starting your ecommerce business.
What you need to know to start your online business.
Developing a business online requires many of the same major activities as starting any other business. You should do some basic business planning first. After all, you will need a product or service. You may even need funding to get your business going. You need customers. You need to market products to your customers. You need strong customer service. You need to manage customer purchases and product shipment.
Now what?
The route you take with accepting payment is pretty much based on 1.) your budget and 2.) your payment acceptance preference. Let's take a look at the options:
Option 1: Online Shopping Cart using a Dedicated IP and SSL Certificate
Customers can shop and pay directly from within your online store. All transactions are processed through a secured connection and your customers never leave your site. To use this option you will need the following:
- A "merchant account"A financial institution or bank account that is used by a merchant specifically for the purpose of collecting proceeds consumer bank account or credit card payment transactions. and "payment gateway"A system of technologies and processes that allow merchants to electronically submit payment transactions to the payment processing networks. Payment gateways also provide merchants with transaction management, reporting, and billing services.. We recommend either Authorize.net or PayPal.com.
- This includes needing a "secure server" or an "SSL Certificate"An Internet protocol that safeguards electronic communications between two or more computers. When transmissions are sent over an SSL connection, data is encrypted and cannot be modified in transit by other parties on the Internet. Web sites that use SSL technology are indicated by an "https" in their Web address, and a lock icon at the bottom right of the browser window. that ensures customers' credit card numbers cannot be read by people who are not supposed to read these numbers.
- A "dedicated IP"A Dedicated Hosting IP means each web hosting account has a unique address, not shared by any other accounts on the same server. address.
- If you are hosting your site with HostMonster.com then you can easily purchase a SSL Certificate and a dedicated IP from them.
- And of course, you will need to design and promote a website! You'll need access to expertise that can regularly design and maintain this website for you -- and it will require ongoing attention. Fortunately, Little Fish can help you with this.
Option 2: Online Shopping Cart using a Third Party for Secured Transactions
Customers can shop from within your custom designed store but when your customer goes to pay they will be redirected to the company you choose to conduct your transactions securely, most likely PayPal Standard. This particular service is much less expensive than Option 1 because it does not require a merchant account, payment gateway, SSL Certificate, or dedicated IP. Everything is handled through Paypal for a small per transaction fee. If you are on a tight budget and don't want the extra fees associated with Option 1 then this is your answer. And when your store begins to grow and flourish -- we will be here ready to upgrade your website to Option 1!
Request a Quote today or call us at 704-641-9704 for a free consultation.
