Hei everyone,

Im new here and I plan to set-up a site that is able to sell things online. I got some basic knowledge on asp.net and sql.

So basically can you guys tell me what should I do?
1. Should I buy a server and build a site using asp.net?

2. How do I add the e-commerce feature into the site?

Or just please tell me whats the first step? lol, Im clueless...

No need to buy server..just purchase webspace..
then a domain name..then install FREE shopping cart
i.e. oscommerce or zencart

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Unusual and Special Gifts

Start with domain name. It may take you a while to find one that is available that fits in with what it is you want to sell, then look at hosting that is compatible with the shoppping cart you are going to use.

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Childrens Fancy Dress Costumes and Party Dresses
Childrens Costumes and Dancewear

Dependant on budget and skills there are various open source carts out there on the market, some however look better out the box than others, some are easier to use than others it really depends on what you are after.

In my opinion Magento and Prestashop look better out the box than either oscommerce and zencart but there is far less support available for either too and Magento is definitely much harder to modify

If you have the budget getting a professional to do it may be an option, if so these will often buy the domain and throw in some hosting, just make sure the domain is in your name and not the designers

Hope this helps

Lee

I often read peoples questions on forums on how to set up an on line shop, and from how I see it there is a cheaper way to go about this, or a costly way, I prefer to get money coming in, rather than keep other firms from my shop.
For a start I cannot see any point in forming a new shop venture where you are going to rent an on line shop, plus webspace, plus shopping cart etc, that is going to cost about say £30 per month yes? we all have found that hardly anyone finds your shop anyway unless you spend £s on TV/Radio adverts to get your buyers to your shop.
It is never much good paying an advert website money to put your shop on as they have as much of a problem getting visitors as you do.
Do think hard about buying a shop outright say like Shopfactory as I did, a one off payment, no more outgoings at all apart from say your own web domain name (about £10 inc VAT these days) and your away.
I would regret having to pay £20 plus per month out-lay for a year and have nothing come back, as sadly very few shops make money on the net, sorry, but it's true, o yes I forgot Tesco, they maybe do.
David

I have reviewed the various shopping cart options at

How to Build an Online Store

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Simon Cave
How to Start an E-Commerce Business - E-CommerceNewbies
How to Build an Online Store - Shopping Cart Solutions

Hi Juzzbuzz,

Firstly I would ask myself this question, if your e-commerce business is not making money, why should you go out and spend thousands of dollars buying a server?

Secondly, if you try out a few hosting service providers such as Bluehost or Hostgator, they will provide e-commerce software that you can install for free. (They are all open source). One software people are taking up on using is Magento Commerce and it's very easy to use and install. It also looks very clean and modern as well. Consider that option as a start, rather than spending money on a server.

Most hosting companies to start off cost between $4.95 anywhere to $9.95. If you want dedicated hosting, you will obviously have to pay more.

See how you.

Thanks.

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Tyrone Shum
Internet Business Path dot com
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Need help with understanding ecommerce? Visit my blog and learn how to profit from ecommerce.

Magento v Zencart
..interesting reading at
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105845

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Unusual and Special Gifts