[LIFEAFTERJET]

Hey everyone,

I need advice!! I am starting an ecommerce business and know nothing about html and web design. I have been researching different hosting companies such as Yahoo & Monster Commerce. These offer "ecommerce kits" for us html challenged for about $1000 a year.

They include tools to customize the website w/out having to know coding, shopping carts, options for newsletters & coupon promotions, numerous detailed reports to track customers paths and everything ... but when i talk to friends that have personal websites not for ecommerce, they say that is an outrageous price and a rip off.

Any suggestions? Part of me wants to just do it for the convenience and ease, but part of me doesn't want to waste my money if it's not as hard as I'm thinking...any pointers? Anyone use either Yahoo or Monster Commerce or similar "ecommerce kits"?

Thanks...

[Sarafina]

First off, stay clear of any ecommerce "in a box" kits and especially for that price. If you're serious about making money with your website than you need to know exactly what functions you need and a 'one size fits all' solution won't cut it.

If all you need is a barebone site then get your hosting, download and install oscommerce (free shopping cart) and visit the site for feature upgrades and other contributions. Cost: the cost of your hosting Time: Alot if you have no clue what your doing.

Or you could get a web designer, tell him exactly what you want and get it done. You'll have all the features you want such as newsletter, coupons (which are fairly standard). You'll also get a unique look for your site. Cost: Alot less than $1000 Time: Alot less.

Goodluck with your decision!

[mxer210]

I'm looking to get out of ecommerce for various reasons and would be willing to sell you a fully loaded oscommerce that has a fairly generic design and can be used to sell anything. Email me at ryan (dot) glasgow (at) gmail (dot) com if you want to see it (it's not www.purefiveaudio.com, though that's also for sale).

[bonafizzle8]

Hey, mxer, I may be interested in your oscommerce, but I was wondering if it could be merged with a content - based site including a forum, classifieds, etc. Also, you mentioned that purefiveaudio.com is for sale... would like to get some more info pertaining to that... Thanks alot, look forward to hearing from you, feel free to e-mail me at jabonafilia@yahoo.com
or PM me.

Thanks


Joe

[mxer210]

Yes, it can be integrated with a forum or classifieds, I actually used to have a forum integrated but took it out.

[bonafizzle8]

Ok, great, I'll get back to you on that... btw my aim is bonafizzle8 or jabonafilia... msn is jabonafilia@yahoo.com


Thanks


Joe