If you want to sell online, there are a few things you're going to need: Hosting, a Domain Name , a Shopping Cart Program, a Secure Server Certificate, and a method for handling transactions. Visit our Hosting page for hosting options. On this page I'll tell you about shopping carts, payment methods and secure server certificates.
Shopping Carts
There are a lot of shopping cart programs out there. OSCommerce is very popular for it's feature depth (and lack of price) but is very difficult to customize. CubeCart rises in price as you have to buy add-ons to give it the same functionality of other carts. Systems like ZenCart take the OSCommerce engine and change it up a bit.
I've tested seven different carts and the simple fact is, they all have their quirks. I prefer Avactis for a variety of reasons. Here is a good general description:
Avactis shopping cart software allows you to open an online store. Some of the premier features include: - The ability to use different templates for different sections. Let your front page look one way and each of your categories look another way if you so desire. You can create a design for every product if you want to!
- Unlimited products and categories. Put products in as many different categories as you want.
- Template system makes it possible to integrate into any existing website, or run as a standalone product.
- No programming skills required.
- Decide which fields to include in customer registration.
- Determine whether users register with automatic approval, admin approval, or user email approval.
- Use Quick Checkout with or without account creation.
- Order histories for all orders.
- Full web based administration
- Sell digital or tangible goods, or both.
- Inventory tracking and stock levels.
- Set quantity discounts.
- Coupons and discount codes.
- In any category you can choose to display the best selling products in that category on top.
- Newsletter management.
- Search engine friendly urls and descriptions.
- Full HTTPS/SSL support, for ultimate security with the purchase of a secure server certificate.
- Choice of currencies.
- Easily choose which countries you will ship to.
- Supports the following payment gateways: PayPal, Google Checkout, 2Checkout, Authorize.net, Chronopay, Cash on Delivery, ePay, HSBC, Network Merchants, Paymate, PayPal Pro, Protx, Psigate, Verisign, Worldpay, NexCommerce, Gate2Shop, Tranzila, Dibs, and Merchant Equipment.
- Support shipping methods like: UPS, USPS, FedEx, Australia Post, Canada Post, Freight 101, and Intershipper.
- Custom shipping methods and tax rates.
- And much, much more!
Avactis is usually $199, and you can see all of the features at Avactis.com. We are able to offer it at a discount if you order through us.
After you order, within 2-24 hours you receive your files in a handy zip file, as well as your license key and all related information. If installation is chosen, you will be contacted for your hosting information. Installation is only available for Unix and Linux hosting systems at this time. Requirements:
- PHP language
- 100% of source codes and PHP scripts provided
- Unix, Linux, Windows, MacOS operating systems supported
- MySQL database
You can buy with Google Checkout or PayPal. Contact us for other options.
Secure Server Certificates
A lot of companies offer secure server certificates. Many are just offering RapidSSL and Geotrust certificates and upping the price. You can save money by buying directly through RapidSSL. They have a 30 day free trial option, and several different certificates to choose from.
You need to make sure your host allows SSL. One option can be found on our Hosting page.
Nonprofits, very small businesses or similar groups can contact me directly about getting a discount. I am a certified RapidSSL reseller, but instead of overcharging, I can actually get a cert for you for less than the normal price. I will eventually offer certs to everyone, but for now the discounts are only available for groups that could really use them. If you think you fall into that category, contact me.
Taking Payments
In order to take credit card payments, you have to have a merchant account of some kind. Which kind depends on your target audience or needs. PayPal and Google Checkout are both free (and both work with Avactis). I have had good experiences with Authorize.net. You'll need to determine what works best for you and will work in your country. Here is a list of all the processors that work with Avactis. Others are available, but make sure your shopping cart is compatible. Links with a * are ones I've actually used. All open in a new window or tab.
PayPal*
Google Checkout*
Authorize.net*
2Checkout
Chronopay
EPay
HSBC
Network Merchants
PayMate
Protx
PsiGate
WorldPay
NexCommerce
Gate2Shop
Tranzila
Merchant Equipment
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