An article from the DMA (Direct Marketing Association) shows us the sites with the highest conversion rates on the web (among major, non brick-and-mortar retailers). The report's list is the most important piece, which I'll replicate here:
Top 10 Online Retailers Based on Conversion Rate
February 2005 eCommerce Site / Conversion Rate (%)
QVC 16.3
Lands’ End 14.8
sportsmansguide.com 13.5
FTD.com 13.4
llbean.com 13.4
Amazon 12.8
Coldwater Creek 12.7
eBay 12.3
Yahoo! Shopping 12.1
proflowers.com 11.8
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings MegaView Online Retail, April 2005
It's shocking to me that the top online conversion rate's traffic is driven through an entirely non-web medium - television...
I found this entry browsing your site and found it quite interesting. I don't think is shocking that the top conversion sites are backed by TV ads or are well known established brands on their own right like amazon and Y! Many people go to these websites with their mind already made. I need to get a second hand copy of this book...so Amazon here I come. Naturally the chances of making a conversion are higher than a site found through a link in a blog.