How do I turn a website into an e-commerce website?

How do I turn a website into an e-commerce website? Rate Topic:

#1 Kerstey

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Posted 04 August 2009 - 10:27 AM

Hi All

I can design and build a regualr site, but I need to know what to do to it to enable people to buy online.

I'm not sure what type of hosting I should get, 123-reg has an ecommerce service, but I think that may mean using their own templates?

What are the best shopping carts to use? Are they free ir is it better to pay for a good service?

What are the best options when it comes to setting up a merchant account to accept money from buyers?

So many questions?!!

Any help would be apreciated.

Thanks
Kerstey

#2 BlueDreamer

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Posted 04 August 2009 - 11:22 AM

Kerstey, on 04 August 2009 - 10:27 AM, said:

I'm not sure what type of hosting I should get, 123-reg has an ecommerce service, but I think that may mean using their own templates?

You'll find that proprietry systems like 123's may be a bit restrictive in what you can do with them, but on the other hand you may find them ok for your needs.

Kerstey, on 04 August 2009 - 10:27 AM, said:

What are the best shopping carts to use? Are they free ir is it better to pay for a good service?

There isn't one "best", since each system has it's own merits and disadvantages. For the free vs commercial scenario I always say choose the right software for the job rather than go by price. Is it better to spend £200 on a commercial system that includes developer support, or use a "free" system with no guarantee of any support? If your online business is important can you risk problems that affect sales?

Kerstey, on 04 August 2009 - 10:27 AM, said:

What are the best options when it comes to setting up a merchant account to accept money from buyers?

Ask your bank for merchant account services or shop around for the best deals

For actually taking payments on site you can process cards yourslef (not recommended), use a payment gateway like Sagepay or Worldpay, or a payment provider like Paypal.

#3 Kerstey

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Posted 04 August 2009 - 11:41 AM

BlueDreamer, on 04 August 2009 - 11:22 AM, said:

You'll find that proprietry systems like 123's may be a bit restrictive in what you can do with them, but on the other hand you may find them ok for your needs.

There isn't one "best", since each system has it's own merits and disadvantages. For the free vs commercial scenario I always say choose the right software for the job rather than go by price. Is it better to spend £200 on a commercial system that includes developer support, or use a "free" system with no guarantee of any support? If your online business is important can you risk problems that affect sales?

Ask your bank for merchant account services or shop around for the best deals

For actually taking payments on site you can process cards yourslef (not recommended), use a payment gateway like Sagepay or Worldpay, or a payment provider like Paypal.

Thanks, that's very helpful