Ecommerce just seems to continue growing and growing, and it is becoming almost a requirement that all merchants have an online presence of some kind. We’ve already covered shopping carts that you host yourself, but sometimes it is nice to just walk in to some place that is ready to go and can take you only a few minutes to set up if you play your cards right.
This is where hosted shopping carts come in handy as they allow you to remove the headaches of maintaining your server, dealing with software issues and more. These solutions may cost a little bit more, but you can almost view it as saving you money compared to hiring an IT person.
We’ve gathered up 10 of the best solutions that will let you get set up in no time flat, so take a look through and see which one best serves your needs.
Business Catalyst: Adobe’s Business Catalyst, formerly known as GoodBarry, is built with an eye towards allowing developers to fully customize an online store for clients with little to no need for coding. The service is completely white label so that you can insert your company logo, or that of your client so that they only see the information you choose. Features analytics, Dreamweaver extensions, easy management and more.
Flying Cart: Flying Cart allows you to build ecommerce sites that vary in size from 50 products up to 1,000, depending on your needs. There is only a monthly fee and no transaction fees, so depending on what you’re selling this could work out better for you than some of the other solutions. You can use your own domain name, accept all major credit cards, process through SSL and more.
GoEmerchant: GoEmerchant provides you with solutions to build a full ecommerce store, you can simply add purchase buttons to your existing site if you want. The company also has a merchant gateway that can be used on an iPhone so that you can take credit card payments virtually anywhere at any time.
ProStores: Powered by eBay, ProStores is a full ecommerce solution that lets you set up an online store using their provided templates, or you can hire a designer to give your store a unique design. While it isn’t required, you do have the option to also list your items on eBay if you would like to.
Shopify: Shopify is a template-based online store solution that provides you with an easy set up for any type of store, and then gives you numerous templates to choose from. Thankfully, you can also customize the site as you see fit because most of the templates look like very basic WordPress templates, but once customized the sites look great.
StoreFront: StoreFront specializes in customized solutions for businesses that are tailored to the needs of companies of all sizes. Their systems integrate with many third-party software packages, multiple merchant gateways, offer up customized store designs and a whole lot more.
uShops: You can sell just about anything you want on uShops for free for the first six months, and then a nominal fee will be charged there after. This gives you the chance to get your site up to speed and see if your idea will even work before you start paying for it.
WebStore by Amazon: The leading online retailer in the world has come up with a hosted shopping cart solution that allows anyone to use the power of Amazon’s shopping technology on their own branded site. You also have the option of not only selling the items on your own custom WebStore, but you can also sell the items on the main Amazon site like any number of third-party sellers already do.
Yahoo! Merchant Solutions: The Yahoo! shopping site has been around for years and features an extremely robust shopping cart that allows for cross selling, discounted sales, creating gift certificates, wish lists and a lot more. The site features several templates you can choose from or you can have your store custom designed. But be warned that Yahoo! uses an unusual language that usually takes specialized designers to work on it, so it can get expensive to customize your store.
Yokaboo.com: A simplified store system that only allows you to accept PayPal, but lets you set up a store quickly and with a look of your choosing. Perfect for smaller merchants such as small record labels, artists, jewelry makers and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hosted Shopping Cart Solutions
What are the key features to look for in a hosted shopping cart solution?
When choosing a hosted shopping cart solution, consider features such as ease of use, customization options, payment gateway integration, security measures, and customer support. The platform should be user-friendly, allowing you to easily add products, manage inventory, and process orders. Customization options are important for branding and creating a unique shopping experience. The solution should support multiple payment gateways for customer convenience. Security is crucial to protect sensitive customer data. Lastly, reliable customer support can help resolve any issues quickly.
How does a hosted shopping cart solution enhance the customer experience?
A hosted shopping cart solution can significantly enhance the customer experience by providing a seamless and secure shopping process. It allows customers to easily add products to their cart, view their cart contents, and proceed to checkout. The solution can also offer features like product recommendations, discount codes, and customer reviews to enhance the shopping experience. Moreover, it ensures secure payment processing, which builds customer trust.
What are the benefits of using a hosted shopping cart solution over an open-source one?
Hosted shopping cart solutions offer several advantages over open-source ones. They are typically easier to set up and use, requiring no technical expertise. They come with built-in security measures, reducing the risk of cyber threats. Hosted solutions also offer reliable customer support, which can be crucial in resolving issues. On the other hand, open-source solutions require technical knowledge to set up and maintain, and security measures need to be implemented separately.
How does a hosted shopping cart solution impact SEO?
A hosted shopping cart solution can positively impact SEO by providing a smooth and fast shopping experience, which is a ranking factor for search engines. Some solutions also offer SEO features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and alt tags for images. However, it’s important to note that the overall SEO performance also depends on other factors like content quality and backlinks.
Can I switch from one hosted shopping cart solution to another?
Yes, it’s possible to switch from one hosted shopping cart solution to another. However, the process can be complex and requires careful planning to avoid data loss and downtime. It’s advisable to seek professional help for the migration process. Before switching, consider factors like the cost of the new solution, the features it offers, and the potential impact on your business operations.
How much does a hosted shopping cart solution cost?
The cost of a hosted shopping cart solution can vary widely depending on the features it offers, the number of products you sell, and the level of customer support provided. Some solutions offer a free basic plan, while others charge a monthly or annual fee. Additional costs may include transaction fees, payment gateway fees, and costs for add-ons or upgrades.
Is a hosted shopping cart solution suitable for a small business?
Yes, a hosted shopping cart solution can be an excellent choice for a small business. It’s easy to set up and use, requires no technical expertise, and comes with built-in security measures. It also offers scalability, allowing your online store to grow with your business. However, it’s important to choose a solution that fits your budget and business needs.
How secure is a hosted shopping cart solution?
Hosted shopping cart solutions typically come with built-in security measures to protect sensitive customer data. These may include SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection tools. However, it’s important to review the security features of the solution and ensure they meet industry standards.
Can I customize the design of my online store with a hosted shopping cart solution?
Yes, most hosted shopping cart solutions offer customization options to help you create a unique online store. These may include customizable templates, color schemes, and fonts. Some solutions also allow you to add your own logo and images. However, the level of customization may vary between different solutions.
What kind of customer support can I expect from a hosted shopping cart solution?
The level of customer support provided by a hosted shopping cart solution can vary. Some solutions offer 24/7 support via phone, email, or live chat. Others may provide support through online resources like FAQs, tutorials, and forums. It’s important to choose a solution that offers reliable and timely customer support to help resolve any issues quickly.
Sean P Aune
