Order forms and login passwords

[toolman]

I've been scouting about some order form systems out there and it occurred to me that people just don't keep up with passwords. Think about it. Everywhere you go on the net there's a stinking password for everything.

I'm wondering if repeat customers really remember their passwords on an online store? Is this step an impediment to the sale or a convenience? Should repeat customers be taken through the same process as others and given the option to "remember" their password?

[mdharrold]

I have talked to other people about something similar. The FDA is now (as of 1997) requiring companies to have electronic signatures on certain key documents related to production. The EPA is in the process of adopting a similar program.
If this technology was used globally, you would no longer need a user name, password, or an email account. All of your information could be kept in a central location with mega-bit security and only you would able to use it. This would make online shopping a ton easier for the consumer and the retailer.

[mivox]

All of your information could be kept in a central location with mega-bit security and only you would able to use it.

Realistically, you and who else? I'll skip the central server, thanks. The encrypted storage program I've got on my PDA makes me feel a LOT more secure than having all my data in one, central, most-likely-government-and-law-enforcement-accessible location.

:)

If it's an online store I visit a lot, then I do remember my password. Otherwise, out comes the PDA so I can look it up. And really, I have fewer than 10 passwords I actually use frequently... Probably 5 I use for online accounts regularly, 3 I use for desktop/email/hosting accounts, and a couple more for my PDA apps... If I remember the two PDA passwords, I can retrieve the rest.

I find it remarkable how many I actually DON'T need to look up though... and I'd suspect "Joe Average" uses fewer (and easier to remember) passwords for his miscellaneous accounts, making it even easier for him.

It may not be a big convenience, but it gives folks a sense of security, and that's always a big thing.

[mdharrold]

My explination is lacking.
All of your information is stored with you. When you use it, every aspect is checked against a central database.

Currently I keep a txt file of all my user names and passwords. Almost never need it.

[mivox]

every aspect is checked against a central database

Which means someone must be keeping a central database. As it is, I carry my data with me, and there's no central database involved. (Unless you count the SSA, the IRS and the credit bureaus...)

[Crazy_Fool]

toolman

if online shopping requires me to set up an account with log in and password, i'll go elsewhere. i really don't want or need yet more log ins and passwords. i'm quite happy to enter my name and address and card details every time i want to make a purchase.

if you want to make life easier for customers and retain their details to save them from typing, why not just set a cookie with their name and address? make sure you offer them the option of doing this, and do not save any sensitive information such as their credit card numbers.