How to Build a Website to Sell Items
The U.S. Department of Commerce recorded nearly $32 billion in online sales for the last quarter of 2008. Most of the money was spent for travel, computer hardware and software, autos and parts, clothing and home furnishings. Most anything is available online, including Gulfstream jets, submarine rides, real estate and even a personalized celestial star. Building a website to sell items is an easy and relatively quick process.
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Things You'll Need
- PC or Mac computer Hosting company Store programming software Shopping cart programming software Email address Post office box Business phone line
Instructions
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How to Build a Website to Sell Things
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Determine the items your store will carry by doing a market survey of both online and brick-and-mortar stores. Photograph your inventory and write detailed descriptions, including the color, weight and measurements of each item.
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Monthly online hosting fees average $20 and allow for hundreds of pages of storage. The programs also include the ability to add graphic elements, do pricing, and add, modify or delete products without the need of a programmer or other special software. Use a shopping cart feature that allows customers to reserve items while they continue shopping.
Another option is to place your store on an established site, such as Yahoo, and use the store-building features there.
Survey popular online stores to select elements of each that will suit your products. Amazon and NETFLIX have high customer satisfaction ratings. -
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Buyers usually prefer to pay by credi,t but securing a credit card payment service can be expensive. Online payment services such as PayPal and Bill Pay offer a variety of options.
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Promote your site through advertising. Many web hosting companies offer free Google ads as a sign-up bonus. Use social networking sites, such as Myspace and Facebook, to feature your new company. Send emails to friends announcing your web store.
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Tips & Warnings
1. Choose an ecommerce store name that describes your product, is easy to remember and easy to find on the web. 2. Ask friends and family to test the website to make sure it is easy to use and provides clear information.
1. Large images, graphic elements that move and complicated Flash programming may shut out some of the best customers with older computers. 2. Installing a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate on the site protects credit cards and personal information from theft. Assure customers that the site has this protection by posting a note on the "terms of sale" and shopping cart pages. 3. Protect yourself by taking out a post office box and a separate business telephone line. Some customers wish to see an address and phone number before buying. Using a home address and personal phone number may invite unwanted guests and late-night calls about products or services.
