How to run an Online Store

Running an online store is similar to running a brick and mortar store! They don't run themselves.

If you already have a physical store adding online order taking and shipping to your list of daily activities shouldn't be difficult. If you don't have a store you have to add inventory and customer service to order taking and shipping.

Depending on what kind of store you have be prepared to make a time investment. Running an online store is a business.

Some stores thrive fairly well by themselves but you can do even better by putting in some time keeping your products up to date and having a great selection. You can run specials and have sales. You can offer free shipping or charge UPS or FEDEX real time shipping.

You will need a dedicated computer with Internet access.

A customer makes an order on your site...
The Shopping cart software checks their credit card information and processes the order.
The customer gets an instant conformation with all sales details.
You will be notified immediately of the "order".
Your account has received payment. You've been paid.
Print the order
Fill the order and pack it.
Use the UPS or FEDEX provided software to print a shipping label.
UPS or FEDEX will pick up the packages if you set up daily pickup.
Ta-daa you've made money, now on to the next order.

Shipping UPS or FEDEX

You will need to set up an account with either UPS or FEDEX or both. I will hook up the shopping cart using the information supplied to you by the shippers. Make sure you save all of their set-up emails.

Payment Gateway

You will need to set up an account with a payment gateway such as PayPal or LinkPoint or whoever else you decide to use, I can help you decide. I will hook the payment gateway up so you can receive money into your business account.

Secure Certificate

This is included with your e-Comm Professional package. This is what make transactions secure for shoppers to use their credit cards on your site. You can not have a shopping site without one!