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Helping business around the world thrive |
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on the Internet. |
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Getting Started with Ecommerce
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My definition of ecommerce is a buyer acquiring goods or services from a seller and the transaction is typically done through a web site. For the purposes of this guide, we are assuming that there are buyers for your product or service. This then leaves
us with understanding the mechanics of what is needed to web enable the process. One more thing, is that today's online buyers are becoming quite savvy and that is the driving force behind the following components that I feel are necessary to build a successful ecommerce web site. |
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1. A web site with it's own domain name |
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Online buyers need to be able to find your product and have confidence in you the merchant to deliver the promised goods. In order to do that, you need to present a compelling professional web site. Anything less than your
own domain will brand the site as amateurish and not serious. Additionally, the technical details of the other components such as a
SQl database and your own SSL security certificate are vastly simplified with domain hosting.
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2. A Secure Web Host |
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It is vital to your success that the web hosting company you choose understands the application that is being used to facilitate ecommerce and furthermore fully understands the technical details of providing a secure web server.
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3. An Ecommerce Application. |
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Ecommerce applications run the gamut from a simple form to software like the Storefront
& BV Software, applications that provides shopping cart functionality but also addresses customer relations management, marketing tools, Inventory management, etc.
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4. A Security Certificate and a unique IP Address. |
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A security certificate also know as SSL, identifies to the web browser that you are who you say you are. SSL certificates are issued by companies such as Geotrust, Versign, etc. Once an SSL certificate is installed on your web site, then the lock symbol can
be enabled to provide secure encrypted communications between your buyer and your ecommerce application. For technical reasons, a unique IP address is required to enable SSL.
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5. A Payment Method |
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The vast majority of Internet transactions are being done with a credit card or echeck. In order to handle any decent volume of credit cards, you will need the assistance of a payment processor. These companies act as a clearing house for the credit card
transaction. Usually they have their own high speed very secure links directly to people like Visa and Mastercard. Examples of payment processors are companies such as PSIgate, Authorizenet etc. Since the credit transaction takes place at a third party ( the payment processor) this adds an
extra layer of security. |
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Chinook Webs has the expertise to bring all these components together for you. |
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:::: Privacy Policy |
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info@chinookwebs.com
403.257.1357