Several components are required to develop an e-commerce site. We can guide you through the process and help you navigate the ins and outs of an online marketplace. Here's an overview:

Domain Name: All computers on the Internet are identified with a set of numbers called an IP address. Since all those numbers are difficult to remember, domain names are used instead. A domain is simply a name given to your site IP address because it is easier to remember.

Hosting Service: A host is where your web site files will be stored. Your web site files include all of your graphics and text on your site. You should choose a hosting service that allows you to rent E-commerce Software (see next section).

E-commerce Software: You will need a way to enter products into an online database...this is what e-commerce software allows you to do. This software will allow you to check orders, obtain info about the purchaser, view sales statistics, accept credit cards, and track inventory. You can add, delete or edit products at any time. We have found that Product Cart and Magento offer the best value and the best in service and capabilities.

Secure Server Certificate: SSL protects all communications with your clients allowing you to take credit card orders, protect sensitive personal information, and protect your site from hackers. SSL security makes eavesdropping on your web traffic almost impossible.

Merchant account: In order to accept credit cards, you'll need a merchant account with a bank. Simply stated, this is where funds are deposited when customers make credit card purchases on your site.

Online transaction-processing system: This system allows you to take automatic credit card payments online. You can have credit cards processed automatically as people make orders or you can collect the credit card info and go onto the web to enter the card information yourself. Once the credit card information is entered into the online transaction processing system it is deposited to your merchant account. This system is optional. Clients with credit card machines can manually enter the credit card information instead of using the automatic processing feature.

Site Customization and Setup: This includes the graphics, site navigation, product display, and the content of the site. We will work with you to determine how to best present your site look and feel. We will also do the initial setup of all shipping services, online payment gateways, initial product entry and configuration, etc.

Data Entry of Products: Before anyone can find your products, each one must be entered into the E-commerce software. Products can have a description, price, product number for inventory tracking, photo, and can be cross sold to other products. We will handle all data entry for your products.