The Guide To ECommerce
As a small to medium company looking to sell on the web, you have some choice: do you go for a bespoke solution just fit for you? Do you have a go at doing it yourself? Or do you get someone to install a generic solution for you? Well here's the lowdown:The Open-Source Solution
Description: You want your web shop up and running as soon as possible with as little money spent, well Open Source is for you! All you need is a web designer, some server space and an idea of what you want your customers to buy (ie your product). Have a look at opensourcecms.com. You can get 'boxed' eCommerce packages and have them installed for less than you think (about £500 or less usually!). And as you're still small to medium, server costs aren't that much (check out aliashosting.net).
Downsides: You may not have what you wanted in the first place. It may be too complex for you. It could have a lot of redundent features that you won't use! It may not look or work how you wanted it to. Support might not always be there and customising may be difficult.
Upsides: It's free! Well the software is, and because it is free, then you're not going to pay very much all together! It can also be very flexible as most open source solutions have lots of plugins for them.
Virdict: Well, it's something that can work. It can get you customers and it can start up a very good eBusiness with minimum cost and time but should be replaced once you have become established.
The 'Off the shelf' Solution
Description: Works much like the open source solution, but this is software that you have to pay for. Therefore it is much more pricey and could be the major cost of your eCommerce venture. However, paid solutions are often much better than open source. They come with much more documentation and support that allows your eBusiness to have it's own identity and own style rather than the generic open source look.
Downsides: It costs, and sometimes a lot! However, you will need to shop around (or leave that to your web designer). You can specify what you're after and 9/10 a solution is fit for you. However, you could start to incurr heavy costs from support, plugins and extentions.
Upsides: It's much more secure and sometimes much more flexible. Support can be very good and the documentation will be very good.
Virdict: Sometimes a much better choice than the open source solution, but it's much more pricey. You'll have to think about what you really need from your web site and explore all solutions before passing your hard earned money over.
The bespoke solution
Description: Almost always the best solution! This means that your web site is fully customised for your needs. It means that you can decide how your site looks and functions and guarantees that your site will not work like any other sites. However, this is the most pricey option and takes the longest time to get it live.
Downsides: This is the most pricey solution, and - depending on your web designer - it may take a long time to get it live or it may not work at all! Once your web site is up and running and you decide you'd like to extend it, it could cost you a lot as it would have to be the same designer who'd have to do it. Again, this may take a lot of time!
Upsides: This web site will be fully customised for you! Not just another generic dummy off the web. It means that it'll be easier to use and will work around your company and its products.
Virdict: If you've got the cash, go for it! Bespoke solutions are almost always the best!
So, there you have it, the definitive guide to eCommerce and getting yourself on the world wide web!
To talk to me about your requirements, discuss a quote or ask for further advice and information, please contact Firestarter Media Group via the online form or email Firestarter Media Group on hello@firestartermedia.com.
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