked in inconvenient places? If they want high res digital files on CD, charge the average net sales you have for all previous weddings for it. Example, if before this ridiculous trend of CD only delivery you were selling an average of $3000 per wedding, the digital CD with production images is $3000. Othewise, proof CDs are watermarked.

If you are working for the nickel and dime B&G, you give them what they pay for. Cheap = watermarked and low res.