E commerce – software or template?
I am desperate to know what’s better: purchasing an E commerce software (1 off payment) and then finding a host OR "renting" ready made templates for monthly fees and set up fees…
Would you have any recommendations for any of the options please?
I thank you in advance for your effort!
Amit
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Good evening,
Choosing the right package for the type of business you are preparing to engage in is best made on how much you may have to spend in the long run. If you are renting a template from designers of web-pages developed by an outside web developer you may also be sharing the data you receive from customers who order something on your website. If you choose a software developer who is well known and has a good privacy policy you may have to pay just one fee NOW, but any upgrades may mean extra expense.
Personally, my suggestion would be to purchase a good software package that allows you to write and develop your own PHP scripting and other JavaScript and HTML applications for your customer databases allowing you to password protect and privatize your databases keeping their information just that, private. Then, find a worthy firm where you can host your website such as Glowbat.com, 150m.com, GoDaddy.com, etc and upload your website files to that location.
Zin software has a world-class web-page designing software system that includes all databases, applications for developing JavaScript entries, etc, but it’s pricy.
Carefully do your homework and ask questions not just here on Yahoo Answers, get out there and ask questions everywhere else.
In any case I wish you the best of luck.
Brian R Cross.
That depends on the complexity of your e-commerce system. For most users, it’s better to use a hosted solution instead of haivng your own server/software. I would suggest using 1&1′s eShop platform for your online store – http://starturl.com/1and1 . The Business plan is $9.99 a month and includes the Professional eShop software. It’s highly flexible but also very easy to configure (with lots of templates). 1&1 has been in business for over 15 years and is the largest web host in the world.