[brandong]

We have seen a negligible (and debatable) conversion rate increase using Trust Guard. However, it's much cheaper than any of the alternatives- so cheap that we opt to have it despite concrete evidence of it's success.

I agree with you in that all of these certs are a sham, but I would argue that for many customers of standard e-commerce (especially online retail) operations they are another thing going in your favor in attempts to appear as a professional outfit.

I'd never put any credence in a seal, but there are many customers that may. It's not worth a $1000/year to us, but it is worth ~$125/year.

Hope this helps!