In this article, I am going to explain simple steps required to setup an Ecommerce Solution. This can be easier than you think and doesn't require very much money.

Here is a small checklist of things you will need:
1. A website host that offers a shopping cart
2. A domain name
3. Payment solution on how you would like to accept payment

Finding a webhost.
Most webhost offer cheap prices but remember you get what you pay for. It is always a good idea to do your research. I would recommend searching google.com or even looking at a popular website forum webhostingtalk.com. A good host should install your shopping cart for you without charge.

Domain Name:
Your domain name is something that shouldn't cost you much. A domain name is the path to your store. For example: yourcompany.com. These names are about $10 to $20 per year depending on how much a registrar charges. But your host should sell these. You need to think of a short name to keep it simple for your customers.

Payment Solution:
For stores just starting up, there are solutions for you. The most popular solution is Paypal. Paypal accounts are free. You only pay transaction fees. Payments from your store are directed to paypals website to finish the transaction.

Payment solution option 2:
If you would like to accept credit cards without using paypal you will need what is called a dedicated internet address for your website and a SSL Security Certificate. This cost about $75 per year depending on your host. Some charge too much in my opinion. With your certificate and internet address in place, you can accept credit card in an encrypted database along with the order and then process the card on your own terminal.

Payment Solution option 3:
If you wish to process credit cards live then you must have a SSL Security Certificate and a dedicated IP address. Again this should cost about $75 per year. Once in place you will need an merchant account. There are many merchants available and your host can once again help you find one. Merchants are costly and run about $35 or more a month plus transaction fees.

The point is that your host can help you with most of this without charging you an arm and a leg.

Ecommerce solutions are simple. Once installed you don't need to know html knowledge to run your store. You simply login to it and administer your store. It has a control panel that is simple and easy to use to process orders.

If you would like to know more about this you can visit us on the web at http://www.atechstl.com. We can offer all of these solutions for you and even provide customizations for little cost.