I just ordered something from you guys and at no time did the little padlock in the bottom left of Netscape close, meaning security was open. What's going on? All other times I've ordered (not from you) the padlock closes.

Good question...

First off, let me assure you that our PartsShop ordering process is secure.
PartsShop transactions utilize a secure server and Secure Socket Layer. All credit card information is automatically transmitted to, verified and approved by Authorize.Net which is the world's leading payment authorization service for on-line business ( http://www.nsi-corp.com/ ).

Your credit card information is transmitted directly to Authorize.Net and is not stored on our server.

The reason the "lock" does not close is because our site uses "frames". Neither Netscape nor IE recognize a secure site if frames are in use. It's a bug, if you will, in the browsers. If it really bothers you then use this link to PartsShop:
http://mercedesshop.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant/merchant.mv+

Give it a try. Go thru the order process right up to the point where you would enter your credit card number...but, don't enter your number. You'll see the "closed lock". This is exactly the same page you were previously using but, because of the blue and black menu frame at the left, your browser did not close its lock.


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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

This question came up again today. Once again, I want to assure everyone that PartsShop IS a secure site to order from.

I also want to remind everyone about our PartsShop FAQ's which can be found here:
www.mercedesshop.com/parts_faqs.htm (http://www.mercedesshop.com/parts_faqs.htm)

This page is also accessable via the PartsShop Introduction page. As questions come up, we add them to this page.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Just a thought on the secure issue:

I also run a website with a secure order form, and it too used to be in a frame, thus preventing proper display of the lock icon.

I tried and tried explaining it, but found that I was losing business and spending way too much time answering the same question (and some people STILL weren't satisfied). Finally re-engineered that particular page to get it out of a frame.

You might consider having the order form pop up in a 2nd browser window w/o frames.

Just my 2 cents... great site nonetheless!!

--Josh