07.20.07
The NEW Shed 18 Directory
We’ve added a directory to Shed 18 where loads of up-to-date information can be found on many subjects.
07.04.07
Unsatisfactory Marketing Trends
Shed 18 Report 3-07-07
Internet Marketing Scams
Of late, the methods employed by some Internet marketers are throwing the business into disrepute and probably causing potential customers not to buy.
I bought a report from a well-known marketer a couple of weeks back priced at $5. I didn’t expect a lot for $5 but I got more than I expected. After paying through Paypal I was redirected back to the seller’s page that consisted solely of a form to join his affiliate system. There was no way to bypass the form.
The form asked for far more than I was prepared to reveal, such as my home address, email address, Paypal email address and telephone number. And it was arranged that every question be answered before proceeding. I was forced to disclose my email address in order to get the instructions to download the report but for the rest I typed rubbish.
There’s another procedure (I nearly wrote scam) that’s becoming more prevalent. You buy a product for, say, $10 and you’re directed to a page which is an OTO; a one-time-offer. You’re offered the rights to resell the product for a further $17 with the ‘close’ and told that it is the only chance you’ll have to accept this fantastic offer. Near the bottom of the page there’s usually a note, upside down in Chinese telling me I’m an idiot for not accepting the fabulous offer that I click to get grudging access to what I’ve paid for.
Why would I want ‘rights’ before I’ve read the report or tried the software? I want to see whether it’s something worthwhile before I put my reputation on the line.
Luckily there are still genuine people about who don’t resort to gimmicks to sell their stuff. Is it a coincidence that these same people aim to ‘over-deliver’. One such is Joe Robson; as far as I’m concerned he’s totally honest. If he says a deal will end on a certain date it does. If he says he’ll only sell 400 units, that’s when the offer closes.
At Shed 18 we’re finding our way. At present we’re acting as conventional shopkeepers. We sell a range of software that’s always available at the same price, any time, just like Microsoft, Macromedia etc. And our software is much easier to use but just as reliable.
We don’t resort to gimmicks. But we shall soon be selling low-priced but meaty technical reports. That is why we’re so concerned about these ‘cowboys’ who are losing the trust of the public and are jeopardizing our business. There are too many smart-asses in Marketing.