Need Some Real Feedback About Oscommerce

[ElsShells]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am new to the forums and really considering using OSCommerce. I looked at some of the sample websites and they are really fantastic!

 

Let me preface what I am about to say with admitting that I am a TOTAL novice when it comes to this stuff. I am trying to get a better handle on how this whole eCommerce, website, domain name, etc. stuff works. I thought I knew more than I did, but realize I actually really don't know much---I am constantly bothering my domain name people at HostNine for help, so they can attest to this! Hahahah

 

Currently I am using Sitebuilder, and I'm totally miserable! I feel it doesn't give me the flexibility I need for my eShop, and it seems to constantly lost information I enter onto it...not to mention, I HATE the way it formats things!!!

 

That being said, for some of you who may be using it with a novice perspective in mind, do you think it is a good software package to use? Have you found it to be easy to use with PayPal? Can someone who is not completely familiar with HTML coding use it with relative ease?

 

Any help and feedback would be appreciated. My eShop is opening in two weeks and I need to find a more viable solution then Sitebuilder.

 

Thanks!!

:-)

El

[Guest]

I am sure you will get the really "nice" response from someone else ... but not me. :-"

 

If you are a "novice" I have to assume you have little or none knowledge of PHP, HTML and MYSQL. OsCommerce is very flexible and you can make it look and act however you want. But that takes time, effort, knowledge, skill ... or deep pockets. To learn all that and ... web site security ... and build your site ... in 2 weeks I think is being a bit optimistic.

 

You will also need to set up taxes for all regions that you will sell to (and do it correctly because you are liable for all taxes due even if you didn't collect them), set up a payment processor (paypal and not the one the comes standard with osC, you need to install the ipn module) and ensure that your customers information is secure and you are meeting all regulations regarding credit card information and ensure your web site is safe and secure.

 

Then you have to market your site and learn about on page and off page seo, how to use a blog to your sites advantage, learn about and how to use RSS feeds to market your site, submit to directories, post to forums, link exchanges, etc.

 

The list is never ending, and trust me ... it does never end.

 

But having said that running your own business if fun, rewarding and flexible (you get to pick which 20 hours a day you want to work). :thumbsup:

 

OsCommerce is a great platform to start with and to learn with and you will have fun using it, breaking it, modifying it and building the store you want ... but I don't want to give you the impression that it will happen overnight. But with hard work and a lot of hair pulling you will be able to build your store. The community here is great and very helpful (if you ask specific questions).

 

You can download osCommerce here and give it a try. I would recommend installing something like easyphp or xammp on your desktop. What those programs do is create a server on your desktop so you don't have to do any work on the internet. This is not only faster but when (not if) you make a mistake you can just copy and paste over all the files and start over (my first attempt at osC I must have done this 100 times) but you will get the hang of it.

 

As long as you have a clear image in your mind as to how you want it to look and ask small questions people here will provide the answer to you. Be patient with yourself and others helping you and it will happen ... but like I said ... probably not in 2 weeks.

 

Knowledge is the key to making changes to your site and also effectively marketing your site. No matter what platform you choose you will need to gain some knowledge of programing, ecommerce, etc. You might want to look at templates (just google "oscommerce templates" and have someone install it for you (then make a backup of those files). That will save you the design aspect at least.

 

Need any help just ask. :)

 

I hope you don't take that as being mean, just realistic based upon limited knowledge of HTML and being a novice. :) We were all novices at one point.

[ElsShells]

Hi Host,

 

In terms of the business end of it, that kind of thing is taken care of. I do have an SSL Certificate, I am registered to collect taxes and have set up a PayPal account.

 

I think my question is more in terms of customization of websites. I see some beautiful store examples, but definitely feel quite clueless in terms of how they are set up. The basics are easy (setting up the product catalog, etc.), but I'm hoping to get more out of the site, add a banner, etc. and that's where I am unsure!

 

I guess it's time for me to put my nose to the grindstone and start working on this!

[Guest]

If by banner you mean the header image (the oscommerce logo) that is easy (if you already have an image). Just right click on the image and it will tell you what the image file is called. Then just upload your new one with the exact same name and it will show. We can worry about if it displays correctly after.

[ElsShells]

Exactly what I meant, thank you :-)

 

I am feeling so "UGH" about doing the online website now! I am so unhappy with Sitebuilder and have been having some major problems with it (I didn't have any problems at first), and I feel so much a novice trying to figure out osCommerce, Zen Carts, etc., because I want to be able to customize and my HTML skills are pretty much good enough to <B> </B> hahahaha

 

Any suggestions for good reads and resources for the ULTRA novice who has no interest in making a career out of building web pages?!?! Hahaha.

 

:-)