E-Commerce Primer - A Getting Started Guide

By: Brandon Eley, Published: 2003-05-04, Parent Category: Ecommerce

Who do I get to help?

If you're a little overwhelmed (I sure was when I started), there's no shame in asking for help. Before you look for a developer to help you, think about what you can do yourself. Can you design the front-end? Are you a good programmer, can you possibly install the system and configure it to your server? To save money, you may want to do as much as possible yourself as outside vendors can be expensive.

When choosing a developer or firm, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Look at their portfolio, talk to some of their customers, and did I mention ask a lot of questions? Ensure you get a contract that clearly states the amount you'll have to pay, the features that will be included and the timeframe for completion. Make sure it also describes what you're entitled to if they don't meet their end of the bargain.

The vendor you choose may not actually develop a totally custom solution; they may just customize an off-the-shelf solution to fit your needs. This can save a lot of time and money, but make sure they are familiar with the system they are using. Also be sure they aren't overcharging you for the system. Granted they need to make a profit, but they should make it in development, not by marking up a system they just bought and resold.

In conclusion…

There are many books written about e-commerce. While this article is a good start, it is in no way all you need to build your e-commerce site. Hopefully you have a general understanding of e-commerce and the technology behind it. If you're ready for further reading, check out some of the resources I've compiled below. If you need some advice or suggestions, feel free to contact me at brandon@brandoneley.com.

Resources:

Books List of E-Commerce Systems
    I have compiled a comprehensive list of e-commerce systems and shopping carts. You can find them here.
« What to Look For


This article was written by Brandon Eley.