Posted on: 07 December, 2001
Author: Sandra Cobb
As a site designer myself, I realize how much time and effort goesinto ... setting up, and ... a site; not to mention ... of content and seamless ... But it is ... As a site designer myself, I realize how much time and effort goesinto registering, setting up, and designing a site; not to mention thecreation of content and seamless navigation. But it is unbelievablehow complicated and expensive this process has become!Let's face it, very few entrepreneurs and small businesses can affordto spend hundreds of dollars to set up their dot-com presence withoutknowing how successful it will be! We've seen the results of highexpectations and over spending with the demise of many well-knowncompanies as reported in the news recently.It doesn't have to be this way! Are you planning to sell products or services?You do NOT necessarily need expensive shopping cart software ormerchant accounts to sell your products or services. You can beginyour online venture by setting up a few of your most popular items orservices that can be purchased online. Once a customer has made apurchase, you can then follow up with details on how to purchaseadditional items.There are low cost ecommerce solutions that can help you startconducting business online without breaking the bank.First, determine exactly how sophisticated your ordering process needsto be. Then decide which of the following options best suits yourbusiness needs.Option A - PayPalSet up a Premier Account with PayPal. PayPal is a stable and securecompany that has been around long enough to establish a crediblereputation. I can personally vouch for them, I use them consistently. Benefits:Doing Business As:You have the option of using a business name or your personal name,regardless of how your bank account is registered.Low Cost:There are no monthly fees and no set up fees. Thats right - itsfree.A small fee is with-held each time a transaction (purchase) isprocessed.Hassle FreeThey process all orders and notify you when payment is received.Referral BonusYou can earn a small cash bonus for qualified referrals you send toPayPal. Features:Shopping CartPremium members can set up a shopping cart that links directly fromtheir site to PayPal.Send an InvoiceIf your services or product prices vary, you can send customers aninvoice from PayPal once the purchase price has been established.Option B - eBayConsider selling your products or services through eBay. You canaccept checks and money orders by postal mail, or you can acceptcredit cards and checks using PayPal, or eBays version of PayPal -BillPoint. You can provide links to your site with each item youlist for auction. You can also set up a reserve amount - the leastdollar amount you will accept for your service or product.Ebay also offers an affiliate program.Option C - ClickBankSign up as a merchant with ClickBank.net. There are some feesinvolved, plus you have to determine what percentage of each sale thatyou will allow the referring site to earn. Affiliates with ClickBankcan choose merchants they like (higher commission percentages dobetter) and then place links on their sites. There is a setup fee formerchants, but you'll also be providing your site a great deal ofexposure. Plus, ClickBank allows you to accept credit cards and othermethods of payment. You'll be setting up your own affiliate program!ClickBank also offers an affiliate program:http://zzz.clickbank.net/r/?abelleOption D - Find a Host that provides Shopping CartsMany hosting packages are set up with shopping carts with a buyfeature. Do your homework. Check on the setup fees and the monthlyfees. Make sure its a reputable company so you arent worried aboutyour money transactions.These are just some of the options that are available for setting upshop without going broke. I'm sure that there are many more optionsavailable - it just takes some net research. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com