Vendors that offer online store solutions, ecommerce webstore applications, and other tools for building online stores. Identify providers of ecommerce software offering products for starting and maintaining web stores.
Purchasing Resources for Online Stores
The Avangate eCommerce Standard software platform is flexible, scalable and in line with the latest trends in SaaS and software distribution models.
Shopify is a powerful ecommerce solution that includes everything you need to run an online store. Get a free 30 day trial and join 15000+ stores using Shopify.
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Online File Storage With Managed Cloud Servers-Pay Only if You Stay!
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Online Stores
Online business opportunities are plentiful thanks to the growth of Internet storesBy Matt Alderton, Writer, Editor and Media Consultant Logolepsy Custom Content and Communications Online stores offer customers a break from the standard shopping mall, where they've got to fight for parking, for products and for their position in the checkout line. Of course, online stores have plenty to offer retailers, too. Internet stores, for example, present companies with round-the-clock online business opportunities. So while retail outlets might only stay open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., online stores are open 24/7. And the best part? You don't have to hire someone to man the registers.
For folks who are starting an online business, online stores are key. That's because whether you have a brick-and-mortar business or a presence that's entirely virtual, online stores can help you reach new customers both near and far. Consider some of their biggest benefits:
1. Online stores give local businesses a global reach.
2. Internet stores often drive physical traffic to retail locations.
3. Online stores make inventory management easy.
4. Internet stores make it possible to sell a wider variety of products.
5. Online stores offer continuous marketing and customer service opportunities.
Research the competition's online stores
It's important to study your competition. Find out what other online stores are selling, therefore, as well as how much they're selling and to whom.
Try: Searching for products on shopping-centric search engines like Shopzilla and Shop.com will help you identify competing online stores in your market.
Register your online store's domain name
Every website starts with a good name and web address; online stores are no different.
Try: Register your online store's domain name via sites such as GoDaddy, Network Solutions and Register.com.
Find a web host that specializes in online stores
It's important to host online stores with reliable companies who have other clients that operate Internet stores.
Try: While there are dozens of reliable web hosts from which to choose, companies like Volusion, Apollo Hosting and Aplus.Net offer integrated e-commerce solutions for online stores, along with standard hosting services.
Hire a web designer who's built an online store
While you could design your own website, it's best to recruit a professional web designer who understands the aesthetics and functionality that make online stores successful.
Try: Search sites like Elance and Guru.com for web designers. While you're there, search for copywriters who write product descriptions for online stores; they can help you write persuasive sales copy with which to move your merchandise.
Consider pre-built online stores
Of course, you don't have to hire a designer and build your website from scratch. There are scores of prefabricated online stores available that offer complete and yet customizable templates for Internet stores' sites.
Try: Yahoo! Stores and eBay Stores are excellent options for building template-driven Internet stores.
Choose shopping cart software
Critical to e-commerce, shopping cart software is what turns static websites into interactive online stores. Look for solutions that are easy to install and maintain on your end, and easy to use on the consumer's end.
Try: Americart, NetSuite, MonsterCommerce and AmeriCommerce are popular examples of shopping cart software vendors; their products come with loads of features to help their customers build, manage and grow their online stores.
Open a merchant account that's designed for online stores
Online stores must have merchant accounts in order to accept credit card payments from their customers. Look for accounts that were created especially for online stores.
Try: The gold standard in payment solutions for online stores is PayPal, which offers a wealth of options for online stores. Meanwhile, in lieu of a merchant account, consider Google Checkout, which allows customers to easily shop their favorite online stores with just one login; plus, credit and debit card transactions are free.
Ensure your online store's security
While all online business opportunities come with risks, online stores must be especially mindful of those that might compromise their customers' privacy or security. Look for solutions that will fight both viruses and identity theft.
Try: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, which encrypts, authenticates and protects consumer data, is the standard in security for online stores. VeriSign and Comodo offer trusted SSL certificates.
Keep your online store's fulfillment promises
Online stores don't just accept orders; they must also fulfill them. Before you open your virtual shop, therefore, be sure you have reliable, comprehensive shipping solutions in place.
Try: Work with UPS or FedEx to develop shipping solutions; they offer several small business products and services that are ideal for online stores.
- Images are essential within online stores. Consider hiring a professional to photograph your products for the Web. This isn't the place for amateur snapshots.
- To get the most out of online stores, look for shopping cart software with special time-saving features such as automatic tax or shipping calculators, which make starting an online business that much easier.
- Don't forget to include a search function on your website; searchable online stores are successful online stores.
- Before starting an online business, make sure you'll be able to keep up with the tremendous demand that online stores can generate; that means having enough inventory and enough resources to fulfill all your orders.
- Like any venture, when you're starting an online business, a business plan is key. Build your online store's requirements, including financial needs, into your plan in order to accommodate it from day one.
- If you're considering pre-built online stores, keep their cost top of mind. While most online stores charge less than $50 per month, many online stores levy additional charges on extra inventory. Some even collect commissions on your transactions.
- If you're starting an online business, you should know that some cities and states require you to obtain a seller's permit in order to sell merchandise-even from online stores. Check with your local chamber of commerce.
- If you're engaged in e-commerce, shopping cart software isn't all you'll need. Online stores also need customer service mechanisms so that shoppers can communicate with you via e-mail, instant message or web chat. Look for online stores with built-in customer contact features, or consider purchasing a separate customer contact center solution.
- Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for online stores. Be sure you submit your website to all the major search engines, therefore, and make sure you rank high in relevant searches; many shopping cart software solutions include SEO features.
All-In-One Ecommerce Solution: Website + Order Mgt, Free Demo!
Easy to Setup, Tons of Features. Award-Winning, Get Free Trial Now!
Voted Easiest-To-Use Online Store Builder Software! Try It Free
Online File Storage With Managed Cloud Servers-Pay Only if You Stay!
Unlimited Online Storage. Start Your YouSendIt® Free Trial!
Reseller of Miva Merchant shopping cart and ecommerce packages.
Software which allows merchants to create ecommerce enabled web shopping sites, or real time credit card processing.
Web presence provider offering web hosting, site design, construction, storefronts, ecommerce and maintenance.
http://www.apluswebhosting.net/
Able Solutions / Able Commerce Division
Developer of electronic commerce software. Products are sold to Internet service providers and developers. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Provider of hosting space, free web management software, ecommerce tools and customer support.
Provider of Web-based ecommerce store creation tools that can be integrated with current databases.
Provider of hosting services and ecommerce applications.
Provider of managed and unmanaged virtual server hosting and ecommerce tolls, including payment solutions, shopping carts and security assurances.
Provider of scalable turnkey applications developed within Microsoft, Java, EJB and Oracle-based applications.
Provider of Internet related services focusing on web-host setup, transaction processing, domain name registration and credit card processing. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Provider of integrated front-office ebusiness hosted applications.
Provider of applications for secure order management, real-time credit card authorization, payment processing, fraud prevention and other applications.
Provider of e-commerce services for retail sales via the Internet. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Self-serve application for creating online stores with business templates, text and images.
Developer of process control software. Software runs on Windows. Products are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Provider of hosted applications for building and maintaining an Internet storefront, accepting online payments and customer service management.
Application for building an ecommerce site with photos of products, secure order forms for customers and more features.
Provider of hosted applications including site development, marketplace tools, business news and community features.
A business-to-business ecommerce technology company that provides fully managed solutions for information technology operations.
http://www.butlerandcurless.com/
Provider of free online store for selling their customized t-shirts, mugs and other printable items.
California Software Laboratories
Applications developer that focuses on commerce enabling web sites for either consumer focuses or B2B.
Ecommerce package that includes secure socket layers (SSL) encryption, digital certificates, credit card processing, customizable shopping carts, page layout and design and password-protected access.
Provider of online stores, web design and development, site marketing, merchant capabilities and online inventory.
Provider of Internet web page design, custom application software programming and hosting services. Products and services are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Firm offering web site strategy assessment, web design, ecommerce and data base programming, branding and hosting services.
http://www.corporatevoice.com/
Offers real-time Internet processing, virtual shopping carts, low-cost web pages, as well as traditional credit card processing services for both website and store front locations.
http://www.creditcardprocessor.com/
Provider of e-services for building next generation web businesses for financial institutions. Services include web strategy, web architecture consulting, web design and branding, e-relationships management, online financial systems integration, security
Provider of web page design and graphic development, hosting, domain name registration and E-commerce solution services. Developer of XML-based middleware server and web-based construction managemnet tool software. Products are sold to multiple industri
Developer of Product Information Management and Delivery (PIMD), a centralized interactive database of product images and associated information that is easily accessible for ecommerce sites.
Ecommerce service provider that offers small- and medium-sized businesses solutions to build, maintain and operate an online store.
Provider of hosted applications inclusing store and catalog builders, shopping cart tools and payment solutions.
http://www.e-businessexpress.com/
Provider of ecommerce, ebusiness and digital solutions that also develops intranets and extranets.
Web store solution that includes a catalog, shopping cart to process orders, security encryption, real-time credit card transaction processing and order management.
http://www.multiactive.com/smbiz/ecbuilder/index.htm
Provides software that enables users to create a store on the Internet that includes images, product descriptions, ecommerce-enabled shopping carts and secure online transactions.
http://www.trellian.com/ecomm/
Web-based provider of Bondware, an ecommerce/community package for small businesses, and Watercooler, an intranet package for businesses with fewer than 100 people.
Manufacturer of infrared detectors and detector subsystems. The equipment includes control systems, photodetectors and germanium, InGaAs, InSb, ImAs, lead sulfide/selenide and HgCdTe detectors. The infrared detectors and detector subsystems are used in
Provider of an Internet Transaction Operations Network (TONE) that allows businesses to leverage common services and infrastructures for e-business operations and provides an outsource management solution integrating a company's online storefront with all
http://www.electroneconomy.com/
Provider of ecommerce, ebusiness and Internet security services, such as call centre applications, electronic presentation of goods and services over the web, on-line purchasing, on-line database driven catalog and inventory control, and encryption softwa
Erpapps: Hosted e-business applications
Provider of hosted applications for conducting business on the Internet including storefront, catalog development and shopping cart tools.
Internet business tool that automatically creates ecommerce web sites that users can lease to traditional local businesses in their areas.
Provider of ecommerce solutions including shopping carts, merchant accounts, email and web hosting.
http://www.eSolutionOnline.com/
Provider of tools necessary to affordably create and operate an electronic storefront, including personalization, electronic coupons, advanced reporting and real-time credit card processing.
An application used to create an online store or commerce-enable an existing site.
Manufacturer of ionization chambers, special conducting plastics used to simulate body tissues and triaxial low noise signal cables. The special conducting plastics are used for radiation dosimetry. Products are sold to the medical industry. This compa
Design and illustration firm that also offers ecommerce site services such as merchant accounts, shopping carts, and credit card processing.
http://www.fletchergraphics.com/
Application service provider (ASP) that develops Internet commerce solutions for the middle market.
Provider of E-commerce site design and consulting services. Products and services are sold to the e-commerce industry. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Specialist in ecommerce applications, with a suite of proprietary tools that enable the execution of secure transactions over the Web.
Developer of an ecommerce system that inlcudes an online catalog and shopping cart.
Provider of web-based software that allows food retailers to offer customers online grocery shopping. Products are sold to the food industry. This company was capitalized by venture capital.
Developer of MerchandiZer(tm), a software that helps users build online storefronts. The software also handles general accounting, inventory control, credit card processing and marketing functions. It is compatible with Windows and Windows NT. Also, a
Developer of software designed for either retail or wholesale business-to-business systems.
Provider of e-commerce services for consumers and neighborhood merchants including on-line stores, secure transactions and inventory management. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
A complete ecommerce solutions provider offering web site design, hosting and a shopping cart.
http://www.independentcommerce.com/
Information Provider Technologies
Firm offering shopping cart system and ecommerce technology to create Internet stores.
Internet consulting services and products, including website development and primary ecommerce capabilites.
http://www.infotechcanada.com/
Developer of enterprise search and directory applications for use on corporate, government and education networks.
Firm providing an online catalog system for building a webstore.
Designer of online auctions, electronic procurement, ecommerce and database-driven sites.
http://www.internet-partners.com/
Provider of a scalabale suite of packaged applications for buying, selling, merchandising and delivering content over the Internet.
Shop builder that offers a wide choice of site templates, shopping cart and promotion within the site mall.
Provider of applications for online credit card processing, free shopping cart, a credit card merchant account, Internet payment processing, electronic funds transfers (EFT) and secure online electronic commerce.
Specialist in secure shopping environments, catalog presentation and managment services.
Logical Design Solutions, Inc.
Developer of custom self-service web application software for Fortune 1000 companies. Developer of TeleTrac(tm), a software which gives a detailed analysis of telephone tracking. Provider of custom telecommunication management software programming servi
Ecommerce solutions provider focusing on end-to-end services for small to medium companies, including online catalogs, shopping carts and bespoke software development.
Provider of hosting and ecommerce functionality, including merchant accounts, shopping carts and real-time online or manual offline order processing.
Provider of a browser-based store builder. Features include secure, automated credit card processing, inventory tracking and sales reports.
http://www.merchant-in-a-box.com/
e-Commerce solutions, custom internet applications, JAVA and CGI development.
Provider of web hosting plans, site design and ecommerce solutions, including shopping cart technology.
Provider of numerous hosting packages for small businesses, along with shopping cart and merchant account technologies.
http://www.millcity-webhosting.com/
Provider of e-commerce development services including site design, hosting and design for storefronts. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Provider of ecommerce software solutions, including a store front developer.
Provider of ecommerce applications and solutions, along with Internet training.
Products that enable retail chains to establish, operate and maintain virtual storefronts on the Internet.
Company that provides the software, server and resources to integrate electronic-commerce capabilities into an existing site.
Provides everything you need to establish electronic commerce on your existing Web Site.
Provider of Internet hosting services, web page design services, e-mail services, domain name registration services, web advertising services and dial-up access services. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by priv
Online Ordering and Tracking System
Free service that allow you to create, manage, promote, monitor your eShop and interact with your customers.
Company offering tools to create a multipage, commerce-ready web site using only a standard web browser.
Web store application whose features include design control, inventory management and an automatic shopping cart.
http://www.open-a-store.com/os_side_ordersystems.html
Provider of software infrastructure for creating online E-commerce. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Ecommerce solutions company providing real-time credit card processing, professional storefront development, catalogs, shopping carts, merchant accounts, and secure hosting.
Software solutions that include shopping cart, drop shipping management, and auction site development and administration.
Performance Support, Incorporated.
Provder of online storefront services including catalog and shopping cart systems, credit card processing and system integration.
Photo Guild\'s Web Publishing Services
Provider of a range of web publishing services, including web stores, ecommerce solutions and automated credit card transactions.
Planet411.com, Inc. provides retailers seeking to engage in e-commerce and seeking to develop an online sales distribution channel with a complete e-business solution.
Prostar Interactive MediaWorks
Application for building catalogs for diskette, CD-ROM and the Internet.
Firm offering consulting, web development and graphic design for ecommerce businesses.
Firm offering web site design and implementation, Internet marketing, hosting, commercial site implementation with secure transactions, custom scripting in Java, JavaScript, VBScript and CGI, along with graphic design.
Developer of platforms for permission marketing on the Internet. Marketers use solutions to create and deliver targeted marketing campaigns over the Internet, build relationships and realize the value of e-customers. These platforms include the Interact
Provider of wireless e-commerce services for the retail environment. Provider of Internet software program - Pick'n Click (TM), gocery order fulillment software - Total Order Control (TM) and grocery retail trade software. Exclusive distributor of - Geni
Developer of hosted ecommerce server software applications, including shopping cart and access to SSL certification.
Software tool that enables building an online store, auction site and shopping mall on your web site.
Developer of real-time accounting and distribution software for ecommerce and order fulfillment.
http://www.skylightsystems.com/
Provider of ebusiness infrastructure applications for software and e-services companies.
Provider of hosted appplications covering nearly all aspects of starting and operating an online business.
Open-source ecommerce system based on client feedback and years of building ecommerce systems.
Provider of ebusiness products and services including sales force automation and web content publishing.
Provider of Internet access, web, server and domain hosting, online storefronts, web development and online payment systems.
Hosted applications including autoresponders, secure shopping carts, credit card processing, newsletter/list server, database system and ad tracker.
Provider of gift registry services to Internet and click-and-mortar retailers, portals, brand manufacturers and ecommerce solution providers.
http://www.wishlist.com/index/
Provider of an application to build a web store in minimal steps.
Web store applications that feature easy to integrate shopping carts, advanced fraud identification and prevention, optional merchant account and realtime linkpoint processing and multi-user Windows client that easily manages orders.
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Online Stores
The days of the corner market are long past. While many storefronts still exist, of course, having a storefront no longer means what it used to. For instance, if you own the corner market in your town, and you sell music CDs, you may not think you need an online store. After all, you're not interested in selling music all over the country, or the world. You simply want to sell music to your local customers.
The world has changed, however, and your friends, neighbors and customers are buying most of their music from online stores. Having a website with ecommerce capabilities isn't just about cornering the market on a national or international level. It does, however, have ... more
The days of the corner market are long past. While many storefronts still exist, of course, having a storefront no longer means what it used to. For instance, if you own the corner market in your town, and you sell music CDs, you may not think you need an online store. After all, you're not interested in selling music all over the country, or the world. You simply want to sell music to your local customers.
The world has changed, however, and your friends, neighbors and customers are buying most of their music from online stores. Having a website with ecommerce capabilities isn't just about cornering the market on a national or international level. It does, however, have everything to do with cornering the market for your neighborhood. Advertising locally that your customers can purchase items from you online, and pick them up the next day, can offer you an edge over the other online stores. Your local customers won't have to wait days or weeks to receive their item, but they still have the convenience of shopping at two in the morning, in their nightgown.
To find out more about opening a store online, please visit the resources on the left side of this page. Business.com is dedicated to providing you with the resources you need to make your business a success.