| So, you want to have your own online store. Is it | | | | solutions that you can jump into and begin using and |
| going to be expensive to get started? Will you need | | | | then add on your own modules and there are an |
| web designers or an expensive solution to create | | | | abundance of online sources and tutorials as well as |
| that store? How big is the job? If you don't want to | | | | community forums where you can pose questions |
| spend a small fortune on the software to create | | | | and share your expertise as you build it. You may |
| your online store and you do like to experiment with | | | | find that your problems are minor and easily fixable. |
| your own web development you might consider | | | | This will depend on many factors including what |
| doing it yourself with open source shopping cart | | | | version of the software you are using, how many |
| software. This can create an entire online solution for | | | | different modules you have, outside factors and how |
| your online store and can even be integrated with | | | | complex your store is. Do you know enough about |
| other programs like your shipping software. It can | | | | technology to get started? Anyone can do some |
| manage multiple currencies, it can be multilingual, it | | | | dabbling but if you are anxious, you might want to |
| works with many payment programs and new | | | | buy a turnkey solution and going it alone might not |
| features and functions are added all the time | | | | be the right choice for you. There are also products |
| because there's a community that collectively and | | | | out there with the open source mindset but designed |
| separately works to improve this evolving program. | | | | to be easier as a point and click solution. Products like |
| There are several options here. You may choose to | | | | Zen Cart claim to be easier to work with for the |
| buy a solution, use a turnkey open source | | | | novice and there are many resources that work with |
| e-commerce solution or you can start from scratch | | | | OS Commerce but that allow you the best of both |
| yourself with something like OSCommerce. Many | | | | worlds: to dabble on your own and to have support. |
| novice internet online entrepreneurs get started with | | | | In summary, if you want a low cost or free solution |
| free tools that they build up to service their needs. | | | | and are willing to put time and effort into learning the |
| Open source software can be a great solution for | | | | tool and contributing to the open source community, |
| three reasons. 1. It's free. Got no money for startup | | | | you can use this to your advantage. Do your |
| costs? This can be a good DIY solution. 2. It's | | | | homework and look at your technical abilities, your |
| customizable so it can be tweaked to meet your | | | | requirements for your online store and your time |
| specific needs. 3. There's a huge online community | | | | constraints for troubleshooting, trial and error. It's a |
| that supports other users of this tool. The downside | | | | great idea to lurk on some OSCommerce forums |
| to open source solutions You generally don't get free | | | | before taking the plunge. This can help you determine |
| 24/7/365 support when you have problems in the | | | | whether you have the knowledge and desire to use |
| open source world. You are at the mercy of the | | | | this e-commerce tool. |
| community and the knowledge base. Unless you | | | | Matthew is the developer of TheWebReviewer: |
| want to pay for expertise, it can take time to | | | | Legitimate Home Based Business Reviews, and |
| navigate through the information available on the | | | | NetWebVideo: Mastering SEO, Adwords, and Affiliate |
| software and trouble shooting your store can be a | | | | Marketing. |
| bit labor intensive. There are turnkey open source | | | | |