Are you a Procrastinator?

For some, $300 is a drop in the bucket, but for me it was more like dropping it down a 120-foot well.  While it is possible that the pipe connected to the pump in my below ground tank, which feeds water into our house, simply burst on its own, I cannot help but think I caused the issue myself.

The problem started a month earlier, when on a busy workday, we discovered we had no water.  The aerator (a tank that processes and softens well water before pumping it into our house) was nearly empty.  Now, I am not completely ignorant of how the system works, and my first guess was to check the switch that signals the pump to do its job.  We found two of the contacts were corroded, and after cleaning and filing them, voila!  Water flowed again.

Three weeks later, the problem repeated itself.  This time we determined that the switch needed replacing.  Fortunately, the switch was only $15, and replacing it was quite simple.  When the switch did not solve the problem we called in pros.

After two days without water, we learned the new switch was working.  In fact, the old one was “somewhat” doing the job, but it had just been stuck in the “on” position.  Therefore, 120 feet down, the pump was continuously pumping water right back into the ground.  It ended up being a costly situation.

So…what does all that have to do with an online store?

Actually, it has everything to do with it.  Many emergency customer calls, refer to a problem during the checkout process.  When asked when the last test order was placed, many owners or Web Champions respond, “never” or “when we first set it up.”  Overlooking this extremely important step causes wasted time and money.  Waiting to perform standard maintenance for your website increases the costs of repairs.  Lack of regular testing and maintenance will hinder your website’s performance, just as the lack of regular oil changes will affect your vehicles’ performance.

Preventing unnecessary problems is simple, take the time to complete a test order.  When customers call with issues, you will need to know if the problem they are calling about is the cause of user error, lack of guidance, or if the site itself is functioning improperly.  Make sure you are aware of the procedures involved, and be diligent about carrying out regular maintenance for the software you use.

My ignorance may not have been the cause of the burst pipe, but how do I know for sure if I did not take all the precautionary steps?  Creating a monthly routine, by choosing a day each month that you run regular maintenance checks, will ensure your website is running as smoothly as water from a well.

If you are not confident in conducting the test yourself, engage in eCommerce experts to keep an eye on the performance of the website for you.