The number of us pensioners is set to grow exponentially over the new few years and with that growth will come a number of problems that all retailers should address. Today's pensioners often have a level of disposable income which everyone else would die for.
However, we are a canny lot and like, nay expect, value for money but we also have a lot more knowledge of the workings of the internet than we used to.
An internet site which doesn't have a clear pathway for us to follow will immediately put us oldies off. The site needs to be user friendly and whilst a menu is a must for any workable site, too many choices can confuse. Keep it simple, concise and to the point.
Here are a few things that we want to see:
- Any website must be easily read and understood
- Top menu with a contact us in a prominent position which, when clicked on, gives us information on how to get in contact with you, not just an email address but also a phone number as we oldies like to speak to someone who can help us
- Initially a limited number of options within the front menu
- Use of drop downs within the menu which can expand into specific choices
- Please don't ask us to join before we can purchase anything from site, most purchasing is done on a one off basis, we don't see the need to provide our life stories to buy a pair of shoes.
- A payment option which is obviously secure and easy to use
- No hidden charges. Why must we wait until the end of the payment system to find out how much postage and what the delivery dates are likely to be?
- An email to confirm a sale is a must, without that added touch you are likely to be inundated with phone calls from us
Pensioners' spending power is having a growing influence on the internet, ignore us at your peril.
