Another friendly suggestion for directory owners

To all directory owners who do not already do so:

Please state the term length of each listing package (monthly, yearly, or permanent) directly on the submission page.

As a frequent directory submitter, I don't like it when I have to fill-out a submission form and click "Submit" before I have access to the term of the listing for the given price. Am I paying $39.95 for a permanent or yearly listing? I don't know!

I think submitters would greatly appreciate it if directory owners would openly display the precise terms of each link package directly on the submission form itself.

"$$/month"
"$$/year"
"Permanent"

Just my 2¢.

 

Ya thats always necessary.
I also find these details missing on most of the newly coming directories.

 

99% it is new directory owners that do this - a hitch on there behalf for not taking time out to write a few sentences.
.

 

That is not true. I have seen it on many directories, young and old. Here is a PR5 example:

dirflux.com/submit.php

I submitted the $34.95 option, and it wasn't until the next page that I was informed that the fee is yearly. I paid anyway, but that's not the point. It's important to be clear with customers.

 

My policies are clearly stated on my submission pages...
Reg reviews are perm, forever, for eternity...
Featured are for one year and moved to a bottom category if not renewed and then reg rules apply...

 

actually, i wld think that its because the default is usually a permanent one-time fee. Usually (and I've not been proven wrong yet) if its not stated, its a one-time permanent fee. Only those that charges annually will state it clearly..... so its not such a big problem for me.

 

Did you read my previous example? It's a PR5 directory that charges yearly, but one doesn't find that out until AFTER one has invested time in submitting. All the submission page states is "Featured (5 additional links) $34.97."

 

yea you are right
its a hassle goin through all the submission process only to find this out at the payment stage

dont forget directory owners are submitters too

 

Yes, which makes it even more confusing as to why they would leave out such critical information.

 

I think this is also a big reason why some directory owners experience abandoned submissions; a related thread regarding unpaid submissions and similar sugestions were made awhile back:

3. Clearly define the pricing/term on the submission form. Nobody likes finding out it's an annual fee after the fact. I think this accounts for a large number of abandoned submissions. You fill out the submission form thinking it's a one time fee only to find out otherwise on the payment page. Look at it from the submitter's perspective.

 

on my California Directory you will find details on guideline.
but i agree lots of directory don't mention if its yearly or permanent listing.

 

Exactly. Directory owners must put themselves in the shoes of submitters.

Most of the time I overlook it and submit anyway, but there have been several instances in which I have abandoned a submission because I felt that it was done intentionally. Why should I do business with someone who can't be up-front with me about the price? It also make me think, "OK, what else is this guy not up-front about?"

 

I think it is usualy those who offers yearly option that does that. If it is perm, then there is no point hiding them.

 

In the past it was pretty much the accepted practice that if no terms were posted, the listing were permanent; those that did offer annual listings usually posted that fact.

Lately, it's hard to tell until you reach the payment page, at which time it's really too late. I wonder if submitters have the feeling that they were somehow deceived when they realize it's annual?

 

ok, guess i've not submitted there yet then.

at least, i wld assume its permanent if not stated, and like you, i will feel cheated if the annual listing fee appears only AFTER submission is done. But perhaps these cases are far and few between?

 

those terms are always stated on my directory and people know when the click which submission type they want. I do not want people having to think about it and wondering if its going to be permanent or yearly!

 

be sincere and honest with your visitor. many site owner always submit one site at a time to test the directories. if you cheated or try to cover something, you will miss a chance for them to submit all others sites they got. remember cheating in business will not last long.

 

I think this is a Must Have guideline for directories if they really want to be "user friendly". And i guess every serious owner will state it clearly.

Personally I don't really submit to those who don't state that clearly.
Yearly or Permanent, submitter will like to know that before hitting "Submit" button.

 

I really hope future and current directory owners will take the suggestion to heart and make changes for everyone's benefit.

 

I definitely will as mine do not state that.

btw, did you get my PM a few days back?