Do you want to set up an e-commerce site and begin selling online?

If you're like a lot of people, it's easy to get ahead of yourself.
Building a successful online store takes some knowledge and preparation.

E-Commerce is Like Any Other Business, Except ...

Developing a business over the Internet requires many of the same major activities as starting any other business. You should do some basic business planning. After all, you need a product. You may need funding to get your business going. You need customers. You need to market products to your customers. You need strong customer service. You need to manage purchases by customers, finances, staff and other resources.

You Need an Online "Store"

Basically, you need an "online store" to be an "e-tailer". Your store will need a "merchant" account, or the ability to process your customers' credit card transactions over the Internet. (SEE DIAGRAM BELOW FOR HOW IT WORKS) This includes needing a "secure server" (An SSL Certificate, we recommend register.com) or that your online store be on a computer system that ensures that customers' credit card numbers cannot readily be read by people who are not supposed to read these numbers. You'll probably need some kind of online order form that customers can complete, in order to purchase your products. You may even want your the processing of customers' order to include processing the customers' credit card numbers right away while they're still online and connected to your Website. Let's read on to understand the very basics of e-commerce.

Obviously, You Need a Website

You need to design and promote a Website. You'll need access to expertise that can regularly design and maintain this Website for you -- and it will require ongoing attention. Fortunately, Phrizbie Design can help you with this.

You will need a Merchant Account to process your credit card sales

A Merchant Account is a relationship between a business (i.e. a merchant) and a merchant bank . An Internet Merchant Account is a special account that permits the acceptance of credit cards online. We recommend using Authorize.net to connect to your bank account. The Authorize.Net Payment Gateway can help you accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably.

SSL security is critical for your e-commerce website's success. Installing an SSL Certificate shows that your website is trustworthy and protects your customers' private information, such as credit card numbers or account information. Why do I need an SSL Certificate? In today's environment, online customers are more wary than ever of Internet fraud, identity theft and "phishing" schemes. Installing the proper security and validation for your site is essential to gaining your customers' trust, and for letting potential customers know your site is a secure place where they can exchange confidential information, purchase products and services and complete secure transactions.

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