Comments on: Ahem, If You Try To Sell Something You Gotta Make Sure Your Shop Works

By: Vince

Vince — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:23:28 +0000

#3 is unfortunately all too common.

Especially when buying games online, you get bombarded with additional fees and taxes after going through the hassle of filling in your information. On several occasions I cancelled purchases because they suddenly added 20% tax, pay pal fee, etc.

Maybe I’m just spoiled because around here (Germany) your are required by law to include all fees and taxes in the price. Also shipping costs have to be clearly stated and have to be easily accessible.

By: Sargon

Sargon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:26:32 +0000

Juuso, it is true that it doesn’t help the consumer, but it might help google or some coorporation.
For instance, maybe google don’t want a situation that you don’t get any ads in the google ads space. So it put some junk ads when it doesn’t have real ads to put.
Some companies are trying to lure you, they advertise they sell one product, and when you reach their website, they try to sell you a different product.
I assume it works on some people.
It could be something more sinister or diabolic, like creating demand for google ads.
Then charge more for each ad because others are trying to buy the same ad space, while these others are actually virtual companies with junk ads, that make it seem there is alot of demand.
Just a couple of thought.

My point is, it isn’t necesseraly a mistake or an unintentional bug.

By: Juuso Hietalahti

Juuso Hietalahti — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:10:56 +0000

Sargon, I think Jake means here that if you are advertising “buy cell phones here” and when you click the ad link you see a page about “order pizzas online” it doesn’t exactly help much… since the buyer was after cell phones, not pizzas.

Anyways… I went to a real shop. They didn’t have a good stapler there.

…so the hunt continues…

By: Sargon

Sargon — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:25:21 +0000

Actually, don’t be so sure its a waste of google ad money.
There are some weird things going on on the internet.
For instance, alot of weird companies would buy your domain, if you forget to renew it after a year. Then, those straw companies won’t even sell you the domain back if you ask from them.
I think the reason companies or fake companies, buy google ads and domains, is to increase demand.
If there is increased demand for google ads, then people will have to pay more for these ads. The same thing with domains.
I know these kind of things happen in tangible products, so why not virtual products and services as well?

By: Jake Birkett

Jake Birkett — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:40:19 +0000

Agree with the idea of going to a “real” shop :-)

Yeah I often click on google ads after typing in a product name to find the page does not have the product on it! This is such a waste of google ad money as it will result in very low conversion rates.

By: desertdweller

desertdweller — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:23:11 +0000

“If it’s fun to spend money advertising something you don’t have, why not also make a bonfire using dollar bills?”

I love that line. :)

Good blog post.

By: Juuso Hietalahti

Juuso Hietalahti — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:00:33 +0000

Yeh, but your tip certainly would help me actually get that stapler… :)

By: Sargon

Sargon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:17:34 +0000

True, its not the point of the article. :P

By: Juuso Hietalahti

Juuso Hietalahti — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:52:17 +0000

Like friend of mine keeps saying in these type of cases “Good thinking Watson” :)

By: Sargon

Sargon — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:49:52 +0000

Probably mich more easier and faster to go to a nearby shop to buy a stapler.
Plus, you get up of the computer and get out a bit.