SoVerNet---E-Commerce Basics

These links will take you to other pages within this section:

These links will take you to other sections of our website:

Search
§ indicates page is off the text site or opens new window

Before you dive headlong into this new venture, pause a moment to collect some essentials. The most critical aspect of this new endeavor will be to assimilate enough information to become an Informed Consumer. Do not try to learn it all—none of us ever will. It changes too fast. We have provided here as much direct basic information as we can, without overwhelming you, and a number of links to other resources. You should read carefully & thoroughly, and browse the links, trying not to get too far afield.

Unless you are an Ecommerce expert, you should anticipate the need, at some point, for some consulting help and budget for it accordingly. Unfortunately, at this time we are not in a position to offer such services. We do, however, have a few links on our Ecommerce Links page to some local consultants. Check out their sites and talk to at least a couple before you decide what to do.

Ecommerce can be as simple or sophisticated as you need and as you are able to maintain. Whether you intend to turn your online endeavors over to a consultant completely or in part, your peace-of-mind—and their work—will be eased if you have some of the basics under your belt.

Your first basic decision is either:

1) do it all yourself, and host on your own server

2) make use of ISP-provided services and server space, in conjunction with your chosen ecommerce software (having first determined that your choice is supported by our system)

We are concerned here with guiding you through option two as that is where we provide service. If in fact you wish to use your own server, we can provide the necessary ports and dedicated-line options.

There are innumerable software options for setting up storefronts. They rely on various operating systems, and not all are are available in cross-platform versions. You will find this platform-compatibility issue in all Ecommerce software, so check carefully.

Our Ecommerce services are available as a la cart selections; we will be more than happy to help you decide which is the best balance of function and cost for your business and budget.

It never hurts to start small and add more features as your business and comfort level grow. On the other hand, if you have some experience already and are moved to jump right in, we can provide you with a plan to suit.

This document covers 5 general areas:

BASICS— The next section below,what you need, in order to do business on-line

SERVICES & PRICING— listing of the various options we offer

Q & A — Some basic questions & answers

GLOSSARY-- “buzzwords” and concepts helpful for survival

LINKS—list of many of the links mentioned in above texts, plus related sites, and other links of interest, including some site developers.

(3) a “Merchant Account” at your bank in order to be able to accept credit cards, just like a “brick & mortar” business

Virtual Web Addressing is available in 3 configurations and is among the free options for Multi-User and up accounts. Single-User accounts, or other accounts whose free-feature caps have been met, can add the service. See our Hosting Services page for more details .

You can register a domain through SoVerNet’s Domain Registration page, and transfer a domain’s hosting to us via that page as well. If you have questions, email hostmaster@sover.net.

use PGP	or, use a “shopping-cart”
(4) If you do not wish, or need, to use shopping cart software, PGP will allow orders to be sent to you via secure e-mail.	(4) “Shopping cart” software
	(5) an account with a “payment processing” company if you wish to automate credit card processing

E-COMMERCE: THE BASICS