Curious how to improve conversion rate?

[cookieman]

We have been on-line for 2 years and our sales for the first 6 months of '04 are up 50% over '03, however our conversion rate is only 1%.

Could some of you more seasoned E-Commerce experts review my site and give me some ideas?

www.themebasketsrus.com

I have read alot regarding:
1) Sales copy
2) Buy Now vs. Add to cart buttons
3) Free shipping on orders over say $50
4) Better pictures

I know there is not a silver bullet, however I am looking for help from those who have been through this before.

Thanks
CookieMan

[dentalplans]

Here is my critique for what it's worth. Couple things: join the BBB and BBB Online and display their logo to promote consumer trust. Your site is very spead out, make it 800 wide only. You have a multitude of links across the left side and top, the black text on blue make it hard to read. Have you heard of TemplateMonster.com, i have to admit they are the bomb! Here is a link to some "gift" style templates.

http://www.templatemonster.com/categ...hor=0&x=23&y=7

Give your site a make-over and you will convert higher. I think you can get your site to a 5-10% conversions with some site upgrades. Hope the helps.