Need to set up a website

terra_ferma

digp wrote: »

do not use the domain registrar for hosting

Why are you recommending that? Are you aware of any potential problems?
I never thought of doing that, because it would mean dealing with 3 parties, registrar, hosting provider and shopping cart. But maybe there is some issue I haven't thought of?

qw3rt7

I mentioned shopify as an example, but i have used them (well clients have, and ive dealt with them for the client) and the support is very good and the so is the speed (it uses a solid CND service).

Its well worth paying for if you lack technical skill, as the OP suggested.

Free opensource carts require way more technical skill to setup, and are often pretty user (and end user, eg your cutomer) unfriendly.
OsCommerce is a dog.

digp's sugestion to keep hosting and domain registrars separate is a good idea for those that do go with a self hosted option.
It gives flexability if your hosting has issue - you can backup your site to another host and just switch name servers.

Also many smaller hosting companies that offer good hosting deals, activly hinder name server changes, requiring you to download, sign and fax (yes fax!) a form to do so, in an attempt to stop you moving hosts.

Namecheap or heartinternet (my recommendation for domains) require about 3 clicks to do the same.

Lastly, that $60 is out of the OPs budget worries me. To set up and market an ecom site successfully, you need technical skill or money to pay those that have it.
With neither your chances are pretty slim.

terra_ferma

qw3rt7 wrote: »

I mentioned shopify as an example, but i have used them (well clients have, and ive dealt with them for the client) and the support is very good and the so is the speed (it uses a solid CND service).
...............................................
Lastly, that $60 is out of the OPs budget worries me. To set up and market an ecom site successfully, you need technical skill or money to pay those that have it.
With neither your chances are pretty slim.

Choosing a webstore is a bit like deciding on transport.
They all serve the same purpose, going from A to B.
People could argue for hours about the best form of transport, and few would disagree that a Ferrari is over the top for most people, and a knackered moped won't take you far.
However what suits people will depend on what they need.

The OP didn't say what they sell, or other details like number of SKUs, turnover. It's impossible to give proper advice.
Small start-up businesses don't need to spend a lot of money, particularly if they are still not entirely familiar with online marketing/seo/technology and their target market online. E.g. if you can't set detailed specs for your website, other people are going to do it for you and get you to spend a fortune.
Websites take time to earn money, for the first year or two ROI is very poor, until the website gets known, so it makes sense not to spend too much time to start with, and invest later (more wisely because of the knowledge gained) .

A bigger and/or more mature business may want to invest more, knowing what they need. But they would hardly come here asking for basic information.

Small businesses with few products but lots of variations are particularly worse off with Shopify, Big Commerce etc, because they charge by SKUs. Those with fewer SKUs who can start from the cheaper plan may find them good value.
Opensource can offer the best value for money, but only if you have the technical skills, or are interested in learning. Otherwise they can take up a lot of time.
Great for some, a pain for others. A small business with a large number of SKUs could consider having someone to design their website using opensource, like Magento or Opencart as long as they are prepared to maintain it themselves or spend money to get support (some companies offer hosted versions).

Lincolnshire_Poacher wrote: »

bad idea.

ecommerce sites are stupidly expensive. Paypal is as bad as they come.
.......etc, etc.............
however if you do have any questions I will answer them

..the most important element of a successful business is a positive 'can-do' attitude and self-belief.
Regardless of being right or wrong on specific points, if everybody thought like you who would bother setting up a business?

nortong

Lincolnshire_Poacher wrote: »

bad idea.

ecommerce sites are stupidly expensive. Paypal is as bad as they come. if you dont believe me now, see what a mess they leave you in when the lock your £30k per year membership subs account.
have paypal but whatever you do make sure you have a decent merchant account set up aswell. (merchant accounts can be the biggest pain of the lot)

If you know sweet fa about marketing don't go their you will waste a fortune on marketing, same goes with an affiliate program unless you have decent affiliates it wont be worth your while.

then you have customs to deal with when your ordering stuff from the far east.

charge backs

credit card fraud

keeping your customer data secure,

seo

i could list a whole raft of things you would need to get up and running and spending large ammounts on before you even saw a penny

however if you do have any questions I will answer them

Gordon Bennett...That comprehensively shoots the idea out of the water!