4.) Delivery Options - should make sense for all customers. Ensure that they have full knowledge of shipping information to avoid delay and error. If a shipping option is not available for a specific region be sure that is clearly stated on website. Provide estimates as to when product will arrive to various regions, so that customers have appropriate expectations about delivery time frames.

5.) Order Forms - when creating order forms use terminology that is universal; if possible, where relevant, refer to postal codes rather than zip codes. The terminology on order form should support fact that company sells to an international audience.

6.) Payment Policy - clearly state payment policies on any order pages, if purchase orders or wire transfers are not accepted from specific countries be sure that policy is clearly stated. Prepare an explanation as to why policies are in place. Customers understand that foreign purchase orders are not legally binding and will not feel alienated if an explanation is offered and clearly stated.

7.) Spelling - can vary, so avoid using terminology on website that would cause confusion or look like careless spelling mistakes. Be clear and concise as many customers may be viewing your website in their second language. A website that can be viewed in different languages is all better for communicating with foreign customers.

Ultimately goal is to make purchasing product or service easy for a customer. A website that respects cultural differences, as well as nuances of language and terminology, will go a long way in attracting an international audience.

About the Author - Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net

Gmail has had some major issues since Google announced its arrival. Most notably is that they intend to place advertisements in each email sent. These ads are supposed to be related to content of your message. This as lead to squabbles about privacy and several related issues.

Google has faced some strong opposition to its Gmail service. Some of cons of service are you can’t save a draft of your messages and reply button is all way at bottom of page.

Gmail also lacks a built –in virus scanner although they may add one in future. There is also no way to create HTML emails or ability to add a signature to your messages.

You can check out Gmail at http://gmail.google.com/gmail/help/about.html . Please note that they are still doing beta testing on system. Give it a try and see how it stacks up against your other email providers. Happy mailing.

Best Regards,