Ecommerce Phone Opinions Needed

[ryanb4614]

Hello... My website is not my main job. I have a full time job during the day and then process orders at night. I send them to my drop shipper. I have recently been asked by customers if there is a phone number they can contact my store.
I believe if a shopper is shopping online they are looking for the online experience and not needing to talk to anyone. Best means of communication with me is email.

What are you thoughts about a phone number for a website, for one that I would not be able to stand by a phone 24/7. Should I get virtual office store with extensions with information for the customer sort of like a FAQ and then ask them to leave their email for a response?

What the pros vs cons and your opinions?

Thank you!

[JEccles]

I simply had a cell phone number that I listed on my old site. I would call people back on my breaks, or when I got home in the evenings.

[aqinm78]

Dear truly speaking i could not under stand your query. Let me say one thing the one who is running virtual shop, how could he be that short of resources, that he cannot develop a customer service. I feel you should go for customer services center, this will help you to increase your business. The shopper who is not been able to buy through your site can contact you and get help.

[roban]

A phone number is very important for customers to feel more at ease. I will not buy from anyone who doesn't have a phone number and preferably an 800 number. If something goes wrong with an order I want to speak to someone NOW and not take my chances with an e-mail.

A phone number goes a long way to help validate the integrity of a site.

[Alfred23]

How about direct mobile billing? In my opinion, a company that offers the ability to process payments via mobile devices can help a business increase both efficiency and profitability while greatly improving user experience.

[rogerwaldrup]

Your phone number establishes your credibility... as a telephone number ensures prompt reply in times of queries, People will be more than willing to buy from you only if you have a phone number listed on your website.

[jkirkerx]

People do call, nothing you can do about it but pick up the phone. For every 20 orders, 1 person calls, that's our ratio. Just do the cell phone.