Sell your products or services from your web site.

One of the greatest things about the Internet is that it allows you to shop for thousands of items and services from the comfort of your own home.  Or, if you're like most people, from the comfort of your desk at work.

The term "E-Commerce" or Electronic Commerce, is used to describe the practice of buying and selling online.  Many retail businesses don't even have physical stores anymore and only sell via the Internet.  The ideal situation for a small business is to use the Internet as an additional store.  Selling your products or services online can be very inexpensive when compared to the overhead costs involved in opening additional physical stores.

Setting up an E-Commerce web site is not as difficult as it used to be either.  Most Hosting companies now offer their own or third-party E-Commerce packages that are easily integrated into their hosted sites.  If the Hosting company doesn't offer E-Commerce, other companies offer standalone packages that can also be easily integrated into an existing site.

Costs for E-Commerce packages vary greatly based on several factors:  Number of items, complexity of items, amount of traffic, and number of transactions are just a few.

My set-up and design process for E-Commerce is similar to that of a basic site.  It would begin with an initial consultation (no charge for the first hour) to review ideas, items, photos, etc.  We would also review and discuss the E-Commerce checklist.  Whether it's a whole new site with E-Commerce, or an upgrade to an existing site, I can help you do it the  right way for your business and your customers.  When you're ready to start, contact me.

Show Me The Money!  As long as it's secure...

Another huge advancement in Internet shopping is security.  Years ago, for many people, the idea of entering a credit number on a web site was more disturbing than some Super Bowl halftime shows.  But because buying online is such a common practice now, a lot of effort is put into securing those transactions.  Most Hosting companies provide Secure Servers with their E-Commerce sites.  In addition to the servers being secure, payment transactions can also encrypted.  These factors mean that in most cases it really is safer to use your credit card on a web site than in a store or restaurant.

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E-Commerce Set-Up Checklist

Before signing up for an E-Commerce package:

• Bank Account.  Since you'll be an online "merchant," you'll need an operating bank account for the credit card companies to make deposits to (this can be an existing account).

• Items.  You should have a rough idea of how many individual items you'll be starting with.

• Volume.  Most providers will want an approximate idea of how much you'll do in sales each month.

After signing up but before going "live":

• Item Details.  Item names, numbers, descriptions, attributes, options, and shipping weights if applicable.

• Photos.  Photos of your items are not required but are highly recommended (if applicable).

• Pricing.  The amounts you'll be charging the consumers for your products or services.

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