Do I belong in this forum? Question...

Rosaria · 05-29-2006, 09:54 AM

Hi,
I just joined today and I might get kicked out here since I think I'm a way beginner compared to you guys on here! But before I ask this "beginner" question, I wanted to know if you do have a link to any forums where people like me might get better information.

Here is my question.

I'm trying to launch by online only t-shirt retail store. I'm not too handy with computers, so I was looking for a company that would host my site, and also would have shopping cart, merchant account and all that in one place because I don't think I could put all that together from different companies. I guess from reading a lot on the net, I need reliable host with lots of uptime and what is very important to me is a website that looks clean, neat and professional (perhaps a template?).

Oh, yes and I forgot to mention, I need the best deal for my money. I already wasted money signing up with godaddy stuff and not being able to use it because their customer support takes forever to get you an answer. Thank you and any suggestions would help. I was looking at volusion, lunarpagers, yahoo and maybe monster commerce (but it seems so expensive, is it worth it?).

Thanks, ciao!
Rosaria

Mrblogs · 05-29-2006, 10:02 AM

Everyone begins somewhere. Usually at the start

I'd be suprised if anyone Kicked you out as long as you aren't spamming people with Links to websites

As for t-shirts... have you considered CafePress?

cimmeron · 05-29-2006, 10:28 AM

check this out - I've used it with a couple clients, it's worth the money, reliable and relatively easy to use.

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusine...er/detail.mspx

Louis · 05-29-2006, 10:31 AM

Welcome Rosaria. Everyone one here has a different skill set, you shouldn't feel out of place.

Rosaria · 05-29-2006, 02:29 PM

Cafe Press just seems like an endless mall, I need a specific store that I can direct my cutomers to. I did explore that option. Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming I need them.

And I appreciate everyone welcoming me, don't worry I won't post weird links or porn

Thanks

bratwebdesign · 05-29-2006, 02:50 PM

I host my candle site at Ez Web Hosting. They offer oscommerce, zencart and cube cart for ecommerce. Their standard plan is about $120 a year. I have been with them for over a year and have had no problems at all.

They do offer a merchant account:
Setup Fee: $149
Monthly Fee: $29.95

BTW, Hi and welcome to v7n!

ablaye · 05-29-2006, 03:57 PM

You can always get basic hosting and install the OsCommerce script on your hosting space. OsCommerce is free but you have to know how to install it, configure it and/or customize it if you want your website to have a unique layout.
If you don't know how to do that, you can always hire a freelancer to install the script for you.

Buskerdoo · 05-29-2006, 06:34 PM

This is a great place to start to learn. There are some very smart people and good answers to questions.

Advice - always look for second, third, and forth opinions on things. Sometimes people try to be helpful but just don't really know the right thing to tell you and then give bad advice.

Abhishek · 05-29-2006, 06:57 PM

Hi Rosaria,
I would suggest buying a hosting package, I suggest going in for www.v7inc.com, they are really worth the money!
I have worked on them for some of my clients, and they are good.. they really are!
Then Contacting a Web Developer/Designer and getting either Some Shopping Cart system installed/Programmer or getting Os-Commerce and getting it customised! This way you can get your money's worth!
Abhishek

Rosaria · 05-29-2006, 08:14 PM

OK, I checked out ezwebhosting and researched some reviews, seems pretty easy to use, even if they charge a bit more for hosting. I'm going to call them tomorrow to get an idea of what monthly cost will be and see if I can review some websites that they host. I think I'll also call lunarpages and I am still intrigued by volusion. If you have a store with yahoo, does it mean you will be ranked higher on their search engine?

Again, thank you so much for all the responses, you guys are a big help!

Rosaria · 05-29-2006, 08:52 PM

I can't find a number to call ez webhosting, they have one but you have to leave a message.

Rosaria · 06-08-2006, 05:21 AM

I checked out the different sites suggested here and it's too hard for me at this point, I'm a real beginner here. Anyone had experience with volusion or instantestore?

Lanetzliving · 06-13-2006, 11:12 AM

I am a complete beginner too, I use netidnow, It is truly a "website for dummies", If I can do it, anyone can and their customer service is tops and very patient! I have given them lots of practice!! ((grin))

theChronic · 06-13-2006, 02:20 PM

Another option similar to CafePress is Zazzle.com, but if you don't like the mall style, you may not like this. However, you do get your own URL on these sites where you can link people to. Not the same effect tho I admit.