Yes, we have experience developing online shopping/storefronts and we will guide
you through the process. However, keep in mind that adding this function to a site
can significantly increase the expense of developing the site. If, like the majority of
businesses, you want to accept online credit card orders, there are additional expenses
(other than site design) and a few other things you need to know.
You must obtain a merchant account through a bank or financial institution (if you
already accept credit cards just contact your financial institution and tell them you
intend to accept online orders as well)
Decide whether you want offline order processing (swipe, phone or computer entry of
credit card orders at your place of business) or real-time order processing (all automatic
- you are sent confirmation to fill the order - no order entry on your part). Both methods
involve per transaction fees - real time order processing is much more expensive.
Hosting charges will almost always be higher for online shopping sites.
Decide on shipping and return policies up front.
Determine whether you want order integration with a back-end database or accounting
package.
A few businesses want to "sell" products through their web site but do not want to accept
online credit card orders. If that is your preference, we will help you develop alternatives to conventional online shopping.
