Forum Moderators: buckworks
We need to renew our SSL certificate and we were wondering if its worth to invest an extra $300 to get a Verisign certificate and be able to display their seal. Do you think this will translate to better sales rate?
Thanks!
It depends on your customer demographic as to whether or not brand name recognition plays a part in increasing sales.
Low assurance certificates are validated against domain names, while high assurance certificates are validated against the business.
In the past we have been able to get away with the cheap low assurance certificates, because the user cant tell the differnce (unless they are really savy).
With IE7, Low Assurance certificates will display with a warning message, or a yellow url bar instead of green.
Low Assurance certificates will stick out like a sore thumb. And with Microsoft forcing updates on average consumers, IE7 will be implemented pretty quick, once it rolls out.
Now other companies other than Verisign offer high assurancce certificates (at a higher price), but the days of getting single or double digit certificates and running a credible business will soon be over.
We typically include an opening paragraph that let's the user know that the information they are submitting is being transmitted securely via SSL. Very few consumers even know what SSL is. They need it in writing.
While I think the seals add a level of credibility, there needs to be a bit more than that. Paying $300 for something you can get for less than $50 just doesn't add up for me.
I'm also finding that the dynamic seals can present performance issues depending on the response time of their servers.
More Sales?
Seals of credibility usually perform well. BBB, Chambers, Organizations, Memberships, etc.
I'm also finding that the dynamic seals can present performance issues depending on the response time of their servers.
I had to send in Article of Incorporation, banking information and other forms of proof of company name business and website address.
2 year certificate was 160 bucks or close to it..verisign wanted 350 a year or more. Really can't remember the exact cost all I know there was a big difference.
please explain
''Low assurance certificates are validated against domain names''
"high assurance certificates are validated against the business"
I would assume from what I had to prove I have a high assurance certificate at a low price....Be intresting to see as I don't want to find out the hard way..
With a low assurance certificate, they do very little if not checking, other than seeing if the domain name is valid, and your phone number works.
At least Verisign has lowered it prices to a point where it is at least worth considering.
I did a check of several sites that used Verisign, and most of them don't even bother showing that they are using Verisign on the home page, or any page other than the final checkout.
You think if some company is going to pay a premium for Verisign, then they would show the seal on the home page to tell the customer instantly they are using a branded trusted certificate.
Or maybe it has reached the point, where the customer does not care or have a clue about certificates.
In which case, Verisign is losing its branding power as a trusted site.
I know of a few sites that are making close to 10 million dollars in sales, and they are to cheap to use Verisign. Makes you wonder.
Oranges ar Orangers no matter what you pay for them I assume it isn't about being cheap it is a matter of not needing to overpay for a product that is just as good if not better.
Remember when the Toyota began selling cars in the USA they were labled "cheap" and snubbed by the elite well seems to me that has changed quite a bit and I feel why overpay some company so they can pay some CEO a quadzillion to say we are the best...My feelings is who cares...Google uses the cheapest servers switches ect. to run their business why not I be smart and do the same.
I agree with you some are just to cheap and not worth getting.
I thought by what I had to do to get certified I had a good cert. just is 99.00 verses 300.00 I am no brain surgeon but this was a no brainer for me.
[verisign.com...]
Or maybe it has reached the point, where the customer does not care or have a clue about certificates.
Most customers are clueless when it comes to SSL. Again, you usually have to provide it in writing somewhere on the page where they are submitting personal/financial information etc. The seal itself is just one part of the equation.
Comodo is actually offering free upgrades to the new high assurance certificate standard, when it is available.
If you have a low assurance certificate, this might be the time to upgrade to a high assurance certificate.
Once IE7 is out and alot of websites start showing the yellow bar, the certificate authorities are going to realize their is going to be cash cow in this. Im going to upgrade now, rather than risk getting milked later.
Once IE7 is out and alot of websites start showing the yellow bar, the certificate authorities are going to realize their is going to be cash cow in this.
Yellow bar is for suspected phishing sites, not low-assurance certs.
If it's about trust, spend whatever you want, but I think there are other things to do that many customers will respond positively to.
Join BBB-Online and display their icon. Make sure a link to your About Us page is prominent, and the page includes contact info. If you can, point out how long you've been selling on the web and other company background info. Make sure your Contact page is complete, with addresses, phone numbers, etc. Offer a link to your privacy policy and security-practices pages. Got testimonials? Have you been featured in the business press? - if so, provide a link to that and any documentation of community (either physical or web) service/participation.
And most importantly, make sure your site is styled and presented to instill a sense of trust in your customers, that you respect them and their private information, and that you'll be there for them should something go wrong with either your products or your service.
