This past week our domain was added to an email blacklist. We were removed from this list, but later re-added this weekend. Generally, blacklisting is used by email providers to combat unsolicited messages (SPAM). However, from time to time businesses that legitimately send large amounts of email get marked as “spammers” due in part to the volume of mail being sent. People who use free email accounts were particularly impacted by this blacklist and most likely did not receive their messages. We have currently resolved this with the blacklist and mail is again sending as normal.

We understand how important email is and we apologize for any inconvenience. We are continuing to work with the various groups and companies who collect and maintain blacklists to avoid this happening in the future.

The Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe

The Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe is located in downtown Red Bank, New Jersey. It is owned and operated by Candy Maker Amy Berry-Dunfee. Our goal at the Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe is to deliver high quality homemade chocolate products with the flavor of an old fashioned candy store.

We offer many unique product and gift options and can work with you to create any custom combination of our products for any occasion. From homemade caramel turtles to our famous “Red Bank Twist”, we can create something that will truly stand out and be a favorite of your family and friends at your next occasion.

We also cater to many corporate clients as an outlet for them to say “thank you” to their many loyal customers. Receiving a gift box or specialty tower from the Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe is a truly a unique and ideal way to deliver that message.

Click here to apply to be a 2CO Spotlight.

Do you have big celebratory plans for International Fraud Awareness Week? What do you mean — NO? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

As you know, 2Checkout takes e-commerce fraud management very seriously and accurate and timely protection of your orders has always been a guarantee. But this week, to celebrate Fraud Week, we made our net even stronger.

2Checkout joined a global fraud-fighting community, powered by Ethoca – a leader in collaborative fraud management - to extend our fraud management services beyond our current system. Now, we have access to shared fraud data from a pool of online retailers designed to help augment our efforts in spotting and stopping fraudulent online behavior more efficiently, and guaranteeing less chargebacks related to fraud.

In partnership with our existing fraud detection technology, Ethoca will be an added layer of protection. The beauty of the system is that it not only red flags and records fraudulent findings from other retail sources but also helps identify honest customers as well, so they can receive a virtual “speed pass” through the clearance process and valuable departmental resources can remain focused on stopping criminal activity.

According to Sebbe Jones, Manager of Fraud Protection for 2Checkout, “Fraud protection isn’t just about stopping the bad guys. Providing a seamless and safe shopping experience for the legitimate consumer is equally, if not more important. Ethoca is yet another layer of security for us to ensure a safe shopping experience.”

We are proud to be an integral part of Ethoca’s network and are confident the model will help stamp out fraudulent transactions within the retail industry, resulting in substantial savings for customers and retailers selling online.

Custom Bobble Head Dolls

The Bobble Head Company is a division of Reffini – manufacturer of fun products for the entire family. Established in 1986, Reffini has been an industry leader in personalized products including denim apparel, beanbag chairs and now custom bobble heads. At The Bobble Head Company each bobble head is molded, designed and hand painted by experienced designers and professional artists. Any hairstyle, facial expression, or characteristic can be replicated by the artist.

We stock hundreds of base styles and ordering your own bobble head is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Pick your base
2. Add your details
3. Upload your photos.

Then simply click and send. Within 3 weeks your custom bobble head will be delivered to your front door.

Our Bobble Heads make great gifts corporate gifts and are a unique choice for that special birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation or holiday.

It used to be that you could only buy a bobble head of your favorite athlete or movie stars…but not anymore. Move over Alex Kovalev, there’s a new bobble in town – YOU!

Click here to apply to be a 2CO Spotlight.

Years ago, I wondered why everything in the store, on television, and in the magazines ended in “.95 or .99”. Someone told me at that time, that it was to keep cashiers honest and force him or her to open the registers to make change (rather than pocket the cash handed to them). I’m not sure how true that story is, but it works and nobody has come up with a better explanation.

Assuming the above is true, is that pricing strategy valid in an online environment? After all, there are no cashiers, no change to make, and no register to open. Do people perceive a higher value when an item is priced with an odd number (19.95) versus an even number (20.00)? From the available research… yes it is.

The reason for this way of thinking is still unclear, and the object of some debate. Perhaps it looks “awkward” or the shopper simply stops at the first digit reading the “9” as lower than “10” – thus a greater value for the same product. Some people will say that a greater difference is perceived the higher an item is priced. For instance, 99.95 is registered as “less than 100.00” more than 9.95 is registered as “less than 10.00”.

Some merchants have taken this information and intentionally used even numbered pricing to target “higher end” customers – pricing something 200.00 rather than 199.95. The perception in this case, coupled with targeted marketing, and company focus gives the merchandise a perceived higher value or sometimes quality.

Pricing can be tricky. Pricing is critical for any business’ success. Having a clear idea of your target shopper and setting your price to be competitive, attractive, and profitable are key to the success of any business.

Sources:

Principles of Marketing - Setting Price

Julian Franklin