Setting up an online shop
 

My bro's looking into this, I know a few on here have done it, what's needed, what do you do?

He's had a quote of the work IT bod but has found this: http://www.mrsite.com/profeatures.asp aswell.

Help/advice wanted.

Ta

Ste

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Depends what he is selling and how much ICT experience he has.

There are some free e-commerce systems which you could probably pay somebody to customise, buy the license to remove the branding. (CubeCart is an example).

Web Hosting & Domains I sell, depending where you get it from depends on quality of service. .com Domains are roughly £7 - £9 depends where you get it from .co.uk, vary a lot. Web hosting aside, various prices. I won't post site as it could be seen as "advertising".

The BeSpoke system might be quite limited to him, hes best to work with a develop who can customise and setup to his liking.

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

+1.

Lots of sensible advice.

At the end of the day, you pays your money, you takes your chance.

If he wants a decent website, then he needs to expect to pay decent money. For that he should also be getting a personal service, not just tick some boxes on a website.

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Cubecart 3 is a bit crap tbh, the "free" versions were a lot better, for a paid version it is not that good.

Oscommerce is pretty trick.

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

I've actually just been looking at the MrSite stuff.

It generates pretty clean HTML, which is quite surprising. My main concern is when vulnerabilities with things like XSS being found all the time (still), how quickly would a novice be able to patch their shop site so that it can't be abused? (I can explain this further if needed for clarity).

However, the MrSite generated pages (or at least the ones they show off as examples of "happy customers") are pretty basic sites. They could be a lot more sophisticated pretty easily. Why show of a basic site if it's capable of more?

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Thats my arguement against bespoke systems like that. You reply on aftercare support, or something of similar which they pull your trousers down over.

If you have a strong budget, I'm sure there`s develops out there who'll offer personal after support guidance. Its the way I'd go about it if I didn't develop and code sites myself.

OScommerce is a +1 also.

If your after a developer, I maybe able to offer some service but would have to see what you required before I can promise anything, as new server company is requiring more time than I imagined whilst at college/working.

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

my mates wife - who coincidently trained as a Nurse - runs several online shops, she started knowing SFA about coding.
Now I am sure this cannot be assumed to be advertising but here is a view of one of her sites

http://www.styleof69.de/catalog/

Andi

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Cheers fella's I'll point him at this, he had been quoted about a grand for a site set up for him, he'd then have full access to make mods and support for the year,

Sound reasonable?

Just spotted the Mrsite as an alternative, but doesn't seem like a good idea.

I'll try and tap him up for an org discount if this go's ahead.

Ste

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Depending if the developer has a portfolio and good rep for greater after care support, everything been done when needed to be.

If its all custom and a unique system designed only for him, then it'd be worth it as a long term investment.

Otherwise, if they are customising an already made script to his needs, then it may be an alternative to look at another method as I'm sure there are freelancers like myself who would customise and host a site such as that for much less capital.

Re: Setting up an online shop
 

Romancart.com is pretty good for the money :)