E-commerce Web Design

Do I Need a Whole Shopping Cart? Can't I Just Use an Email Form?

The great majority of Internet shoppers are looking for the classic shopping cart system. They have come to regard the "Add To Cart" button as the standard of ease and reliability. As an ecommerce merchant, you have a great deal of flexibility in how to meet shoppers' expectations.

What Choice is There in Shopping Cart Solutions? What Will Work for My Store?

You have two basic options regarding a shopping cart solution. The "store builder" service charges a monthly fee and you utilize their templates to customize your own ecommerce web site. If you're a computer savvy, do-it-yourself kind of person, this may be a good choice. On the other hand, you can have your web site designed and shopping cart software installed by a professional web design or programming company.

What Are My Payment Processing Options? How Do I Acceept Credit Cards?

If you already have a credit card merchant account and currently process credit cards manually, you can do so for Internet transactions as well. However, it is more convenient to get real time credit card processing. The most cost effective method is to get an Internet merchant account and a separate payment gateway service. The payment gateway service validates the credit card information and sends it to the Internet merchant account provider to be processed. All payments would then be electronically deposited into your bank account. Make sure you carefully compare all of the fees for both of these services.

What About Using PayPal? Is this OK?

PayPal is maybe the easiest way to start accepting payments online. They have several different ways that you can accept payment and they even have a shopping cart type interface available. You can accept any major credit card and electronic checks. Keep in mind, before making a payment, the shopper must sign up for an account (if they don't already have one), which may be seen as a hassle. Update! A shopper is no longer required to register.

What's a Secure Server Certificate? Do I Need One?

You may have already noticed the little key or padlock in the lower right-hand corner of your browser when shopping on the Internet. This means that the web site is protected by SSL encryption. In other words, the infomation passed from the shopper's web browser to the web site's server cannot easily be read by an unwelcome third party. Ask your hosting provider about getting a security certificate for your ecommerce web site.

Should I Offer Other Ordering & Payment Options? Is it Really Necessary?

A primary advantage of Internet sales, is being able to send and receive orders and payments instantly. However, many still prefer to call in or mail credit card information. If you want to make the sale, be prepared to accommodate several methods of ordering and payment. Simpler methods shouldn't cost you much money (if any) and you won't risk alienating shoppers who may be timid about completing a sale online.