This is by far the most commonly requested need for websites that we create. The options available are wide ranging and really depend on the amount of products, the needs of the store owner when processing sales, and the budget allotted to the design of the website.

There are several key points to consider...

• Merchant Accounts
• Volume of Content
• Site Usage / Bandwidth

Merchant Accounts :
This is directly linked to the method in which you plan to process your online transactions.

If you have a TBN machine at your office, and you can process incoming credit card details by phone etc., then the store can inform you of the sale and hold the customers information for a short period of time, allowing you to process the card detail, and then delete the card number from the database or email. All systems of this nature are protected by SSL (secure server) connections and password protected areas.

You can also use a third party processing system, such as Worldpay to deal with all transactions, normally they will charge a percentage of the sale to cover the transaction fees, and you will be required to create an online account. This is directly linked to your bank account so that money transfers are easily dealt with. Worldpay is one of many online merchant account providers.

Volume of Content :
If you have many hundreds of items or just one product, this is essential information regarding the website design.

Large stores will always be database driven, as it is the most efficient method to present and collect the data. You will have the option with our database driven systems of taking over full control of the product addition. This will save you money, but will require you to take the time to add all the information.
Usually we will add a range of products into the system initially, and then consult with you as to your preferred method of continuation.

Site Usage / Bandwidth :
In basic terms, the bigger the site, the more usage, the higher the potential server demand, and therefore the higher the potential hosting fee.

We are very flexible regarding this issue, and our default hosting packages usually meet all the requirements with plenty of scope for upgrades if required.