Humble Beginnings in E-Commerce

[ojdude]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to read.

I've developed my skills in designing and building websites, but now I want to expand my skill set and learn how to develop a simple payment system, for example; an online store type of thing.

However, I have no idea of where to start. So I was wondering if anyone has any pointers, or ideas of how to get my feet on the ground. More specifically:

• Where can I learn the very basics?
• Are there any recommended beginners books?
• Do I need to use some kind of service from a bank or card issuer?
• Is it actually a realistic goal to be able to set up a simple online store by myself?

I'd greatly appreciate any words of advice or guidance

Cheers, Owen

[is_numeric]

# Where can I learn the very basics?

Here and everywhere on the internet

# Are there any recommended beginners books?

There are books about ecom. Lots of them but the best way to learn is to get stuck in

# Do I need to use some kind of service from a bank or card issuer?

As an etailer you will require some means of processing payments. You could obtain a service from your bank or subscribe to a payment gateway. A payment gateway is an online service which takes the hassle away from you (for a charge of course).

You deploy a cart which holds your stock. The customer adds his goods to the cart then clicks the checkout button where bank details are taken and the payment processed. The gateway covers the checkout process.

# Is it actually a realistic goal to be able to set up a simple online store by myself?

of course it is

you can use a free cart like Zen Cart and then Paypal as your payment gateway or you can evaluate commercial software like Actinic or you could learn to write a cart yourself if you want to get into that level of development.

I do suggest giving PHP a once over as nothing prepares you better for problems than knowing how it all hangs together.

[ojdude]

Thanks for the advice.

Is developing your own cart difficult? (bare in mind I'm a beginner) If so, is it worth it?

I would imagine it is, as making a customized cart for a client would be seen as more professional.

[is_numeric]

If your doing this for yourself then no.

however, you used the word client. This leads me to believe that you are pertaining to be a professional offering a development service. If this is the case then you have to be an expert in every service you offer so knowing how to code is a requirement.

Also make sure your liability insurance is paid up!!!!