Netfinity Blog

So you have decided you want to sell your products online. Here is a checklist of things to consider before you pick up the phone to speak to potential suppliers:

1. Will you go with a PHP or .Net solution? Both have their pro’s and con’s
2. Once you have a preferred language you now need to do some research on preferred solutions. The more work you do at this point, the less likely you are to experience issues during the project. Problems occur when the customer doesn’t “understand” what the developer is saying and interpretation of project specifics is different.
3. Bespoke or Out-of-the-box? In 99.9% of case you would be mad to build your own eCommerce application. Out-of-the-box solutions (in most cases) are well tested, stable solutions, they have been there and made the mistakes so you don’t have to. To build a bespoke solution will (generally) cost you considerably more (depending on the levels of complexity) than an out-of-the-box solution. Why re-invent the wheel?
4. What payment gateway will you use? - all out-of-the-box eCommere solutions  come with out-of-the-box payment gateways, but does your preferred eCommerce solution come with your preferred payment gateway. This is important because if it does not then this will add $$ to your project
5. Who will be your merchant provider? Check with your bank and their competitors to compare these prices.  Remember, merchant suppliers take a few percent of each transaction.
6. What will the site look like? - at least have some wire-frames to share with your developer.
7. Where will the site be hosted? Most companies host their web solution on an external web server, remember you need to consider this cost.
8. Who will be the internal champion? We still see the the marketing junior getting lumped with the web project. The web is serious business so make sure the correct internal resource is allocated.

None of what is listed is rocket science. But by doing a little bit of preparation up front, you can (potentially) save yourself headaches later.

Netfinity is proud to launch it’s AbleCommerce specialist sites for Australia and New Zealand found at www.ablecommerce.com.au and www.ablecommerce.co.nz.