We've recently introduced our 'live chat' service and placed the button on our 'All About' page (http://uk.ebid.net/users/rosinaromance) - seems HTML restrictions mean we can't add it to the signature, but nevermind. This shows everyone when we're ONLINE or OFFLINE, but more importantly it means people can have their queries answered immediately (subject to availability, you may be placed into a queue if we're dealing with other customers). Hopefully it's going to be a positive step and may well mean buyers become a little more trusting about purchasing from an alternative auction site and indeed sellers themselves. If potential buyers see that there's activity behind the shop and it's not been left dormant, it could well sway them. (hopefully)
If we're ONLINE, simply click the icon to initiate a chat session or alternatively if we're showing OFFLINE then a direct e-mail will be sent.
The code itself is designed for sites where scripting has been prohibited. So the basic HTML should be fine.
- R