As of now, I don't even rate newbie. I am selling art now at street shows, only on Sundays and if weather permits. I have been getting good feed-back on my "niche" art from the shoppers, along with requests for my eshop address. Which I don't have, or have any idea on how to start. For the last two months I have been collecting email addresses of shoppers that "seem" interested in buying. Averaging about 20 address a show. At some point I have to get off my back side and do it.
Finding this forum with all its helpful information has just made my task of setting up an eShop seem far less daunting, Thank you for any advice.
My budget is that of a starving artist.
Thank you
Robert

Hi Robert.

Welcome to the forum. Setting up an ecommerce site can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. The only expenses you HAVE to pay for are the purchase of a domain name and hosting, everything else can be acquired free of charge, though a little work from yourself will be required which isn't as difficult as some will have you believe. If you post your requirements, someone on here will point you in the right direction.

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Lawrence

I primarily want a simple catalogue of art, with explanations, linked to blow-ups or enlargements for the fine detail, and a way of selling. I know, its too simple.
Also, everything else. Domain name, host, cart, and a clue as to what to do.
Robert

The first thing you need to do is buy a domain name. You can see if your chosen name is available from a site such as http://buydomain.com/. Ideally you should chose a domain registrar and a host in the country of your target market. I notice you're in the States so I assume your main market will be there. I've only had personal experience of UK registrars and hosts so I'm unable to recommend any in the US, though no doubt someone one here will point you to a reputable company.

Once you've chosen your domain name, you need to decide what software to use. I would recommend one of the free Open Source packages such as Zen Cart. Zen will allow you to expand your store considerably at minimal cost. When you have chosen the S/W, you will need to chose a host. The host doesn't necessarily have to be the same company that the domain name was purchased from. For a store running Zen Cart, osCommerce or most of the other open source software you will need hosting with PHP & MySQL, virtually any host offering PHP & MySQL will be able to run Zen though, if in doubt, ask them first.

When you have all of the above, it's a simply matter of installing the S/W. This is usually a 10-15min job for a basic install. If this poses a problem, ask on here and either myself or someone else will either talk you through it, or even install it for you.

After doing all of the above, you will have a basic store that with a bit of basic configuration (straight forward using admin menu system) that is capable of selling your wares and taking payment by PayPal or cheque(check). I would then recommend installing a template that suites your store. You can choose from a number of free ones, though I'd recommend spending a small amount to have a professional template installed to give your eshop a more professional look. Have a look at Dezina's site for a wide choice, click her sig link on one of her posts on this forum.

If you later decide you need other features added to your site such as additional payment methods, these can be installed when needed.

The whole process isn't as daunting as it probably seems, once you've done it once, it'll all make a lot more sense.

To find out more about the Zen Cart S/W I mentioned above, have a look at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_Cart
http://www.zen-cart.com/

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Lawrence

If you prefer USA based hosting let me know.
Cheap domain names at http://namecheap.com
Any more help or advice...Larence has covered
most aspects in his post.. or just shout if you
require more info.

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Ready made zencarts/Zencart Templates Available

Hi DeZina,
Thanks for the info. And yes, a recommendation for a host would be appreciated.
Robert H.

Hi Lawrence,
Thank-you for all your information. I did look up Zencart and saw a list of hosts "certified" by Zencart, of which the first, Monster, didn't get a lot of good comments by the people here at the eShopForm. Other than finding a host compatible with Zencart, and cost, I'm at a loss as what to check for, and how to do it.
Again thank-you.
Robert H.

Robert H.. please send me pm regarding zencart hosting.

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Ready made zencarts/Zencart Templates Available

Sorry for showing my lack of knowledge, But, what's a PM?
Robert h.

Personal message.. just click my name(dezina) left hand column
on this page.. it will take you to your forum control panel
where you can then send personal message..
Alternatively..contact me via
http://www.dezinacart.com/index.php?...age=contact_us

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Ready made zencarts/Zencart Templates Available