How to Choose the Right Shopping Cart System

Melanie James — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:44:59 +0000

If you would like to accept credit card payment online, then there are two important steps that you need to do. First is to apply for a merchant account and second is to choose a shopping cart software.

The virtual shopping cart is what your customers would use to choose products from your online store. The software will be linked to a payment gateway system which will be the connecting path to your credit card processor.

In this article, we provide tips on how you can choose the right shopping cart for your business:

Installation. Unless you are a programmer or a computer software expert, then it’s best to choose a shopping cart that will be easy to install on your website.

Customization. Will you have the option to customize the look and features of your shopping cart so that it complements the design of your business website? If you know HTML or PHP or if you have an in-house web designer, then you should choose a shopping cart system that will give you the option to tweak its design and functionality using these languages.

Customer Support. Will you be provided with the assistance and support you need particularly with regards to the technical aspects of managing the shopping cart system? Is there a customer service hotline that you can call 24/7? Are the customer service representatives well-trained and knowledgeable to help you with your issues?

User-friendly. You do not want your customers to have a difficult time figuring out how to use the shopping cart. See to it that the process is simple, from choosing the products to purchase, finalizing the order, up until the checkout.

In case the customer wants to cancel some items from the shopping list, make sure that he/she will be able to do so easily, without having to start the whole process of choosing products all over again.

Upgrade Options. Maybe you are a new business with a small line of products to offer but don’t forget to consider the future growth of your company. Will you be able to upgrade your shopping cart without hassle at any time you need to?

Testing. The best way to see how the shopping cart software works is to try using it yourself.

Many shopping cart companies offer a free downloadable version so you can check out the actual features of the system. It is recommended that you do not rush in making a choice but rather take your time in comparing and evaluating your options.

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About the Author:

Melanie James has spent the last 14 years working with businesses to implement quick, effective and inexpensive changes to their businesses to increase productivity and their bottom line.

Requirements for Processing Credit Cards on Small Business Web Sites

Melanie James — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:48:47 +0000

A business that accepts credit card payments online definitely has the edge over its competitors. As more and more consumers today prefer to shop from the internet, you just can’t afford not to have an online order option and online payment system on your website. Yes, even if it’s just a small business, having a credit card payment system will make a big difference in your marketing performance.

The first step you need to do is apply for a merchant account. You can contact your bank and apply for a merchant account so you can get started with your e-commerce site.

But what does it take to be able to accept online credit card payments? And what are the requirements needed in a credit card processing system?

Preparing Your Website

Secured Web Site. The primary factor you need to ensure is the security of your customers. See to it that your website is encrypted with at least 128-but SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate.
PGP Encryption. PGP encryption is used for protecting e-mails from getting hacked. If a customer chooses to place his order via e-mail, a PGP encryption will ensure that the contents of the e-mail will have some protection.

Firewall. Since you will be handling credit card details and personal information from your customers, it is crucial to do all the necessary steps to protect their privacy. Another way to do so is to set-up a firewall on your website.

Shopping Cart The right shopping cart application. Find a shopping cart that is not only safe and secured but one that is dependable.

There are several e-commerce software providers in the market so you’ll want to take your time in researching and looking for the best one. Make sure that it is able to accept different payment gateways.

Remember that you prospective customers will not be using only one type of credit card. A shopping cart application that accepts Visa and MasterCard is great but if you can find one that accepts a wider range of gateways, then the better it is.

Also, you’ll want to get a shopping cart that is easy to use and efficient. Test if your shopping cart really lives up to its promises. Usually, a customer who intends to buy can lose interest if he can’t figure out how to use your shopping cart. Find a shopping cart provider that will give you a 24/7 customer support in case you need assistance.

Privacy Protection Statement. Assure your online customers that their privacy is respected and duly protected. A Privacy Protect statement should be posted on your website. More importantly, stay true to your promises. Don’t sell the information you collect from your customers to marketing companies or brokers.