Not 'Unique' - should I risk it

[4eyes]

I have a customer site to try and get into Yahoo. The client is willing to pay the Yahoo bribe for review, but I am a little worried about the site not being unique.

The category I am targeting has 5 sites, all of which are able to take orders through shopping-carts.

My clients site is 'phone orders' only.

Other than that they are all much the same - product info and pictures etc. (although ours looks better, of course..ahem)

Is it worth risking the $199?

The client has plans for a shopping-cart but not for 6 months or so.

Which raises another question, he plans on hosting the shopping-cart site on its own domain, although the current site will continue to be his main site. Is there a problem with Yahoo accepting this?

any advice?

[JamesR]

Is it same pictures and products because of being a reseller or affiliate? Is there anything about the site in question that stands out over the rest? Yahoo has been unpredictable lately in situations like this where they could go either way depending on the editor. If you are in doubt, add as much content, product info, help to the user as possible before submitting.

Just for business reasons, I would encourage your client to get a shopping cart ASAP, they are probably loosing a lot of orders. I don;t think having it on another domain would be a problem. Just make sure your submitted domain is useful enough to stand on its own.

[2_much]

Like James said, it'll probably depend on the editor that reviews the site. Since it's a small category, you should be able to get the site listed if you are careful and "craftful" with the submission.

"If you are in doubt, add as much content, product info, help to the user as possible before submitting."

I totally agree with James. Add a few pages with content to the site...maybe an About Us and Testimonials, more product info...Basically, although you sell the same product, you can make your site unique by adding a distinct element that only your site has. Promote this and the editor will consider that the unique element.

As to the shopping cart, it shouldn't hinder your ability to get listed, but like James said, it would help your client profit more from the site.

[Mike_Mackin]

>Add a few pages with content to the site...maybe an About Us and Testimonials, more product info

and maybe a Privacy Policy

[4eyes]

Wow - you moderators are quick off the mark today!

Thanks for that feedback.

They sell equipment from the same manufacturers as their competition, so many of the pictures and specifications are the same.

I beat them up regularly about the shopping-cart option - they understand the need now - just slow to react unfortunately.

I think I might try a 'free' one into the UK directory - which is their target market - and persuade them to delay the 'bribe' until the shopping-cart is live.

thanks again guys

[JamesR]

Good luck with that and let us know how it goes.