E-commerce for Beginners

Like most average persons, I wanted some extra cash to supplement my regular income. I had considered a second part time job, at times, but hated that option because it would take me away from family, make me more tired and probably just pay minimum wage. I also wanted to be able to work from home.

I surfed the internet for years and had often considered the idea of ​​participating in the Internet revolution. I had read some statistics about Internet use and the growing number of homes with computers and the increasing percentage of Christmas shopping done on the Internet. So I decided to jump with both feet.

First what is ecommerce? The online world indicates the Web sites dedicated to retail as an e-commerce site. E-commerce sites sell either information or durable goods such as cameras or knifes. E-commerce sites also have shopping carts and payment gateway connected to them not selling websites is not necessary.

Ok ...... so you want to develop an E-commerce site. You are now probably have to ask enough skill, patience or mental aptitude to succeed?

Well, if you have average intelligence, I believe that you and thousands of people like you could have an E-commerce web site. All it takes is a willingness to learn some things, patience and determination to apply yourself.

How? I'm glad you asked.

Here we go. First we need to discuss the basic components you need.

1. Computer
2. Internet connection
3. Software for the creation of the site
4. Graphics Software
5. Web Hosting Company
6. Cart
7. Payment Gateway

The above elements are where most people stop when they think of what will be needed when you want to start an e-commerce site. However, there are other elements that must be considered, such as getting legal and product sourcing.

Items 1 and 2 above are quite simple and most people can understand why they are necessary. The other items however are a bit 'more complex. Software for the creation of the site allows the beginner to build a website without knowing html programming. Html is the programming code?

HTML is the programming language of the Internet and is for Hyper Text Mark Up Language. The two best software programs currently available to write HTML code is Microsoft FrontPage 2003 and Macromedia Dreamweaver. These programs are more correctly known as HTML editors.

These two programs are the best available. I have them both, but especially to use FrontPage 2003. I think that FrontPage 2003 is easier to use and does better tables then Dreamweaver. Most professional web site developers, however consider Dreamweaver the better of the two because some claim it has more features, but I find it a bit 'more complicated to use. I suggest you browse the internet and read the reviews on both these programs and make you own choice.

Then you will need a good graphics program like Adobe Photoshop 6. A graphics program allows you to manipulate the size of images to create images in different formats and create special effects. "Photoshop 6" is the current version of Adobe and is the best software program for graphics. Adobe
"Photoshop Elements" can also be used, but it is a limited version of the full Photoshop software. Adobe programs are expensive so shop around for the best price.

Web hosting is very important and you need to comparison shop for the first works, not on price. Web hosting e-commerce are very close, and I learned from personal experience the mistake trying to separate from ecommerce web hosting. The web host company is the company that leases a room on their server for your web site, but they can much more. They can offer an integrated shopping cart.

The cart is the heart of e-commerce web site. The shopping cart for all intents and purposes does your web site e-commerce is therefore essential for good. It contains and displays the products you wish to sell. She also does other neat administrative functions that will make your business easier to run. There are some stand-alone carts for sale, but most have a web hosting service in the Annex.

The "Payment Gateway" is the cashier at the store and is also known as "Merchant Account". This is basically a credit card account. The payment gateway allows your se store to accept credit cards and transfer money to you. Merchant accounts are very important and you should also carefully examine their services and prices. If you do not get a merchant account you are pretty much limited to papal. Search the web and check the carts and payment gateways available.

Now, what are you going to sell, and where are you going to do? You can search everywhere for the products you want to sell. How do you know what sells well? You need to do some market research. Not everything sells well, including electronics. If you have preferences on what to sell, find some marketing software that allows you to determine which products ell well online.

So, you need a source of such products. Assuming you do not do it alone. The best way is to drop ship. The problem is finding a reliable drop ship and avoid the imposters.

Once you find the source of the product you need to open an account and stock your store and start selling. There munch more ecommerce store then can be explained in a short article format. As someone who recently went from zero to an online store Cynscorion.com), I know first hand of the pit falls that await the beginning ecommerce site builder.

If you want to know more about what to avoid in building an e-commerce site go to either: http://www.cynscorion.com vai and bottom of the page and click on "Ecommerce Book For Beginners", or visit the website: http :/ / cynscorion.com / store / cart.php? page = what_yofuture_release_of_a_very_unique_ecommerce_book
This book is for people undecided on whether to start an ecommerce site and want to find a reference point to assist them in their decision.

Finally, I wish you good luck and success in your efforts e-commerce. If I can do it, so you can!

For further assistance go to:

http://people.lulu.com/users/index.php?fHomepage=101573