Whether you're in the planning stages and have yet to build your site, or are in the process of updating and revamping a current site, it's important to remember that sooner or later you're going to need a shopping cart. Yes, even those who are currently only using a website as a public relations tool to tell fans where you'll be for your next speaking engagement, or why they should buy organic, need to plan in advance for a way to sell "stuff". After all, there are always e-books, "I love this writer's books" t-shirts and bumper stickers, or advance registration for conventions that can be sold off later down the road.
As you may recall, some time ago I mentioned that I'm in the process of building my own website. Yeah, well, it's taking a while. I'm a writer, not a web designer! <grin>
But one thing I made sure to do is choose a web host that supplied a merchant shopping cart so that when the time is right, I can open up the doors of my virtual store and the customers can *fingers crossed here* stream on in.It's confusing, though. How do you know which shopping cart program to use? Which one is easiest? Best? Cheapest? AUGH! If you're feeling the same confusion I did, then stop by ECommerce-Guide.com and check out James Maguire's article, "How to Add a Shopping Cart to Your Site". I read it twice tonight, just to make the information sink in.
Ah, there now. I feel calmer and more informed. Now if only somebody'd build my site for me. I'd be willing to barter some incredibly well-written press releases for the designer's business. (Any takers?)
Good thoughts, but my question is how do I go about processing the transactions. I have my site ready and the product, but how do I get the money, to put it plainly.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 9, 2006 9:30 PM | Permalink to Comment