Choosing an eCommerce Platform

The next big step you need to take is choosing an eCommerce Platform.

There are several requirements and aspects to consider during this process.

But first, let me make one point – nothing you do here is permanent! Many people get stuck in this phase and take way to long to analyze the pros and cons of every single platform available. But Nothing is Permanent! Please don’t get stuck in the paralysis by analysis syndrome here. Choose something that looks like it will meet your needs and move on.

The most important aspects to look for are:

Reliability – will it be up and running when it needs to be and will it handle whatever volume you bring?

Security & Fraud Protection – credit card security is extremely important to your business and you want to be sure the platform you choose is secure and has fraud prevention mechanisms in place.

Scalability – even if you are starting with a small number of items to begin with, can the system handle adding large numbers of new products?

Usability – how easy is it for you to update and make changes?

Customizability – can you change the design and layout however you want to for all conversion and navigation needs?

SEO-Friendly – some platforms allow you more access to the site structure elements to allow you the freedom to optimize your site.

Shipping & Tax Calculations – your solution should have the ability to setup different shipping options and calculate the charges and taxes associated with each sale.

Promotions & Marketing – does the system have the ability to add coupons, cross sells, gift cards?

Technical Support – once you have your store up and running, it will be critical to have access to a technical support department that can help you if any issues arise.

Of course, I can’t help but recommend the platform I use – Yahoo! Merchant Services – for several reasons.

1. The setup is extremely easy for anyone to use. Entering products, processing orders, setting up shipping options – all of these configurations are quick and easy.
2. The solution is very reasonably priced.  And, while I do recommend outsourcing the design of your new site, the companies that specialize in Yahoo design are very reasonably priced as well.
3. Yahoo’s product database engine is very robust with many customizations available to how you store, present and even track inventory of your products.
4. They are secure and trusted.
5. Nothing is Permanent! When I outgrow Yahoo! Merchant Services, I will be migrating to an entirely customized eCommerce system, but I will also be able to afford the web development team for such an effort when that time comes. That expense would have never made sense before the business model was proven and the company was profitable.

There are several sites out there that can help you analyze the features and benefits of available platforms. Keep in mind that most sites I have found are “sponsored” by one of the platforms, so beware of that bias when you are reading.

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For more information on building and marketing your online store, visit me at Online Biz Consulting.