Ecommerce Websites
The Website Design Studio offers a range of bespoke ecommerce solutions depending on your needs and budget.
Setting up an online store requires a lot of thought in advance. There are two main types of online store:
- Simple PayPal stores – products have a ‘Buy Now’ button that links to a secure payments system such as PayPal suitable for selling up to 20 items.
- Fully integrated database driven stores – a website with an integrated stock control system, order management system and accounting system, suitable for selling a large range of stock.
What sort of online shop do I need?
Simple PayPal stores are ideal for the small trader who wants to sell a few items online, perhaps in addition to other outlets. Typical examples are authors selling their books online, crafts people selling their products online and artists selling paintings online.
Integrated stores are ideal for people who want to use the internet as the main or additional retail outlet for their products or services. Usually, owners of integrated shops have a large array of stock on offer. However, they can also be used for smaller stock ranges. An example of a use for a complex store could be a retailer of specialist sport shop equipment. Complex stores are database driven.
How much does an online shop cost?
There is no simple answer to this question, as each online shop is different. We would need to discuss your needs with you to give you an accurate quote. Meanwhile, here are some typical prices to give you an idea.
Simpl PayPal store
Five page site plus a shop page selling up to twenty products- prices from £1500.Bespoke online store
Five page bespoke (designed exactly to your specifications) ) site plus a shop page selling up to twenty items: from £2000. Large, complex shops selling many products can cost well over £5000
Can I update my shop myself?
With, integrated shops, you will have full access to your shop. You will be able to upload new products and maintain your orders. Note that owners of integrated stores need a basic degree of computing competence to be able to upload items for sale.
What else do I need to consider?
Here are some of the main issues you need to consider:
► How many products are you selling? This will determine the sort of website you need, If it’s only one or two, a simple online shop should be fine.
► What type of products are you selling? This affects the way the products will be displayed. For example, if you are selling a complicated technical item, you will need to give details of its specification. If you are selling a decorative object, you will need a good quality photograph and maybe less of a description.
►Do you plan to sell digital downloads such as e-books or other written materials? If so, you may need to consider using a third party system such as eJunkie to manage the delivery of your products.
►Do you have digital pictures of your products? If not, can you take the photographs yourself, or do you need to hire a professional photographer?
►How much are you going to charge for your items? Are you planning discounts for bulk orders?
►How are you going to handle postage and packing? Are you going to charge a set fee or are your prices inclusive of posting and packing? Will your postage and packing be based on weight?
►What is your delivery policy? Which delivery service are you going to use?
►What is your returns policy? How are you going to give refunds?
►What stock control system will you use? If you are planning a complex online shop, you will need a system so your shop can keep track of items. This might include the item number, product ID, a description of the product, and its price.
Handling the finances
You will also need to decide how you are going to accept payments. Paypal is a very easy and inexpensive method. Most people are familiar with Paypal, and feel safe making payments this way. Customers can use debit or credit cards to accept payments.
You can accept credit cards without using Paypal or another similar company, but you may find that some customers will not want to give a small, unknown business their credit card information.
To accept online payments you may need to sign up for a merchant agreement with your bank to accept leading debit & credit cards.
THE NEXT STEPS – CONTACT US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
Send us an email outlining your requirements
studiowebsites@googlemail.com
Tel: 01903 879362
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