E-commerce packages

x12yhp

Hi Guys,

I am going to make a bit of a stab in a new direction and basically need to get myself set-up with an online shop. Now I am quite competent with html/css/php/etc but I have noticed that my current host (123-reg) offers all in one 'e-commerce' packages which appear to minimise the effort to get up and running. I guess my question is who else does this kind of thing and who would anyone recommend? Absolute bargain basement price isn't my concern but a reasonable degree of flexibility in terms of pictures, schemes etc. would be nice.

Any wisdom is welcomed!

Many thanks

Adam

steve1980

I've never used 123 for hosting as I find they are horrendously expensive and like to charge for anything and everything.

If it helps I use Hostsphere who have OSCommerce, ZenCart, Agora and Cubecart although there are many more that you can install directly via FTP.

You will get everyone who recommends something different so all you can do is check them all out and see how you get on.

easyhost

would never use a domain registrar for hosting as this is what 123-reg are basically.

a majority of hosts will offer fantastico, softaculous which will have several ecommerce scripts.

check http://www.softaculous.com/softwares/ecommerce for a selection and look at the demos to see which one suits you and your business best. i have a couple and i use opencart.

x12yhp

I have to admit I was drawn to the all-in-one approach from a simplicity perspective. With these free packages do you still have the secure site with ability to take credit cards etc?

steve1980

You have to buy the secure part, or alternatively, outsource it to Paypal, SagePay, WorldPay and all the other various companies that do it (actually easier just putting one of their buttons on your page!).

You can check out the various packages available from www.hostsphere.co.uk which start at £29.99 and include the ecommerce bits.

Laurencek

I have used many e commerce software and found oscommerce still the best

I used 123reg for .co.uk domains only and namecheap for .com etc

Re hosting have a shop around cheaper isn't all ways the best I couldn't recommend any though as I run a dedicated server so isn't cheap (£900 a year) but with the volume of traffic on my websites etc I prefer to have one knowing I'm in control and not a single min downtime in 3 years

easyhost

x12yhp wrote: »

I have to admit I was drawn to the all-in-one approach from a simplicity perspective. With these free packages do you still have the secure site with ability to take credit cards etc?

most people will not purchase from an online shop if they arent secure, so what you need is

1) a good reliable host
2) a good easy to remember domain name
3) a good easy to use ecommerce site
4) a dedicated IP (normally £1 - £5 a month)
5) an SSL certificate ( from £10 a year)

from steve1980 :You have to buy the secure part, or alternatively, outsource it to Paypal, SagePay, WorldPay and all the other various companies that do it (actually easier just putting one of their buttons on your page!).

yes even using these customers will have to give you their personal details (name, address etc.) which your site needs to be secure (with https).