A whopping 65 percent of the 1,100 U.S. Internet users that were surveyed won't patronize a poorly designed site — even that of a favorite brand — and 30 percent reported that Web site design is more important than a great product. Even rock-bottom prices only persuaded 4 percent to shop on a poorly designed Web site.

What's worse is that nearly 30 percent stop buying from their favorite offline store if their online experience is poor.

It is obvious that a well-designed website is necessary to have a successful ecommerce website. If you lose 65% of your loyal customers online -- 30% stop purchasing from you altogether -- you can't afford NOT to have your website redesigned.

If you have an ecommerce site, I think it is necessary to commence usability testing and/or focus groups to ensure you website is successfully selling your products to consumers. The cost shouldnt matter; you might be losing that much EACH MONTH if your website is ineffective.

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