Ecommerce Software

Break into the online market

The convenience and speed of computers have converted many aspects of life to the digital world, including shopping. If your business or store can't keep up with the increasingly fast-paced retail world, you may not be in business for long. Various types of ecommerce software can help your business thrive online.

Ecommerce shopping cart software allows your customers to shop for your products online. Shoppers add their purchases to a virtual "shopping cart" that, when they're finished, adds up costs including shipping and handling, taxes and any other fees. The administration side of shopping cart software allows for the editing of products, shipping and prices.

Websites such as eBay and Etsy have made online auctions a popular shopping method to obtain discount, one-of-a-kind or hard-to-find products. Online auction software allows websites to provide live auctions. Many programs can be easily integrated into an already existing website with customizable appearance and other features.

In order to take full advantage of shopping cart and online auction software, credit card processing software is also required. This software captures customers' payment information. A secure payment gateway encrypts credit card numbers to ensure safe, secure and swift transactions. It routes the payment to the bank issuing the credit card for approval or denial and delivers the response back to the website in a matter of seconds.

Features and Benefits

Ecommerce software:

• Allows customers to shop from the comfort of their own homes.
• Protects credit card numbers for safe and speedy transactions.
• Integrates live online auctions with previously designed websites.

Top Choices

• X-Cart
• LiteCommerce
• Volusion
• NetworkSolutions

Major Considerations

• What kind of ecommerce software will best meet my needs?
• Do I require credit card processing software to accompany my shopping software?
• Will ecommerce software improve my business?

Price Range

Ecommerce software ranges in price from $15 to $1,500 or more as an initial purchase price. Monthly usage fees also range and must be taken into consideration when buying, as they can often be as much as the purchase price. Some packages will also have a setup fee ranging from $15 into the hundreds.

Summary

For its convenience and speed, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. In order to keep up with the virtual retail world, ecommerce software is vital to any business. Shopping cart, credit card processing and online auction software can keep your business relevant and successful in the modern world of ecommerce.