How Surprises in Order Process Can Impact Client Trust

Suzanne Kyba
May 15, 2025

Trust Is Everything: Why Dependability Wins in Uncertain Times And unexpected changes erode client trust

In a world where uncertainty seems to be the only constant, customers are craving something they can count on — not just a good product, but an excellent, reliable experience. They want brands that do what they say, charge what they promise, and deliver on time. No surprises. No excuses.

At a time when competitors are cutting corners, hiding fees, and moving goalposts, we’ve stayed the course. We’ve continued to offer what we always have: clear pricing, fast shipping, and honest service — all built on a foundation of trust.

Because in today’s market, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the difference between a loyal customer and a lost one.

One Bad Experience Is All It Takes

Research shows that just one poor experience can turn a customer away for good. In fact, 17% of customers will stop purchasing from a business after a single late delivery, and a staggering 55% will leave after just two or three. Once trust is broken, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild — it takes 12 positive experiences to make up for a single negative one.

And it’s not just about delivery. Hidden fees are another frustration. As much as 46% of people stop using a service after being hit with unexpected charges. Whether it’s fine-print shipping costs or tacked-on rush fees, these surprises damage the relationship and make businesses feel unreliable — or worse, dishonest.

At the heart of it all is trust. And when that breaks, it doesn’t just hurt sales — it hurts your reputation.

  • 23% of customers who experience late deliveries lose trust in the brand.

  • 71% are likely to stop purchasing from a company that breaks their trust.

  • And 86% of consumers will leave a brand they once trusted after just two poor experiences.

Trust isn’t just emotional — it’s measurable. And it directly impacts your bottom line.

What Customers Really Want: Simplicity, Honesty, and Reliability

When you remove the friction from the buying process, customers reward you. Trusted brands don’t just retain their customers — they grow with them.

  • Customers spend 25% more with brands they trust.

  • They’re 2.3 times more likely to try new products or services from those brands.

  • And they stay — even when competitors offer flashier deals or lower prices.

Unfortunately, too many companies overpromise and underdeliver. They lure customers in with claims like “Made in the USA,” when in reality, they’re only assembling products domestically using materials sourced overseas.

We don’t play that game. We’re USA-made from seed to sock — from sourcing to production, we own the process. And that matters. Because when the competition shifts pricing without notice, extends lead times, dodges customer calls, and delivers inconsistent quality, it’s your brand that pays the price.

The Real Cost of Choosing the Wrong Partner

Working with “the other guys” might seem cheaper or faster up front, but those decisions often come back to bite. Here’s what can happen:

  • Erosion of Customer Trust: Once it’s broken, it’s expensive — and slow — to win back.

  • Perception of Unreliability: Inconsistent pricing or missed deadlines create lasting doubt.

  • Lost Sales: Hidden costs or unclear value drive customers away mid-purchase.

  • Negative Word of Mouth: Bad experiences don’t stay quiet — they go viral.

  • Reputational Damage: Even one trust breach can stain your brand for years.

  • Customer Churn: Once confidence is lost, customers start looking elsewhere.

  • Increased Anxiety: When buying from you feels risky, people simply won’t do it.

These aren’t hypotheticals — they’re proven behaviors. 44% of customers have stopped buying from a company due to lack of trust, and 80% have switched brands entirely because of poor customer experience.

Trust issues are like cracks in the foundation — small at first, but devastating if ignored.

What Sets Us Apart

At Sock Club, we believe that if you treat your customers with respect, they’ll come back. That means no tricks, no traps, and no shifting standards.

Here's what you can count on with us:

✅ Transparent Pricing

What you see is what you get. No hidden fees. That means no run charges, no setup fees, no surprise shipping costs. 

✅ Fast, Reliable Shipping

99% on-time shipping, with industry-leading turnaround times. We don’t over-promise timelines, and we don’t leave you guessing.

✅ Consistent, Premium Quality

While others cut corners and chase margins, every pair of our socks is hand-paired to ensure consistency and excellence. We source responsibly, manufacture in the U.S., and maintain full control of our supply chain.

✅ Real People, Real Support

Headquartered in Austin, TX, we have a 2-hour average response time and actual humans who answer the phone when you call. And our online portal is available 24/7, built around your needs.

✅ Stability You Can Count On

In a turbulent environment, stability is paramount — and valuable. We keep our prices steady so you can quote, and buy, with confidence. 

It’s Not Just About Products — It’s About Trust

At the end of the day, becoming the reliable option in your industry isn't just good ethics — it's good business. Customers remember how you made them feel. Did you deliver on your promises? Did you make the process easy, fair, and pleasant? Did they feel like they could trust you?

Trust leads to confidence. Confidence leads to repeat business. And repeat business is the foundation of growth. Especially in uncertain times, customers gravitate toward companies that feel dependable, stable, and honest. That’s why we’ve built our business not just on products, but on principles. Because when you partner with someone you can count on, everything else gets easier.