How to Make a Retail Website

Set up an e-commerce retail website.

A retail website allows customers to buy products and services at any time of the day from any location. If a company wanted to create a retail website during the earlier days of e-commerce, the software to run the website would need to be custom programmed. Such an undertaking required significant expertise or expense. These days, open source e-commerce packages exist to help simplify the process of launching on online retail website.

Things You'll Need

• Retail commerce software
• Website hosting
• Payment processing provider

Instructions

1. Sign up for a website hosting package. The website hosting company provides server space for the website owner to develop the website and the public to access it. Search for a host that provides third-party software hosting, to streamline website development. Check the website host's business reputation on the Better Business Bureau's website before creating an account.

2. Set up a payment processing account. A payment processor will process credit card transactions when consumers buy something from the website, after deducting a processing fee and percentage of the transaction amount. The payment processor then deposits the remaining money into the website owner's account. Small businesses often initially use services like PayPal, Digital River and Google Checkout due to lower setup costs (see reference 3). Read the payment processor agreement closely. Issues like transaction fees charged on fraudulent transactions will make a difference. Some processors will charge the fees, leaving the website owner with an out-of-pocket expense.

3. Install the e-commerce software package on the website. Most hosts provide a server control panel that includes a selection of popular open-source e-commerce packages, like osCommerce, Ubercart and Zen Cart. These packages are free to use (see reference 1), and include features for most types of online retail stores (see reference 2). After selecting a package, choose "new installation". The process is hands-off and only takes a few minutes to complete.

4. Configure the retail store options. All packages contain an administration panel to set up the basic configuration of the store. From this section, set up the store name, shipping options, sales tax, payment processor, and other essential preferences.

5. Create the product catalog. From the e-commerce software's administration section, enter the product name, details and pricing. Also, upload a picture of the item, if applicable. Repeat this process for each item the store will sell.

6. Test the store's functionality and configuration. Go through the process of purchasing an item from the store exactly as a customer would, checking every aspect of the transaction. Look for broken links, missing images, and other non-functional content. Finally, ensure that the checkout process works as expected.

7. Promote the new retail website. Create fan pages on Facebook and an official Twitter account. Run advertising to get the word out. The best built online store will never make a sale if no one knows about it.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your market. While it is possible to build a technically functional e-commerce website, it takes stocking the website with the right products to be successful. Take advantage of the many online analytics tools, like Google Trends, Trend Hunter and TrendWatching to learn what people are actually looking for. Market research will go a long way in helping to create an online retail presence.

References

• osCommerce: About osCommerce
• ZenCart: Features List
• Washington Post: How do I use PayPal?

Resources

• Practical Ecommerce: What Should I Sell Online?