Information for Consumers
Why SiteTrust Network?
The SiteTrust Network service arose out of personal experience as an online consumer and as a web site owner.
Many people prefer to buy products from auction sites like eBay rather than through small online stores. This preference centers around the feedback ratings provided by online auction sites.
When purchasing printer refill ink from eBay, one can view the feedback history and comments concerning the seller prior to making a purchase decision. The feedback system is transparent and reliable, as it is virtually impossible for the seller to tamper with his/her feedback rating.
The same does not apply to online stores - particularly those that do not have physical stores or prior history with the customer. Despite 'testimonial' pages that some online stores publish, there is no easy way to gauge the customer satisfaction of previous consumers. For all you know, the site has had thousands of satisfied customers - or none.
SiteTrust Network serves to reduce the uncertainty you face when visiting stores that you are not familiar with. We provide a report of the site, along with feedback submitted by other customers and verified by us. While we cannot provide any guarantees as to the reliability the website, we aim to provide online shoppers with access to more information concerning online merchants and their previous customers. Our aim is not to convince customers to puchase from a merchant site, rather we enable visitors to make the decision to purchase or not to purchase with a greater degree of certainty.
On top of the provision of customer feedback, all SiteTrust Network web sites must meet our pre-established criteria. This lets you know that the merchant at least meets a minimum level of service standards. All approved sites are featured in our approved merchants directory.
