Recommended research
Ecommerce Platforms Buyer's Guide 2013
Econsultancy's Ecommerce Platforms Buyer's Guide is aimed at companies who are investigating the ecommerce technology market, with profiles of 34 leading vendors. The report analyses trends in the overall ecommerce marketplace, as well as providing tips for those looking to find the right ecommerce platform.
RM Partnerships
05 June 2009 11:10am
I need to build a really simple, transactional site. Can anybody please recommend an 'off the shelf' package?
Digital Analytics Manager at Etihad Airways
09 June 2009 14:35pm
Hi Richard,
Magento is really good and has easy Google Website Optimizer integration. But it really needs semi-dedicated hosting to have it running optimally.
If you can only make do with shared hosting then zen-cart or oscommerce are alright as well.
Regards
Managing Director at indiumonline
09 June 2009 19:01pm
Hi Richard,
Would be worth having a look at actinic. They offer a "website in a box" software service. You would have to sort out your own hosting - but that shouldn't be too big a job.
The latest version (8 i think) has a very easy Google Analytics set up.
Alternatively you could always use the might of e-bay and set up a shop there.
Regards
Chloe
SEO Executive at Branch Communications Ltd
10 June 2009 09:12am
Hi Richard I like the look of the actinic one suggested by Chloe. Once you get your site up and running you need to think about your online marketing and here at Branch Communications we are just about to launch a new range of SEO/PPC and email packages which would help you get yourself established and up and running very quickly.
Regards
Marilyn
Digital Analytics Manager at Etihad Airways
10 June 2009 10:57am
Hi Richard,
depending on how simple you want the e-commerce site to be, you can use Wordpress and the WP e-commerce plugin.
Have a look at the video tutorial on http://wordpress.tv/2009/06/08/create-an-ecommerce-website-with-wordpress-in-under-5-minutes/
There are other e-commerce wordpress plugins available but the one above is the simplest one to setup in my opinion. Best of all, it's free and open source though there's a premium version if you want to upgrade the capabilities.
Regards
Head of Digital Marketing at M&G Investments
10 June 2009 17:12pm
I've been looking for the same thing. What I've found so far is Shopify, a WP plugin, Open Freeway, Cubecart and the Magento already described. Interested in how you get on with this.
Head of Digital Marketing at M&G Investments
10 June 2009 17:14pm
Or if you want very simple; Weebly with their new built in ecommerce functionality.
Managing Director at Free Rein Ltd
14 June 2009 09:50am
Hi Richard
I'm not sure what your motivation for an "off the shelf" solution may be but there are now many companies out there that build solutions specifically to meet your needs but base them on tried and test modules.
The result is a system that is pretty much just configuration but does it in the way you need it to work for your team and your customers.
If your concerns are the time to implement - if you avoid the big companies you will find this is much much quicker than you expect. Probably 2 weeks after you sign off a design.
If you are worried about cost, these have plummetted with smaller organisations.
If you look around for a small/medium business who has developed their own CMS and ecommerce (if they use someone elses they may not be able to make all the changes you need) and someone who develops locally (avoid off shore for fast flexible response), you should find a solutions quickly.
Happy to chat and we can offer the Search marketing support for when you launch. http://www.free-rein.net
Digital Marketing Consultant at Fat Media Ltd
03 July 2009 16:44pm
Hi Richard,
Have you found a solution yet?
Following on from Tony's comment above we have a very cost effective proprietary e-commerce platform. You can view some details about this here http://www.fatmedia.co.uk/page/89/e_commerce_solutions. We have used this to develop very simple e-commerce websites such as http://www.whiterabbitengland.com
Tony is correct in stating that this can be implemented very quickly.
Give me a call on 01524 590430 if you would like any further information.
Regards,
Richard
Director & Founder at eEnablement - Online Interim Management & Consultancy
05 July 2009 19:28pm
I too am looking for a "first generation" e-commerce solution for a retail client I am working with. They currently t/o £125k p.a. through a single store but are looking to expand into online with their first e-commerce solution - current website only creates leads. Have got all the E-Consultancy guides and latest supplier showcase presentations, but am interested in additional suitable suppliers or useful reference documents - which would be suitable for this type of client. Ideally looking for an all-in-one solution combining e-commerce, content management, merchandising and ideally core social media elements. Also interested in:
- estimated set-up and running costs
- whether it is better to upgrade site first to provide full product information/images etc but fulfilment offline, and then stage 2 migrate to e-commerce solution; or jump straight to full e-commerce solution.