Solutions for an online store

[SoundTheSurrender]

What are some solutions that are out there for a online store? I don't think search is needed as it will one page with all the products but when you click the product it will go to a detailed page about the product.

I'm open to open source or closed.

I like it to be easy to add new products maybe via it's own folder so it dynamically loads?

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Markbnj]

Decide on platform and hosting options first. It's expensive and time-consuming to set up your own software. If your objective is to get into business go with a hosted solution that you can scale, and make sure they will provide you with regular copies of the database backup. Network Solutions has complete ecomm packages, as do dozens of others.

 

[troytime]

i'm a big fan of zencart

its a free php/mysql store solution

very functional and robust
easy to 'design'
easy to tweak and modify

i've set up dozens of stores for clients using it

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: troytime
i'm a big fan of zencart

its a free php/mysql store solution

very functional and robust
easy to 'design'
easy to tweak and modify

i've set up dozens of stores for clients using it

Seconded

 

[TechAZ]

I think a lot of web hosting plans with Linux come with zencart. As far as selling things online, from what I understand you need a SSL and Merchant Account for accepting credit cards. I could be wrong though.

Good luck.

 

[troytime]

you don't need SSL or a merchant account if you use the paypal payment systems

in my opinion, you don't need a merchant account unless:
a) you're doing a LOT of sales per day
b) your selling an item to a demographic that may shy away from paypal

with a couple of the stores i used to manage i tested the options by listing the payment options in different orders - it really didn't make a difference, but the target audience i was dealing with may not be an accurate representation of your target audience

 

[TechAZ]

You're exactly right. It isn't exactly real cheap to accept credit cards over the net for your website....depending on what you're selling and how much you care about which SSL you get it can get quite pricey.

 

[kush23]

not a big fan of zencart or osc, but if you're running a small store like what you described then it should work for you.

check out pinnaclecart. it's expensive but if you can find a reseller you might be able to get it for at least half the price. it's worth every penny IMO.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually found a interesting plugin for WordPress. It's called wp e commerce. Looks really good for what my client wants to do.