Bounce rate vs offering loan service on site

[hardtofindusername]

I am in a bit of a pickle. We sell high dollar items that range from $1,000 - $2500. On the site is a link to "Get Financing" through a major financial institution.

I have spoken to a number of customers that have said they weren't going to buy now but are going to use the "apply for financing" link. Based on conversations I am thinking that this is contributing to our bounce rate.

The delima is, are we shooting ourselves in the foot by offering a link out of our site i/e: killing the heat of the moment purchase?

What if they get denied and say forget it? My thinking was, we can offer financing for people that might not have the money, however people that don't have $1000 - $2500 usually don't have good enough credit for a personal loan anyways.

I like the link because it also lends credibility to our brand but what if everyone is clicking on the link and we are losing sales?

any input Please!

Thanks.

[caveman]

Why don't you just do an A/B test and find out? This one might be complex enough that you need to think through exactly how to run it, and you'll probably need to give it some time, e.g., perhaps a month. But it's probably testable.

[Staffa]

How about looking at it this way : Would you not rather have that "the heat of the moment" purchase gets killed rather than that they buy and then can't get the credit.

What would be the bigger loss ?

Also, does your link open in a new window, that way, at some point, your visitor will see your site again.