Choosing the Best eCommerce Solution7218610

Finding an ecommerce solution for your  internet-based  business can be a complicated process because there are so many different options. In order to set up an automated ordering system,  which is crucial by the way, you simply  have  to  have  an  ecommerce solution that enables visitors to your website to make a purchase and pay for it without unnecessary hassles. If your  ecommerce solution is too complex or does not provide website visitors with a variety of ways to make a payment, you will  undoubtedly  lose sales. Another important aspect  of  an  ecommerce  solution  is security. Your customers must feel that it is safe and secure to place  an  order  online  because   otherwise,   their   personal information and financial information could be jeopardized. Ecommerce Solutions If you plan to operate a successful ecommerce website, you simply must have an ecommerce solution that enables you to accept credit cards. Statistics repeatedly show that  the  ability  to  accept credit cards increases sales. Once upon a  time  consumers  were timid about placing orders online using a credit card;  however, with  improvement   to   ecommerce   solutions   including   the availability of  encrypted  SSL  (Secure  Socket  Layer)   which provides security for web-based transactions, the fears of having credit card  information  intercepted  in  transit   have   been eliminated. An ecommerce solution should feature a secure server which uses  encryption  to   keep   your   customers'   personal information and credit card numbers safe and secure so they don't have to be concerned about being subjected to fraud. Ecommerce Development There are a few basic ecommerce solution options  for  accepting credit cards online. You can open a merchant account through your bank, use an internet-based broker, use a fulfillment  house  to process your orders,  or  use  a  third  party  merchant  account provider. Things to consider when choosing an ecommerce solution for your merchant account are the monthly fees, the discount rate (the percent you are charged per transaction), the ease and speed of processing, and the method for accessing your money.

You also should consider  the  types  of  cards  your  ecommerce solution allows you to accept through your merchant account. The major credit cards that you should  accept  include  MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Since ecommerce enables you to sell  your  products  or  services  worldwide,  an  ecommerce solution that empowers you to accept credit cards internationally and in different currencies can also be important.

Next to accepting credit cards through your ecommerce  solution, you may want to consider offering other  payment  options. Some options to consider include the acceptance of  PayPal  payments, debit cards, online checks, and digital  cash. Of course,  for those who are still leery about ordering  online,  a  toll  free phone number and a form for fax or mail orders should be provided as an alternative to ordering online. At any rate, your ecommerce solution should provide plenty of options  to  meet  the  unique needs of every customer who may want to buy from your company and the ecommerce solution  should  make  the  customers  feel  that placing an order with you is completely free from risk.

So, what is the best ecommerce solution for you? That is  up  to you to decide. The features  to  compare  before  selecting  an ecommerce solution include:

1.	Security

2.	Cost

3.	Speed of processing

4.	Variety of options for the consumer

5.	Ability to access your money

When you choose an ecommerce solution  compare  these  features. Keep in mind that your ecommerce solution simply must give  your customers a sense of security so they will have confidence  when placing an online order with your company. Also remember  that even though there are costs  associated  with  accepting  credit cards, the increase in sales that your company experiences  when adding an ecommerce solution for accepting credit cards is  well worth the expense.