How can you tell
which eCommerce provider is best for your business?
This is not such an easy job as some may believe because there
are more than a few elements with direct impact over your
sales.
We jotted down a brief guideline to consider when it comes
to choosing the right eCommerce provider and we are hoping
you will find it useful.
List them in a table, add columns for corresponding grades
and notes; then fill them in for several eCommerce providers,
then compare your files and make the best choice.
1. Reputation
Are there good reviews? Is the company trustworthy, do they
pay on time, are there any complaints regarding security,
any breach of confidential agreements? Try to fill in a detailed
profile and historical background of your future business
partner and always double check opinions to avoid malicious
proofs.
2. Technology
Does the respective company offer a licensed or a proprietary
solution? The second has the advantage of increased flexibility
function of client's business needs, a more rapid update rate
and probably better financial conditions. In case the solution
is proprietary, you may want to consider company's background
and partnership to understand on what experience or know-how
the solution is based.
3. Sales Tools
You may be looking just for a trustworthy and cost-effective
processor for your online payments. However, you will need
at least reports of your monthly sales and your business would
definitely benefit from any additional details (buyers' country
of origin, preferred time of transaction) and you should consider
welcoming end-user with multilanguage messages, cross-selling
suggestions, coupons or multiple currency pricing. Here you
should think of your target customers and your business specifics,
draft a list and start your search (also keep in mind that
some of these features may be developed afterwards by the
chosen provider).
4. Support
Implementing an eCommerce solution should not be such a hassle,
however, try to find out if you have dedicated technical support
especially after implementation. Talking about support, your
end-customers will need it when it - hence add a line "customer
support" for payment concerns, add good points for 24/7
availability as well as for variety of contact points (email,
phone, fax).
5. Value Added Services
Antifraud - this is the most important added-value feature
and it actually is a must-have!
Marketing support - some eCommerce providers offer web marketing
services in a wide range, from SEO audit, PPC campaigns management,
to software submission, usability evaluation, user testing,
and user centered design.
Sales channel support - in other words affiliate network
6. Financial Conditions
Well, yes, the financial aspects should come last (but not
least) because they are usually a matter of negotiation and
you want first to know what are they charging for - maybe
the bundle of services offered can really have a major positive
impact on your sales and therefore it is fair to pay for it.
Or again, service may be most complex, but your business does
not need such level of complexity yet.
The choice will eventually be your decision; however, keep
in mind the right decision should come only after you've seen
and judged the whole picture. Best of luck!
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