This presentation is catered toward the non-technical user. 

This means people that have no prior knowledge of setting up or modifying a website though code.

But you have a product that you want to put online. 

 

Choosing an online platform is just as important as deciding where you set up a retail store.

The eCommerce space is vast and the options are very diverse.

 

This presentation will help you navigate to the right platform.

Cost is usually the first thing people consider.

 

Choosing an online platform depends on many factors. 

Costs, Audience, Support, Ease of use, etc.

But don't let the upfront costs deceive you.

Example: Creating a online store from scratch

This is what most individuals try first, because it's cheap. If you can do the work yourself, why hire someone else?

Step 1: Get a website

This is what most individuals try first, because it's cheap. If you can do the work yourself, why hire someone else?

• Buy a domain name (GoDaddy, NameCheap)
• Procure shared hosting
• Install a shopping cart with a one click installer
• Upload your products!
• Profit!

Total Costs: 

If this person chose the cheapest options available, they would be paying around  $20 a year and $50 a year afterward. 

This is pretty good!

The user didn't even need to hit the command line. 

A cloud platform like SquareSpace would cost $7 a month. 

Hidden Costs: 

But what did this really buy this user?

 

How do you handle payment?

What about shipping? 

Is the software safe?

Is the software they installed up to date?

How often do they need to update it?

What happens if the website breaks?

What happens if the website is attacked?

What if they wanted to change how the page looks?

Who do they call for support?

Other Challenges:

 

• How do you handle customer information?
• How do you keep this information safe?
• How do you integrate into your existing website? POS system? Multiple stores? 

 

Granted, there are plugins that handle some of these questions, but are you trying to sell a product, or run a server?

Let's look at our options

Self-Hosted

 

• Magento
• PrestaShop
• X-Cart
• WooCommerce
• and many many more

Cloud Based

 

• SquareSpace
• Shopify
• Amazon Marketplace
• Yahoo Stores
• Ebay
• Etsy
• ChargeBee

How do you choose one?

 

The simple answer is:

How do you want to represent your business?

 

Does your product makes sense on Amazon? Ebay? Etsy?

 

Or does it make more sense to have your own website?

 

Are you selling a physical object or a service?

 

Does your business have an "image"?

Amazon:

Everything from A to Z

 

Sell almost anything

Products are often based on reviews.

Products often sold in small quantities

Massive audience but can often be overlooked

 

Mega Mall

eBay:

 

Sell almost anything

But still viewed as the junkyard sales site

Products are sometimes second hand

Products often sold in small quantities

Massive audience but can often be overlooked

 

Junkyard

Etsy:

 

Sell products related to arts and crafts

Strict rules on what can be sold (must by handmade)

Products often sold in small quantities

Massive audience

 

Farmer's Market

SquareSpace:

 

Sell anything

Beautiful UI

Template Based Editing

Products can be sold in any quantity

No built in audience

 

Apple Stores

Shopify:

 

Sell anything

Developer friendly

Products can be sold in any quantity

No built in audience

POS integrations

 

Retail Corporations