Online Stores—Many Methods

There are many methods of offering your products for sale online. One of the easiest ways is to use pre-developed storefront software. A good example of this is Miva Merchant. Merchant is a browser-based (works through your web browser), easy to learn software that works well “out of the box”. It is also extremely customizable through third-party add-ons or custom programming. Even people who aren’t very computer savvy can learn to manage a Merchant store.

Laurel Design’s professional advice, ability to communicate easily and timely, and patience with our limited knowledge was invaluable in easing our staff into the procedures to work with our new “store”.

Dr. Michal LeVasseur, Executive Director,
National Council for Geographic Education,
concerning their Miva Merchant store

PayPal offers a shopping cart that can meet the needs of many small merchants. This system functions much like the more sophisticated storefronts, but the cost is still quite low. See the National Whitetail Deer Hunt site (link on the right) for an example of this kind of store.

Everyone has heard of someone who “made a fortune” on eBay. This is, for sure, a wonderful and active marketplace that gets more sophisticated all the time. We can help you set up systems and choose what level of eBay would work best for you.

Your specific needs will determine what method, or combination of tools, will work best for you. Contact us for a free consultation about your project.