Ecommerce simplified

Simple ecommerce packages are available all over the place on the web, but most of them are not free.

If you want your customers to be able to go shopping on your website, you'd do well to check out the three options on this page before splashing out any cash.

Beware - installation and maintenance of these software packages is an advanced webmaster activity (more below) however you should be aware what's available on the market for free, and how well it performs, as part of your decision-making process.

I spotted a business close to where I live which had spent £15,000 on an online shop.

You do not need to spend anywhere near this amount.

Check out the freebies on this page first, and see how much you can get for nothing.

Note: They all offer a comprehensive selection of online shopping options and in selecting 'features' I have just noted a few of particular interest.

Online shop option 1 - Zen Cart

I can't believe that some of this software is available for free.

The reason that it is is because it's Open Source software and you'll hear a lot more about Open Source materials as you read through this website.

Zen Cart is a fully featured online shop allowing great depth in product listings and categories.

Useful Zen Cart features are:

• Unlimited category depth
• Discount coupons
• Quantity discounts
• Periodic newsletter in plain text or HTML
• Multiple payment methods
• Multiple currency support
• Create and customise the look of your site

Zen cart is a high-powered easy ecommerce tool.

It comes with a large online support community, you can check out demo sites on their website and there's even a book been published to explain how to use it.

Online shop option 2 - CubeCart

Be warned though, although the very basic version of CubeCart is free (see more below) you do have to pay for things like the removal of CubeCart branding, installation and a software licence.

However, as with all of these ecommerce packages, even if you don't actually decide to use them, looking at them will make you more aware of what's available and what sort of price you should be paying for it.

Useful CubeCart features are:

• Courier tracking URL
• Product image gallery
• Email marketing
• Gift certificates
• Multi currency support
• Affiliate modules
• Automatic currency conversion

Online shop option 3 - osCommerce

however, don't let that put you off, look at the numerous demo shops that are available and make up your own mind about it.

Useful osCommerce features are:

• Flexible tax implementation on a state and country basis
• Real-time quotes available for UPS,USPS,FedEx etc
• Automated display of specials
• Product reviews for an interactive shopping experience
• Customers can view their order history and order statuses
• Fast and friendly quick search and advanced search features
• Print invoices and packaging lists from the order screen

Which option should you go for?

They all use PHP coding and MySQL databases.

If you're now saying 'What?' you need to clock the following advice if you like the look of these packages:

• These are not packages for website amateurs
• They are easy to use, but not easy for amateur installation
• If you use them, I suggest you get familiar with Fantastico, which makes installation and updating them very simple
• Use the Contact me form if you'd like to know more about Fantastico and I can steer you towards some free resources and guidance
• You can get these packages installed very cheaply (£100-£200) via specialist webmasters on ebay, particularly Zen Cart
• All your store details are stored in a database - make one of the first things you learn 'How to back up and restore my database'
• Remember, there's always an ebay shop for starters if you have limited time or resources - an ebay shop is quick and instant, even though there are costs involved

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