Is having an 'FAQ' on a non-technical site an outdated concept?
 

While I understand the need on a tech orientated site (Hosting for example) is there still a place for it on other sites?

My thinking is that in 2015, if you need a faq section, then the product or service you are offering is too complicated and should be simplified.

The onus (IMHO) is on the site owner to make things as simple and easy to understand as possible - Thus lowering barriers to purchase. Not to need to provide a huge list of answers to things that should be straight forward.

Your Thoughts?

Yes, the concept of the company and the product(s) should come clear rather easily, but FAQ is more than just being information blast. It is customer service and gives impression about caring and customers can seek assurance from there.

"Do I really get this in 2 days? TOS says so, but.. I check FAQ.. Oh.. it reads in here too (with some extra stuff).. so I guess it is correct."

Unfortunately some people are idiots.
We have a product, that we tell people is virtual on the tour, the join form and in their email they receive on purchase.

That doesn't stop about 10% asking why we didn't ask a shipping address/when is their product arriving/why hasn't my product been sent.

So we added a faq above the contact form, and it seems to have slowed the stupidity

easy. if you get the same questions asked frequently (or expect it), then it is necessary.

I usually do the same, put the faq above the contact form.

What may be easy to understand for you, isn't necessarily for everyone else. Look at a simple product like a wig. Can a product get less complicated than that? Yet all these sites you find them on have extensive FAQs because people still have questions.

Can you curl them? Can you wash them? Can you dye them? Can you cut them?