A difficulty that standard brick and mortar stores face is in providing follow-up to their customers. When you make a purchase a normal retailer your contact information might be used to send sales flyers or an invitation to a customer only event. There is very little personal contact with the customer although a growing number of these stores may ask for email address or other contact information to alert you to upcoming events.
With online marketing this scenario is quickly resolved through the use of autoresponders (sometimes referred to as auto responders). If someone sends your company an email an autoresponder can send a return email instantly to advise them that their question will be addressed very soon.
This idea has been expanded to include an autoresponder message when a customer concludes an online sale. Once the credit card information is completed and authorized an autoresponder message is executed that provides an immediate thank you for the sale and confirms their order. Generally these messages are in rich text (html) and can provide pictures, company logos and other unique design features. Customers will also find contact information and a...