What to Look for in ECommerce Solutions

No matter what consultant you hire to help you with your eCommerce site, the fact is the solutions are in software. This is what drives the site and all the tools used. Therefore, knowing what to look for in eCommerce software is the first start in obtaining the right solutions for your online business. Here are some features you may want to look for in the software you are presented with:

 

·        Store setup: Will the software you use allow for many products to be uploaded? If it doesn’t you should consider other alternatives. What about database information? Can you import or export data into and out of a database with ease? Do you have to program the system or is it self-contained?

·        Shopping cart: Does the software include a shipping calculator? How about layouts? Does it include one that fits the layout of your site? Or so you have to make changes for the cart to look right. What about checkout? Is your customer able to check out easily without frustration? Does the software contain a shipping and tax calculation system already built in? Also, does the software contain multiple shipping options? And lastly, is there a shopping list that appears on screen so the customer can pick and choose what he or she wants to buy.

·        Store design: Does the software carry many attractive looking customizable templates that you can fit into your present Website? Does the software allow for many categories and sub-categories? Can you convert your store into other languages in case someone from China went to your site and wanted to order your product(s)? Are you able to add additional pages to what you currently have? Can you convert some of your images to thumbnail views? Also, does the software have a built-in HTML editor so you don’t have to leave the software to go into another HTML program?

·        Sales and marketing: Many Website owners sell other people’s products. Does the software allow for this? What about newsletter broadcasting? This is important especially when the site owner has a list of clients he wants to send email to. Can the software allow for email messages to be generated automatically? If you have special items to sell, can you run targeted email campaigns to inform people about these specials? Does the software allow for discounts, coupons, and other types of marketing choices?

·        Administration: Does the software have an interface to makes changes and configure the system? Does it have a help function in case you run into trouble? Does it also provide automated confirmation emails? ECommerce solution software should take care all of the Website owner’s needs. The site owner should be able to download and upload products, print packing slips, and more.

·        Payment options: Does the software allow the Website to take different types of payments including credit cards, PayPal, and the standard checks or money orders.

·        CRM: Does the software provide the ability to store your customer’s information in a database, track orders as they come in, and allow your customer’s to view past orders?