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Secure a domain name |
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If you need a domain name try a low cost registrar like Godaddy.com |
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Secure a Hosting Account |
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A hosting account is where your files are placed on a web server so anyone can view them when they type in your domain name. |
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Get the Product and Product Option Images |
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If your product Images are not already in electronic format they will need to be produced in some way. Product images can be scanned from catalogs or photographs, or they may be photographed individually. If your products are customizable ie. various sizes or colors etc. you may wish to include photographs for each of the optional choices as well. |
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Get Product Descriptions |
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Each product will need a product description, if a product description is not already in electronic format for each product they will need to be produced some other way. Product descriptions may be typed from scratch or copied from manufacturer/distributor literature. |
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Set Pricing, Discounts, Sales Tax, Specials, Sku Numbers, Inventories, Sizes and Weights |
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Depending on the type of products you are selling & your shipping method (below) some or all of the above will apply for each of your products. |
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Decide on Shipping Methods & Charges |
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You will need to decide what to charge for shipping, what carrier(s) you will use. If you choose real time rates from USPS and/or UPS you will need to sign up for an account with UPS and/or USPS then you will need to determine the weights and sizes by weighing and measuring each product which will be listed. |
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Merchant Accounts |
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You must determine how you will allow your customers to pay for the merchandise. Your choices are PayPal Credit Card, Check and Money Order or Electronic Check. If You wish to accept credit cards online you will need to decide whether 3rd party or 1st party Merchants are suitable. |
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Install the Cart Software and Test |
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The cart software you choose will need to be installed in your compatible hosting account, and setup with all of the above information. The cart software will need to be "populated" with your products and categories and shipping information and payment information etc. Testing consists of placing "dummy" orders to see that things are working smoothly before launching to the public. |
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Make a Site Design |
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Most cart software doesn't come with a very attractive look to it, and it also doesn't normally come with any additional pages such as faq, about us, contact etc. The look and feel of the E-commerce site normally needs to be designed graphically, or matched to an existing design if you already have a web site you like. |
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Maintenance |
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Products and pricing usually don't stay the same forever, so maintenance is usually needed for new products, price changes, specials, sales etc. Databases should also be backed up regularily to guard against unexpected loss, and software upgrades and security patches should be applied as they become available. |
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HELP!!! |
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We are here to help take you through this quite involved process read on for more >>
Or contact us with any questions you may have. |
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Dreamweaver MX
4adesign.com
