What's the best store platform, in your experience?

[OneGrassRoot]

If one were going to sell a variety of items, I'm wondering the best way to go for someone who can't have the expense of creating an e-commerce store. There are so many ready-made platforms nowadays that I hope you can give me feedback about some of them.

Like Amazon's Merchant storefronts, for example. I know etsy is for artisans...that's not what I'm interested in. Even though you can't make much at cafepress, I love that they literally handle everything, so in a way it's worth it to make so little on each item sold. They don't offer the types of products I'd like to include, however (e.g., jewelry and candles).

Thanks in advance. :)

[Speck Tater]

1. I had very good results with this one

http://www.modularmerchant.com/

Their customer service is excellent. They can supply shopping cart software for your existing store, or they can set up the whole store for you.

[OneGrassRoot]

3. Thank you. I'd never seen this one.....

Much appreciated. :hi:

[shraby]

2. Keep the site easy to navigate and anticipate and

questions a customer might have. Don't go more than 3 pages deep, it gets confusing for a lot of people if deeper.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. Good advice!

Really good advice I'm not sure I would have considered. Thanks much! :hi:

[chill_wind]

4. Since you mention expense,

eCRATER is free. Art-Fire is another growing site for artisan type products like etsy. Jewelry and candles would fit right in. A Basic Account (up to 12 items listing) is free.

http://www.ecrater.com
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=get_started


Zazzle seems a lot like Cafepress-- I haven't browsed it for the specific items you mention, but maybe check it out.

http://www.zazzle.com/

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Sweet!

Thanks for both of these sites! :)

[chill_wind]

7. Sure thing! eCrater is actually pretty easy to set up.

I had an account there a short time, but I needed something that allowed digital downloads (which it doesn't).
They have a pretty active user/support forum, if you get stuck or need help.