ah yes, the 'design is bad' business model. Without seeing the site, it's hard to say what may be wrong, BUT, I see this all the time with people I have worked with.
They want to drive traffic to thier site, make sales etc.., but it ain't happening. They never stop to think that the business model is bad, or it is something that consumers don't really want, or is overpriced, etc.. No, not only do they want the design lead the horse to the water, it must force the horse to drink as well. So, you'll end up putting up all sorts of 'in your face' graphics, insert paragraphs of text explaining in minute detail why they shpuld use this product or service, have multiple, redundant, confusing links to try to 'trick' the users, etc...
good luck!