E-commerce solutions?

dncompute · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-09, 17:31

Since my run-in with osCommerce I have been doing a little research and have found a lot of sites offering complete solutions for e-commerce sites. They offer site building, management, shopping carts, marketing etc.

Has anyone used one of these? Are they worth the monthly fee? Which one do you think is best?

I am trying to figure out whether or not this would be a better option in terms of getting faster exposure and more traffic vs using osCOmmerce.

Joseph · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-09, 19:35

I think it is better to consider a hosting package or server from a professional hosting provider rather than choosing this kind of solution.

The reason for this is the fact that you can get a site builder, ecommerce shopping carts and fully managed solutions from a professional hosting provider. When it comes to marketing, it is better to market your website on your own which will give you better results as most of these websites do not offer good results when it comes to the whole solution and the charges are high.

Ishaan · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-09, 05:51

Indeed, instead of going with these types of solutions, it is better to have your own hosting plan which will be under your control. Hosting helps a lot in achieving a successful business. One of the main aspect your web hosting provider can provide you is tech support for your hosting related issues, which you can't expect from the solutions you have mention.

clsecure · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-09, 12:35

I was also wondering about this and have been under a lot of information overload with this site or that site and trying to weed out the real reviews from the affiliate ones. I can definitely see the value in having your own hosting, and to be honest I find the percentages of sales they take rather large, especially considering that they are already charging a monthly fee.

DanaB52 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-09, 18:59

I have heard some good things about volusion as well as bigcommerce. I haven't tried them myself but what I have read seems to indicate that they are both feature rich platforms which provide plenty of additional services.

Bronson · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-09, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanaB52

I have heard some good things about volusion as well as bigcommerce. I haven't tried them myself but what I have read seems to indicate that they are both feature rich platforms which provide plenty of additional services.

You will find many of the E-commerce systems available on the internet which claim to offer good quality services and additional services are also included. However, when it comes to E-commerce, you should only concentrate on it and not the additional services you are getting.

As explained earlier, it is possible for you to get site builder and shopping carts with a web hosting package and the solution is fully managed (depends on the hosting provider you choose ;)). Hence, it is better to choose a hosting package with a professional hosting provider and launch your own website which is a better option.

DanaB52 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-09, 18:44

I guess you would definitely have more flexibility but some hosting providers offer such a solution. For example hostgator partners with shopsite I think they are called and they offer their services. Of course, I haven't noticed hostgator being as helpful as everyone here. I am seriously considering moving my stuff over here because I really like what I see.

Andreas · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-09, 03:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanaB52

I guess you would definitely have more flexibility but some hosting providers offer such a solution. For example hostgator partners with shopsite I think they are called and they offer their services. Of course, I haven't noticed hostgator being as helpful as everyone here. I am seriously considering moving my stuff over here because I really like what I see.

Hey DanaB52,
Believe me,thats actually very similar thoughts that I had when my websites were hosted with one of the other hosts.Someday,accidentally reached Bodhosts knowledgebase and its forums,and just thought of trying their services.Initially,I moved only one of my domain over to them and checked their services for almost 5-6 months.Now,the situation is,I have all my websites hosted with them.
I have had an amazing response in terms of service and package upgrades,plus their technical support team has a unique friendly yet professional touch.The isuues are addressed immediately,and touch wood,none of the issues have taken more than 27 minutes to get resolved.