As far as setting up a simple webstore, GoDaddy or Yahoo are probably pretty good bets. If you want a more professionally enhanced site and are inclined to make the significant investment, then you need to consult a good pro web designer. If you go this route, let me stress two very important issues for you to keep in mind:
1.) Get references. And check them out carefully. Make SURE you've got somebody dependable and good.
2.) Work with someone
locally, wherever you may be located. Avoid long-distance relationships unless you get someone REALLY highly recommended.
As far as merchant services go, remember that you'll actually need THREE separate and distinct elements in order to be able to sell over the internet: First, a merchant services account. Secondly, a shopping cart--this is what GoDaddy is. Thirdly, a gateway provider such as Plug n Pay or Authorize.net. No cutting corners here, if you don't have all three, you can't realistically expect to effectively conduct ecommerce sales unless you reply solely on PayPal. And frankly, that's not the way to project a serious, professional image...Paypal is eBay stuff in my opinion..
May I make a suggestion here? Walk before you run. Don't get locked into multiple contractual obligations with shopping cart, gateway, and merchant services providers until you get your feet wet a little. What if your circumstances change in six months, hopefully for the better but heaven forbid for the worse, and you find the long term deals you're locked into are no longer appropriate to your needs? It happens.
That's why you'd be wise to consider a good STARTER program that gives you a little breathing room down the line. I stress STARTER program...get your feet wet first, learn a little about what you need and what your needs will be six months down the line, and position yourself to be able to make those adjustments in six months without being trapped in something else..
I'm referring to ecommerce processing powered by Quickbooks Software. It basically combines each of the ecommerce elements you need, (a)merchant account, (b) gateway, (c) shopping cart, into one integrated package with no upfront setup costs and no contractual obligation--you can even get the software at no cost....if you want out, 30 days written notice does it.
As I say, this is the best way for you to start, then switch course later as you see fit. Apply online at:
https://merchant.intuit.com/signup/?b=ao319&p=bn2943
I hope you find this info to be useful. Drop me a line if you have questions.
BG
amspcs@juno.com
