Chrisinti started this topic @ 13:22 on 03/04/2006
Could somebody please clear up for me exactly what is a Windows-based application and a web-based application? With regards to Actinic Software. I've heard many good things about them and have also seen a lot of posts on here singing their praises. That's what made me take a look at their website. I think I have vague idea what it is but I could be completely wrong. Also I've heard I will need a hosting package. If anyone could also point out what this is exactly and why it's needed I'd also be very happy. As I'm not the world's greatest web designer I'm hoping for an almost idiot proof one click solution. Almost like a eCommerce Mr Site so to speak. Simply a store template in which all I need to do is add product pictures, product infomation, P&P costs, company details and most importantly process my orders. I'm sure there is something out there like that, or that might even be what Actinic actually is. Like the online store demo product they have over at http://www.actinicexpress.co.uk . Finally I'm assuming I'll need to sort out a new bank account or become registered to accept credit and debit card payments? After many years of putting it off I've decided to bite the bullet. As you may have probably guessed this is all very new to me so I need a final few things cleared up. Obviously I'll be starting off small but it's definitely what I've wanted to do for many years now. As I'm so passionate about the product I'll be selling, PC's and the internet and most importantly... money it seems like the logical thing for me. I've found a quality supplier, thought of every possible scenario and outcome and now I'm going to go for it. It will be more of a hobby/part time job whilst I also dabble in a few other things but I'm finding the whole process quite exciting and look forward to the challenge ahead.
Mucho gracias.
Chris
RE: eCommerce Questions
Shopfront UK | 03/04/2006 02:21 PM
Hi,
- Web Based - runs on webserver
- Windows based - Runs on local PC
Exactly which features are you looking for, and do you need things like PC Builder so people can customise their PC's.
Also is there a competitors website you like the look and feel of, that way I can see what you are looking for.
I can probably make you a website to your exact specs at a decent price, and also supply you with low rental costs £7pm.
Let me know.
Thanks
RE: RE: eCommerce Questions
Chrisinti | 03/04/2006 03:14 PM
Yeah that would definitely be something I'd be interested in. I won't be needing anything like PC Builder as I won't be selling PC's! Sorry if I worded it in a slightly confusing manner. I meant I'm interested in PC's and the internet but will be actually be stocking something different. There are a few sights I have checked out I that I like the look, design and layout of. I wouldn't really call them a competitor though as we will be selling slightly different products though. I will let you know within the next few days though hopefully? If that's not a problem.
Cheers
RE: eCommerce Questions
Shopfront UK | 03/04/2006 03:47 PM
Sure, no probs just let me know.
RE: RE: eCommerce Questions
vengavenga | 03/04/2006 03:58 PM
As Shopfront points out, there are many things to take into consideration, so really the best thing to do is make a list of sites selling similar products to yours and see which bits you do and don't like from each.
You mention credit card processing - there are many ways of accepting card payments ranging from a credit card processing "merchant account" with your bank (where customers would enter card details on your site) to all-in-one payment processors such as Worldpay and Paypal (customers are transferred to their websites to make payment, and then those companies pay you). Let me know if you need any more info on what's available.
Ali.
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Affordable online stores with FREE hosting for Startups.co.uk forum members
RE: RE: eCommerce Questions
Chrisinti | 03/04/2006 04:16 PM
A little more info on a merchant account would be great if possible? The two I've been looking at closely are http://www.juno.co.uk and http://www.redeyerecords.co.uk . The latter definitely being my favourite of the two. I'd prefer the Navigational Menu alligned to the left though. Apart from that it's pretty much spot on I feel. I've just had a look around your site also. Very impressive. I've seen quite a lot of your portfolio I also like the look of. Thanks for the extra bit of info on the PayPal and Nochex etc too.
RE: eCommerce Questions
Shopfront UK | 03/04/2006 04:06 PM
I there is lots of wasy to accept credit cards online as Vengavenga mentioned.
As a new business it may be difficult for you to get a credit card facilities from them, so online merchant would probably be the best way to go until you have some trading history.
Paypal:- Good if you are also selling on ebay, or to ebay members which there is lots of.
Nochex - if the customers are all from the UK, and spending less than £100 each a day then this is a good option as they dont need to signup for transaction of less that 100 - and they have NO CHARGEBACKS
wolrdpay - I have never used, so cant really comment
But there is nothing to stop you signing up to more than one of these and giving the customer the choice of which one to deal with.
RE: eCommerce Questions
Shopfront UK | 03/04/2006 04:23 PM
Paypal is what almost everyone on Ebay uses for payment - not really the best for business tho, if a buyer decides to dispute a payment its amlost impossible for you to win - even if you have proof of delivery. so the customer gets the money back and you end up out of pocket.
Nochex I find is good, but doesnt have as many members. this is not important as long as purchases are below £100 then they dont need to be - the also have chargeback cover so once you get paid they cant get the money back unless its extreme circumstances.
RE: eCommerce Questions
vengavenga | 03/04/2006 06:12 PM
Some good information there from Shopfront - I'd just like to add a bit more about Paypal.
If you do a Google search for info about Paypal, you'll get the impression that they are public enemy number one ... in my opinion and experience that's just not the case.
They've come a long way in the last couple of years - it used to be that people could only send payments if they had a Paypal account - since last summer, that's no longer the case. When someone goes through the checkout at an online store and is taken to the Paypal site they are now given two options.
1) Make a credit or debit card payment (afterwards they are asked if they would like to open a Paypal account, but they don't have to).
2) Login to their existing Paypal account.
A lot of people don't realise this as I don't think it applies to eBay transactions, only online stores such as the type we and Storefront build and sites that use Paypal's own "buy now" buttons.
Paypal are now also regulated in the UK by the FSA which means that they are under much stricter control than they were when they were solely US based. In fact, of the problems you do see people reporting, I think most of them tend to be US ones.
Why do they have any problems reported?
Well, I have my own theories on this.
One is that there are a lot of people using Paypal to try and make a quick buck selling illegal or counterfeit products. Paypal (rightly) won't tolerate that and suspend their accounts. Of course, no-one is going to say "Paypal froze my account because I'm dodgy", so they make up some other story and tell everyone they meet.
The other is that people in general don't read things properly. After you've accepted a set amount of payments (can't remember how much it is, could be £5000 or something like that) they email you to tell you that you need to provide them with extra identification. This is just a case of faxing them a passport, driving license or whatever. If you don't do that, they'll suspend your account until you do. They give you plenty of time to do this (45 days) and remind you often, so really there's no excuse for not doing what you are asked. EU money-laundering regulations tell Paypal that they have to do this, so it's not them being awkward. I reckon a lot of people ignore these emails and are then surprised and bitter when their accounts get suspended.
Finally, on the subject of Paypal siding on the side of buyers, our experience is the opposite. Two of our clients that we designed stores for have had problems with customers disputing an order and in both cases Paypal sided with the seller.
Similarly, we had a case when the day before a client was due to see his finished website he contacted Paypal (without contacting us!) to say that he had changed his mind and in any case the site we'd designed was no good (even though he hadn't seen it!). Paypal asked us for our side of story, took our good trading record into account and told him that he wasn't getting any refund (he subsequently sold the site to a friend - it turned out that he was skint and had just changed his mind!)
I'm not for a second saying that you should use Paypal over anyone else, just that I think they get a lot of unfair criticism ... we use them on a daily basis without any problems.
Two sides to every story 
Ali
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Affordable online stores with FREE hosting for Startups.co.uk forum members
RE: eCommerce Questions
Shopfront UK | 03/04/2006 08:30 PM
I do sort of agree with Vengavenga about paypal, im not saying they are all bad - I do actually use them myself, mainly due to the fact of how many people have it for making payments. but I do limit customers to:-
- Verified Address Customers
- Customers with some form of rating
for other customers you can take payments another way, there is nothing to stop you having more than one payment option - paypal and another
I actually went through the Money Laundering thing recently with it (£4500 Received) and its an easy proceedure, all they do is transfer 2 amounts into your account which you need to confirm - and thats it done.
RE: RE: eCommerce Questions
seanpearman | 04/04/2006 03:13 PM
Chris,
I havent read all of the posts, so sorry if I repeat what others have said.
I use actinic business. It is windows based and uploads the html and js scripts. Basically it is a CD that you install onto a pc. You then design your site, enter business details products, shipping costs etc. It is feature rich, but can be complicated. You then specify a url with all usual upload details and off it goes creating the site online. Download the 30 day trial. Actinic is a complete solution it is the only bit of software I use to run my business. It will process orders, print picking list, invoices, accept offline orders(mail order, telephone etc). You can run promotion, discount for particular customers. The list is endless! Also it is secure! if you accept cards online banks want to make sure your site is secure, if you say "I'm using Actinic" they know its secure instantly.
A few basics you should know(sorry if it sounds patronising):
URL- the www bit- have you bought one yet?
Hosting - the websites images, text & content need to be held on a pc/server connected to the internet so that people can view your site. You could run this from your own PC but I wouldnt recommend it because your computer would need; to be on 24/7, added security and extra software. Also your internet connection is limited. If you had multiple people looking at your site it would be very slow for them.
To accept payment via card you need a merchant number, this can only be obtained from the major banks. This number gives you the authority to accept Cardholder Not Present(CNP) transactions. You will also need a PSP payment service provider. They autorise the transaction, check address etc. Protx are good for startups because they have a flat rate £20 per month for upto 1000 transaction. You are also charged by you bank approx. 2.65% on credit and 48p on debit.
I noticed that other have suggested paypal etc. I would not recommend this because it can look very ameture. but if it is only a part time thing it may be best.
Hope this helps
Sean
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Sean
cheap">href="http://www.cheapsoftwareonline.co.uk">cheap software
RE: eCommerce Questions
Chrisinti | 05/04/2006 07:23 PM
Nice one for that Sean. Appreciate it. A lot of that I knew already but it was pretty comprehensive enough to fill the void I wasn't too sure about. You covered almost everything I needed to know and ask so thanks once again. And to everybody else who replied. Seems like Actinic is the way to go then. I'll have a look at their trial now.