Recently, my team was doing some research for a private client… and came across some information that could save start ups GOBS of wasted money, so I had to share. We’ve all heard the term, “comparing apples and oranges” and that’s exactly what I found going on in the written copy of so many sites geared toward the start up entrepreneur.
We started looking at a variety of start up resources, turn-key options, and business in a box opportunities and came across many, many businesses that claimed to offer the same “ongoing support” for their clients. So, my team went digging and, posing as prospective clients, started asking questions. What does “ongoing support” mean? Do they offer the support that would make a true difference in “belly up and broke” and “profitable out of the gate” for their clients? How could one company offer the same “ongoing support” for their clients at $199 and the others need to charge more than five figures? What was the difference in what they offered?
Please note: The website copy to describe the “ongoing support” was worded almost identically on each site we “shopped” – which prompted our questionning.
What we found was that almost all companies offered “ongoing TECHNICAL support”, which – when we got down to it – basically meant that if your site went down due to an error on their server, you’re covered. They’ll fix it. But what about when you need help with SEO strategies to drive traffic to your site? What if you have pricing questions? Social media questions? Questions about adding new products or perhaps even a service to your site? What about all of the the things that help make or break the success of your investment?
With MOST companies, you’d simply be out of luck. There was one bright spot, though, in our research: www.pure-ecommerce.com. They offer done-for-you e-commerce sites (and other solutions) that INCLUDE 40 hours of real-world consulting. They teach you what you need to know to be successful, not just online. As a result, when a job seeker – turned – entrepreneur emailed my office about a “business in a box” option that was “worth the risk”, we had only one suggestion: www.pure-ecommerce.com.
What does this have to do with you? It’s just a warning to ALWAYS ASK. ALWAYS QUESTION.
