Opening an online store

tcnjpirate · #1 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 05:05 PM

Is there a free (or very very cheap) web hosting service that someone would reccomend for an online store? Because its going to be a store, I don't want it to put adds in the middle of the pages, but adds along the sides would be fine.

TWD_Tony · #2 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 07:49 PM

In order to use an inline store you would need SQL or another database and a scripting language (php, asp etc) - I very much doubt that any of the FREE hosting companies would allow such services on their servers....

When you say CHEAP - what do you call cheap

monaghan · #3 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 08:09 PM

If you want a store, then you want reliability, you won't get that free or cheap.

If you're selling, then surely you can offset your hosting expenses against your profits and reduce your tax liability, so the hosting in effect is at no cost to you.

I think you'll find that people would be reluctant to purchase from a store displaying ads

ACCER · #4 (**permalink**) 27-07-2007, 06:24 AM

Actually it can be done and has been done.....is actually BEING done to a certain extent on angelfire. With ads. Using nothing more than old html. The site has been fairly profitable for the owner. The coding is done by hand using a paypal shopping cart system.

monaghan · #5 (**permalink**) 27-07-2007, 10:53 AM

I don't think anyone has an issue with the fact that it CAN be done on free, the issue is more about why anyone would have the need to do it and why people would want to buy from a store hosted on a free site showing ads?

TWD_Tony · #6 (**permalink**) 27-07-2007, 06:11 PM

Sorry - I thought we were talking about a pro ecommerce solution and NOT a knocked up HTML website with paypal links

tcnjpirate · #7 (**permalink**) 30-07-2007, 04:20 PM

Yeah, I really would just need the html with paypal links. What I'm trying to do is open a handmade jewelry business and I want to have the option for customers to view and/or buy pieces online.

parise1 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACCER

Actually it can be done and has been done.....is actually BEING done to a certain extent on angelfire. With ads. Using nothing more than old html. The site has been fairly profitable for the owner. The coding is done by hand using a paypal shopping cart system.

Just as simple as 123, it can be done and I have seen plenty of sites that use to old HTML and online payment method to sale products. It might be a rinky dinky store but you don't have to get complex unless you want to.

TWD_Tony · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parise1

Just as simple as 123, it can be done and I have seen plenty of sites that use to old HTML and online payment method to sale products. It might be a rinky dinky store but you don't have to get complex unless you want to.

Well - I for one run a mile when I see a HTML coded store with paypal shopping cart links nailed into it... But that's personal preference I suppose

tcnjpirate · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-2007, 09:18 PM

How do you get the html for paypal shopping carts? I can't seem to find a source for that anywhere...

monaghan · #11 (**permalink**) 06-08-2007, 12:21 PM

Your PayPal account will let you generate links, again, I'd suggest that you avoid a free host and go for a paid host. Anyone running a store should really be avoiding the potential for a context sensitive ad being placed on their store, you don't really want to attract competitive ads on your storefront

aquariancore · #12 (**permalink**) 06-08-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monaghan

Your PayPal account will let you generate links, again, I'd suggest that you avoid a free host and go for a paid host. Anyone running a store should really be avoiding the potential for a context sensitive ad being placed on their store, you don't really want to attract competitive ads on your storefront

My thoughts exactly. You will get competition ads and ads that people may not care to see. There are some really low priced hosting companies that are good for start up. Netfirms apparently has cleaned up their act and for a short time are offering sites for $10 for the 1st year. I had problems with them but they are have stepped up. Plus they have a free cart they will help you set up.
Netfirms, Free Web Hosting, Domain Names for Small Business

ACCER · #13 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 08:01 PM

Actually this site doesn't have to worry about competition because the owner invented the product and owns all the rights to it. If you want it, you have no choice but buy from that site.

The site has been up for about a decade. It's done quite well. You see, the people who go there are not generally technical people. So it doesn't phase them in the least.

Besides, it's the ultimate niche.

Though I do have it on good authority that the site will be moving as soon as the owner gets around to it.

monaghan · #14 (**permalink**) 07-08-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACCER

Actually this site doesn't have to worry about competition because the owner invented the product and owns all the rights to it. If you want it, you have no choice but buy from that site.

For most people, this will not be the case though and they should be considering a "proper" web store.

aquariancore · #15 (**permalink**) 08-08-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monaghan

For most people, this will not be the case though and they should be considering a "proper" web store.

My point exactly.