There are just way too many options. I'm thoroughly confused and have been spending way too much time deciding which software to use. Keep in mind we will only be selling under 10 products in the beginning. I've looked into Shopify but I'm a bit appalled by their fees. Is it worth is to pay those fees?
What's the objective behind adopting the software? I believe you should add this detail to your question. There's a whole lot of applications available in the market, adopting and utilizing any depends upon the problem/challenges you wish to resolve. Or, the process that you want to automate or simplify?
After having worked with various e-commerce startups one thing common is people burning too much money behind something insignificant. Let me know your priorities behind software adoption and I may be of some help.
There is no easy answer to the question of how to choose the right eCommerce platform, but it's a lot easier if you carefully map out your requirements, and long-term goals, and then compare each platform against this.
This can be difficult if you haven't been through the process before. You don't know what you don't know. This is where working with someone who has been can really pay off.
Regarding transaction fees: Payment processors like Stripe or Authorize.net will always charge a fee, but there is a huge problem when the eCommerce platform charges fees on top of this as a penalty for not using THEIR payment services. These fees can easily add up to many thousands of dollars depending on your revenue.
Some questions to ask yourself:
* Are you looking to run this as a side business, or are you determine to grow it?
* Do you have the skill set required to launch and grow the business, or do you need help?
* Do you have any special requirements for taxes, shipping, collecting additional info at checkout, etc?
Those are just some basic questions to get you started.
Interestingly, I was interviewed on a podcast about this exact subject. Check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/conversionsense/how-to-choose-the-right-ecommerce-platform-for-your-business-with-danny-halarewich
If you'd like some help identifying your best options for an eCommerce platform, I'd be happy to do a Clarity call with you.
Best of luck!
- Danny
1. Get something cheap or free to start with like Wordpress and an ecommerce plugin
2. Prove you can sell your stuff and break even or make profit on Google AdWords and Google Shopping (pointless selling stuff if you can't make a profit from it)
3. Once maxed out there test out Bing ads and product ads (USA only at present), and Amazon Sponsored products
4. Reinvest your profits into improving your cart where you can see any deficiencies on what you have, based on what you can afford
Although I don't (yet) discuss carts in it, my Amazon book "The AdWords Bible for eCommerce" may help.
I always tell clients that if they can't afford the basic package by Shopify, you are not ready for eCommerce.
Free carts are great unless your time is valuable.
If you only have 10 products and you simply want to test the waters, you can certainly take a look at building add to cart buttons using Paypal. Another alternative is to use Squarespace.com which is only $20/month.
I've used Shopify, Bigcommerce, Magento community/Enterprise and many others for my own eCommerce business. Start small. You don't need a very expensive cart to sell online. You just need to know your exact needs.
Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.
Cheers!
Alaa
