Category: commerce

In a discussion about a particular site and would you link to it or not I was appalled to learn that editors of some directories can\’t tell the difference between commercial or not, downgrade commercial sites with high informative content and live in an bygone area.

Particular some of the free directories that rely on \”volunteer\” editors seem to have forgotten to adjust their watches to the new time and must be deaf not to have heard the time signal from Google.

So I took a closer look at DMOZ

After digging round a bit I have to say who would use this? Titles do not reflect what is actually on the page, lots of dead links and redirects.
DMOZ gathers submissions than \”volunteer\” editors edit (usually the hell out of it) and plonk it into a category whose structure no longer reflects the real world.
The search throws up a list of sites whose categorization is all over the place.

From a users perspective: Do I really want just a list of sites that may vaguely reflect my search? Than to go to each and every single one to find out?

So my verdict: These directories are only link mules – yes if you attempt to and get listed you may get some links BUT than it\’s static. No chance to change a mspling or update with a more fitting title as the underlying content has been refined. Lots of start up directories take a feed, blast it in their database and never ever update any.
These directories are actually a scourge as they provide now own content and as such no added value. The perceived value is syphoned off real sites.

For fledgling sites they had the power to help them getting started but that is ancient history nowadays they sadly have the power to ignore them and even worse by doing so may hinder the progress of great content rich sites.

I hope the the big engines devalue further the \”power\” they give to general directories that are just collectors and regurgitators of information not adding any real value except still acting as what I call link mules.

Directories that highlight niche markets or pockets of information, directories or link collections (come on that\’s what they are) on the back of unique and desirable content are a complete different story.

I don\’t mind finding a directory of lets say \”solar power developments\” when searching for advanced solar power technology. But I do mind being confronted with directories when searching for \”Batteries\”. I want the commercial sites and yes OK the odd shopping compare site is rather nice as well. But do I really want a directory of battery related sites – I think not.

Enough ranted – Content is still king and great unique content can and will outperform link mule supported sites anytime.

Expat

Having run on line ecom for the last 2 years I\’ve gained some experience and in exchange with others have generated the following fraud check list:

Don\’t bother – reject – it\’s fraud (on-line / on phone line)

Customer doesn\’t know the cardmember ID (CID) found on the back of the card, indicating that they probably don\’t have the actual Card.

The order is repeated or customer asks that you try lower the amounts when a decline message is received (I always look at the declined messages first).

The order is repeated with- or customer uses different expiration dates when initial attempt fails

An order is split (should be a single large order) or the customer attempts to place a large order using several credit cards to obtain the total amount and/or may use different cards, etc.

Never even dream of accepting or using an authorization center number given by a customer.

Shipping and billing country are different if you dare to accept different addresses which is likely if you run a gift, present or gadget related site.

Reverse IP look up shows anonymous site or an anonymous proxy is used

Fraud Countries: Nigeria, Indonesia (be vary of Singapore and Malaysia) I reject these.

Highly probable fraud

Order is split up to avoid paying \”import taxes\” and/or \”duty fees\” – reuest banktransfer instead

If you request personal information the customer hesitates or there is only scarce information forthcoming.

A purchase of a large quantity of a single item, specifically expensive ones
and/or
there is little or no concern for return policies, warranties and/or rebates.

High Fraud Countries: Romania, Singapore (people from Indonesia will use this and still get it), Ghana, Ukraine, Uganda, Hungary, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovak Republic, Russia, Yugoslavia, Macedonia, Phillipines, Thailand, Malaysia

Initial or follow-up order is more than 3x your average order

Shipping and billing address or country are different without reason

Suspicious

New order or customer tries to make a very large credit card transaction

Customer repeatedly sends e-mail messages requesting confirmation of shipment

The order contains several more expensive items, that are not related / appear random

Customer details entered in all upper or lower case

Cell phone number in combination with \”free\” e-mail account and, to top it, a PO box is used

The order ust be rushed regardless of cost

Some tips:

There is no reason why you cant try to contact a customer and ask for more details or talk to your credit card processor.

It also possible to set a merchant account to pre-authorisation. This requires that each order is accepted within 5 days (manualy) or rejected but there are no transaction fees!

If it sound to be too good to be true it isn\’t.

Be cautious it is cheaper to reject an order and ask for a banktransfer than to loose the whole lot.
Oh and on checks, make sure you know what your bank is doing. This is no joke they most of the times don\’t. When you cash in a foreign cheque and it\’s done under \”negotiation\” you may get the money faster but if the cheque bounces it\’s gone as well.

Just hope it helps
Expat