Today more than ever, a multi store shopping cart solution is ideal for businesses with an online presence. You can use a shopping cart for multiple stores to combine the business presence of several small businesses, or it can be used to join diverse online stores for a business with products in a number of difference niches. The good news is that you can implement this kind of product without a high degree of technical expertise or having to hire an expensive consultant.
There are a few ways to set up a multiple vendor shopping cart:
1. Purchase a multiple store shopping cart software package.
2. Use multiple vendor shopping cart solutions from your web store hosting provider.
3. Hire a freelance designer to assist with customizing your multi vendor shopping cart.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Install shopping cart software that includes a multiple vendor shopping cart
Many e-commerce shopping cart packages have built-in support for a multiple store shopping cart. If you use one of these software packages, you can simply follow the software vendor's instructions about how to best use the software in a multi-store environment.
I recommend: AmeriCommerce shopping cart software is designed specifically with multiple storefronts in mind.
SmartWin Technology also features an online shopping cart package with an option for a shopping cart for multiple stores.
Rely on your web store hosting provider for multiple vendor shopping carts
Many hosting providers offer shopping cart solutions as an added value to their customers. These applications may be part of a hosting package, or they may be an extra feature that you can purchase to go along with your online store hosting.
I recommend: GoDaddy.com offers an online shopping cart with options for multiple storefronts.
Network Solutions features a package that includes multiple vendor storefront software as well.
Hire a designer for your multi vendor shopping cart to save money and guarantee customization
Many professional web designers can create shopping cart solutions: Multiple storefronts are just one of many challenges these professionals face regularly. Finding a freelance worker is a great way to get this sort of programming done in a customizable and economical way. Freelance web sites are a wonderful resource for this. At these sites, providers bid against one another for your business.
I recommend: ScriptLance is one website where you can find web designers willing to create and program your multiple cart solution.
Elance also has programmers for hire. Each of the sites has its own policies as it pertains to hiring programmers, so make sure you know the rules before going in.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Test your multiple storefront shopping cart thoroughly before you release it to the public. You need to make certain that you have the features and functionality you want and that the software accurately performs transactions.
The official source of Shopping Cart Solutions: Multiple Storefronts is
the Shopping Cart Solutions: Multiple Storefronts page at Business.com
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