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By EmailE-commerce: Boxed-in - Jan 25, 05:39 PM
Deciding on an e-commerce solution can be a daunting process. There are so many web hosts, scripts, and e-commerce hosts to choose from. We hope to shed some light on the subject with some important information that may save you a lot of time and money.
Many web hosts are now marketing what we like to call the “e-commerce-in-a-box” solution. This e-commerce option is very appealing to many, especially those new to the web.
The pros to this solution are easy setup requiring no installation, often a plethora of template choices to change your design and layout, WYSIWYG editors, and easy one-stop shopping for your business solutions. This all sounds fantastic right?
Let’s be honest. We both know, you have been tempted by this so-called perfect e-commerce solution or maybe you have already signed up. We don’t blame you, but before you invest too much in your new site, let’s take a look at some cons. You may just change your mind.
The first issue you are likely to face with the “in-a-box” solution is a lack of flexibility. Many people come to us requesting help creating a custom template for their new e-commerce-in-a-box site. They have spent hours searching through the templates that came pre-installed with their cart but nothing “fits” their business just right. They decide that a custom design is in order. After all, each site should be as unique as the business it represents, or maybe not.
Unfortunately, many of these e-commerce carts do not allow full access to the CSS or source files so creating a custom template is impossible. We have also found that many services claiming to offer “the ability to create custom templates”, rarely allow the level of access a web designer needs to create a true custom template. Like us, experienced web designers will likely pass on a projects such as these; knowing they will ultimately be a waste of time and money for everyone involved.
Another issue we hear far too often from those requesting our services, is that they feel trapped in their boxed-site. They don’t feel like they have control over their business. This is not surprising, because in reality they don’t. Here is why.
Without access to the source files or database, there is very little you have control of. If you want to add a feature or change how something is displayed, you simply can’t. In addition, you are at the mercy of the e-commerce host in regards to upgrades, maintenance and the like.
What if the company who hosts your cart goes out of business, you discover the customer service is awful, or your site is down a few times a week during peak traffic? What can you do? Absolutely nothing but pick up and start over somewhere else. This can take months to re-establish your site. In the mean time, your web site will not only lose its search engine rankings but the customers you have worked so hard to maintain.
There is another way and it is really quite easy if you choose the right professional to walk you through it. An experienced web designer can assist you in setting up your domain name, web hosting, e-commerce solution and custom design. You will have full control over your hosting account, email, databases, and files. You can back up your site regularly so if the host were to go out of business or the customer service is awful, you can take your entire site and move it somewhere else. You will be back in business in a couple hours. Why would you choose anything else?
If you need assistance finding the right e-commerce solution for your business, please contact us for more information.
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