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e-commerce host - free or paid?

by wwidman
6 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
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Hi All,

I am new to IM and decided I would venture into ecommerce, drop shipping, etc.
Since I'm starting out, what are your thoughts on using a free e-commerce host initially versus a paid one (i.e. Big Commerce)?

Thanks,
#ecommerce #free #host #paid
  • Profile picture of the author Joe Stewart
    Originally Posted by wwidman View Post

    Hi All,

    I am new to IM and decided I would venture into ecommerce, drop shipping, etc.
    Since I'm starting out, what are your thoughts on using a free e-commerce host initially versus a paid one (i.e. Big Commerce)?

    Thanks,

    Honestly, I'm just starting an ecommerce site, too. After a lot of thought and research, I came to the conclusion that if I plan on building a long term asset that will have regular customers, it's going to need to be secure, appear trustworthy to my visitors, look professional, have a support system that's easily accessible and much more.

    I decided to go with a starter version at a paid solution. I chose 3dCart, but only because it fit my needs best. There are others to consider as well, Big Commerce being one of them, though I didn't like them. I thought their support was lacking and didn't like their selection of templates. Once again, that's just my experience. Many others love them. That's why there are so many options. There is no "one size fits all".

    My advice is to go with a good paid solution, but start out small. That way you've at least got most of the features of a professional shopping cart, but you're not spending a lot in the beginning.

    Just my thoughts.


    Joe
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  • Profile picture of the author redlegrich
    I used BigCommerce and had great support. I agree about the templates. They were terrible. Looked like amateur hour.
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  • Profile picture of the author kjamesnv
    Originally Posted by wwidman View Post

    Hi All,

    I am new to IM and decided I would venture into ecommerce, drop shipping, etc.
    Since I'm starting out, what are your thoughts on using a free e-commerce host initially versus a paid one (i.e. Big Commerce)?

    Thanks,
    You are asking the wrong question. Paid or free doesn't really matter. The real question are what is your business model, what is your marketing strategy and which platform is best to execute your plan.

    If you have the wrong platform then its irrelevant whether or not its free.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bujuk
    totally agreed with Joe, if you are serious about your business plan, make sure you have control on all the business aspect of it. hosting is not that expensive nowdays. you can alway move to a better hosting plan if needed in future.
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    “Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.”
    - Salvador Dalí
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    • Profile picture of the author Stephen Fosner
      Originally Posted by Bujuk View Post

      totally agreed with Joe, if you are serious about your business plan, make sure you have control on all the business aspect of it. hosting is not that expensive nowdays. you can alway move to a better hosting plan if needed in future.
      Yes sir, you are right and I've done tons of reading and studying about this and the way to go if you're serious and in this for the long term is to go will a paid Hosting plan that allows you to upgrade as you grow your're online business.
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  • Profile picture of the author midave
    I'm using Bigcommerce for my online store and very happy with their service.
    I use their standard template so no need any special tweak on it.
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