Class Act Mall - E-commerce

E-commerce site, Internet store, shopping cart, ecommerce, web store, selling site are a few of the terms that describe selling on the Internet.

Many "would be" Web entrepreneurs have entered into a web site business with little or no concern for the principles that a business must be founded upon. A Web based business is the same, in many ways, as a "brick and mortar" one. It must be planned with the same principals and practices as any business. It differs in some ways but it still requires a sound business plan with careful thought given to marketing studies, financial requirements and other pertinent issues. The unfounded promise that millions of customers would visit a web site to purchase products and services explains many dot coms short life span. Selling through a virtual store differs in one very advantageous way. The Internet store can be established and maintained with a much smaller cash investment. Can a web store be successful? The answer is, yes! What do you need to carefully plan your venture?
Here's some basic recommendations:

Domain Name (more info)

You should be listed, at least, as the owner and administrator
Easy to use control panel (over the Internet)
You have password for access control
You keep e-mail address current

Web Site Design (more info)

Attractive with interesting content
Clean, efficient code
Search engine friendly
Works in all browsers
Follow up monitoring and maintaining

Web Site hosting: (more info)

Supports the shopping cart you intend to use
Room for expansion
Ability to use dynamic technologies (cgi, php, database, etc.)
Full access (ftp, telnet)
Control of e-mail server
Good statistical reporting
Good price value
Good support

Shopping Cart: (more info)

Compatable with your hosting
Compatable with your merchant account and gateway
Handle current needs
Easily upgradable to future needs

Merchant Account and Gateway: (more info)

Compatable with your shopping cart
Hassle free setup
No hidden fees
Secure transactions
Telephone customer support

Marketing: (more info)

Correct search engine submission
Conventional advertising
Subscribable mail lists
Customer service

Other needs:
Practice sound bookkeeping, pursue business plan goals, track achievements and take good care of customers.

BEWARE of the many self proclaimed "professionals" you will be approached by in attempting to assemble the components of your business.

Many designers are nothing more than a person like yourself that bought a software package that builds web sites. These code generating packages can be used by anyone (including yourself) but, because of that, often produce very bulky web sites that contain errors. Fact is, rather than pay someone like this your usually better off buying the software and doing it yourself! Remember, a professional may be able to produce the results you need in a fraction of the time a "would be" can, resulting in a saving of time, money and frustration.

Some hosting companies promise "cheap" or even "free" hosting that is just that, cheap! Some riddle your site with their ads. Some are slow and without features, others have many hidden costs. Many will not support the type of processes necessary in running an e-commerce store front. Make sure your host will supply your needs at a fair price.

Some web site submission "professionals" simply take your money and, sometimes, submit your site to search engines even if they are not technically ready for submission. This could cause more harm than good and result in your site being banned!

We offer reasonable rates and highly professional services that can launch you e-business with all the tools and resources necessary for successful endeavours. We can put together a truly complete solution in which all components will work together. Visit some of our e-commerce clients in the shopping section.