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A web design project is a time-intensive, carefully planned process. With proper preparation, we can help the process go quickly, efficiently, and smoothly. Below, you'll find valuable information to consider before starting your web design project with Regal Creative.Guide to e-Commerce
In order to pull off a successful e-Commerce project, you'll need to gather a lot of information beforehand. Our guide to e-Commerce will help you along in that process.
The process of planning—much less setting up—an e-Commerce solution can be long, daunting, and painful. At Regal Creative, we do everything possible to avoid daunting and painful situations (who doesn't?), and we don't believe that you should be subjected to them, either. That's why we've created a Guide to e-Commerce, so you can be prepared, regardless of whom you decide to help you develop your e-Commerce solution.
No matter what you're selling, you'll need to keep a few e-Commerce components in mind: merchant accounts, payment processors and gateways, and shopping cart options. Here's what you need to know.
Merchant Accounts
Merchant account providers give businesses the ability to accept credit and debit cards in exchange for goods and services. These accounts aren't exclusively used for e-Commerce; they can facilitate face-to-face and telephone transactions, too. Generally, your company's bank would be the first point of contact when putting together a merchant account. But tread with caution! Many banks will offer to sell you a payment gateway along with the merchant account. This may be okay, but be sure to ask your web developer if that payment gateway is compatible with the cart software he or she will be implementing—your merchant account and payment gateway don't need to be from the same company in order to work together.
Payment Processors and Gateways
A payment processor does just what it sounds like: It handles the transactions and ensures that the buyer's credit or debit card details are correct. When any purchase is made online, the card details will be captured by the website's payment gateway and sent to the payment processor's secure server. The payment processor then forwards the payment info to the card-issuing bank for verification. Once the verification is confirmed, the payment processor lets the merchant know via the payment gateway so the transaction can be completed. Although it sounds complicated, this process takes a matter of seconds.
» Click to view a list of popular payment gateways
Just to name a few...and there are many more out there to choose from. Keep in mind, there are costs involved: Most charge setup and monthly maintenance fees—not to mention a processing fee for each transaction. Regal Creative is partnered with First Data, providers of the LinkPoint gateway; if you're a client who doesn’t already have a payment gateway provider, it's an affordable option to consider.
Shopping Cart Options
You'll want to thoroughly plan all choices needed for your shopping cart, including price and time estimates.
Custom Cart, Third-Party Cart, or PayPal Cart?
No matter your e-Commerce needs, you've got a variety of options: a custom-programmed shopping cart, third-party software, PayPal, and others.
Custom shopping cart solutions provide the most flexibility when it comes to both design and product options. The great thing about custom-programmed shopping carts is that you can integrate them with a basic shopping cart used for payment processing. Normally, you can also use the shopping cart's built-in shipping options, which may save time and money on the process and development.
Third-party shopping cart software is typically very functional. This software generally offers choices such as real-time, up-to-date shipping with major shipping providers (like UPS, FedEx, and USPS), a comprehensive product management system, and the ability to integrate rather seamlessly with your current or upcoming website. Third-party carts are, however, sometimes restrictive in regards to product customization features.
PayPal shopping carts feature some of the most basic setups available. With the ability to accept major credit and debit cards, plus payment through PayPal accounts (naturally), this setup proves functional for most users. PayPal e-Commerce solutions also are 100-percent design flexible and can be integrated with any custom-programming solution.
We're here to help
Still have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to help you find the ideal e-Commerce solution for your business. Ready to get started? Request a quote from Regal Creative now and take the first step to running a successful e-business.
No matter what you're selling, you'll need to keep a few e-Commerce components in mind: merchant accounts, payment processors and gateways, and shopping cart options. Here's what you need to know.
Merchant Accounts
Merchant account providers give businesses the ability to accept credit and debit cards in exchange for goods and services. These accounts aren't exclusively used for e-Commerce; they can facilitate face-to-face and telephone transactions, too. Generally, your company's bank would be the first point of contact when putting together a merchant account. But tread with caution! Many banks will offer to sell you a payment gateway along with the merchant account. This may be okay, but be sure to ask your web developer if that payment gateway is compatible with the cart software he or she will be implementing—your merchant account and payment gateway don't need to be from the same company in order to work together.
Payment Processors and Gateways
A payment processor does just what it sounds like: It handles the transactions and ensures that the buyer's credit or debit card details are correct. When any purchase is made online, the card details will be captured by the website's payment gateway and sent to the payment processor's secure server. The payment processor then forwards the payment info to the card-issuing bank for verification. Once the verification is confirmed, the payment processor lets the merchant know via the payment gateway so the transaction can be completed. Although it sounds complicated, this process takes a matter of seconds.
» Click to view a list of popular payment gateways
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Shopping Cart Options
You'll want to thoroughly plan all choices needed for your shopping cart, including price and time estimates.
- Do you need advanced product or customization options?
- Will you need integration with QuickBooks or other software?
- Do you need real-time, up-to-date shipping quotes?
- Will you or your web provider be adding your products over time?
Custom Cart, Third-Party Cart, or PayPal Cart?
No matter your e-Commerce needs, you've got a variety of options: a custom-programmed shopping cart, third-party software, PayPal, and others.
Custom shopping cart solutions provide the most flexibility when it comes to both design and product options. The great thing about custom-programmed shopping carts is that you can integrate them with a basic shopping cart used for payment processing. Normally, you can also use the shopping cart's built-in shipping options, which may save time and money on the process and development.
Third-party shopping cart software is typically very functional. This software generally offers choices such as real-time, up-to-date shipping with major shipping providers (like UPS, FedEx, and USPS), a comprehensive product management system, and the ability to integrate rather seamlessly with your current or upcoming website. Third-party carts are, however, sometimes restrictive in regards to product customization features.
PayPal shopping carts feature some of the most basic setups available. With the ability to accept major credit and debit cards, plus payment through PayPal accounts (naturally), this setup proves functional for most users. PayPal e-Commerce solutions also are 100-percent design flexible and can be integrated with any custom-programming solution.
We're here to help
Still have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to help you find the ideal e-Commerce solution for your business. Ready to get started? Request a quote from Regal Creative now and take the first step to running a successful e-business.
Regal Creative, LLC
