You’re good at what you do and have built up a business that sells quality products at a fair price that attracts lots of repeat customers. You know, however, that there are plenty of folks outside your market area that would definitely like your stuff, and it is time for you to “go live on the net.” You know a thing or two about computer technology (data bases, basic web site administration, etc.), but your real expertise lies in knowing how to promote, sell and move products to your customer. Want to make the jump to quickly getting an online store up and running? Consider going the ecommerce hosting route.
The best choice for “newbies”
If you’re new to ecommerce, employing an ecommerce hosting service is likely your best bet. There are alternatives, of course. You could buy a packaged software application, install it yourself and worry about a host of things that an ecommerce host will take care of for you, for example:
Do your own hosting and you’ll need to know lots about PCI Compliance (credit card handling security protocols and practices).
Do your own hosting and you’ll need to do double duty against hackers and identity theft. You’ll also need to purchase, download and install an SSL certificate to protect your customers from losing control of their accounts in unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots.
On the other hand…
Use an ecommerce host and you will:
- avoid the headaches of installing, maintaining, and upgrading the ecommerce software. As upgrades in the realm of shopping cart security and convenience become available, you won't have to do the installing.
- get immediate support as your online store begins establishing its new presence. Your host has a vested interest in your success and wants you to stay. You have a right to expect lots of "hand-holding" during your first months of using the host's service.
- rely on experts in the field of web security and PCI compliance. (Note: You'll always responsibilities as far as your own equipment's PCI compliance, but an ecommerce hosting service relieves you of a significant portion of it.)
The real tiebreaker:
Cost benefits of buying the entire software package vs. paying the monthly fee for a full-service ecommerce host depend on your business size and volume as well as other factors. For example, do you have in-house technical support to get you through the “growing pains” and get your online store going? Generally, for the new smaller businesses, ecommerce hosting provides the quickest start at the most reasonable cost.
One other cost savings – and the tie-breaking part – in ecommerce hosting is how it frees you from all the technical details and security worries associated with doing your own hosting. You can concentrate on what you’re best at and let your ecommerce host do the rest.
Want to learn more?
Contact us and see how AbleCommerce's ecommerce hosting can be tailored to your online store hosting needs. We have the plan and support for you, at a very reasonable cost.
