References

Open Source Applications and Scripts
Offers lists of available CMS scripts

Open Source CMS
PHP Resource Index

Commercial Applications and Scripts
Offers lists of available CMS scripts

ESMI Studio
WebAssist
Drag Drop Cart

Our Preferred Choices

Compatible with Bluehost

Zen Cart
CP Commerce
Cart Store

The model of an E-Commerce Web site.

A cost-effective method to sell your products online.

They include specialized scripts that control interactive content, checkout forms and product graphics. They're very suitable for most retail products that can be legally sold and shipped.

We've supplied a check list of the more important considerations when making a decision about the design of an E-Commerce Web site.

Web Site Components

  • An E-Commerce Web site
    • A hosted application that allows the Web site owner to add / remove items for sale.
    • Normally used to sell "material goods", "digital downloads" or "services".
    • Regional laws or statutes may effect the viability of an online E-Commerce Web site.
    • It's the responsibility of the Web site owner to configure regional sales tax rates.
    • Most E-Commerce scripts are based on CMS engines.
  • The structure of an E-Commerce Web site
    • The Front End
      • The Web site your customers see
        • The catalog that is presented to your customer
        • The available methods of payment for your product
        • A customer registration / login area
        • The checkout cart
    • The Back End
      • The (hidden) administration area of your site
        • The looks and design of your store
        • Your product inventory
        • Your customer information
        • The status of your orders
        • Regional sales information
        • The currencies and methods of payment
    • A "Terms and Conditions" page
      • Information about the terms and conditions of sales, tax rates, return policies, etc.
    • An "About Us" page
      • A short biography about who you are and what you do.
    • A "Contact Us" page
      • Give the viewer a means to get in touch with you.
      • Add a privacy statement to let the viewer know how you protect their information.
  • Site design
    • Webmaster perspective
      • Fits the capabilities of the host server
      • The product is approved by host server policies
      • Performs as expected for the targeted region
      • Compatibility across current Web browsers
      • Protects the security of the customer data
      • Satisfies the aesthetic needs of the client
    • Client perspective
      • Catches the attention of the intended viewers
      • Matches the regional expectations of the viewers
      • Satisfies the esthetic expectations of the viewers
      • An easy to use sales procedure
  • The content of an E-Commerce Web site
    • The Webmaster perspective
      • Content is the textual and graphic information
      • Content is normally supplied by the client
      • Site administration training is available at an additional fee
      • Created by the webmaster for an additional fee
    • Client perspective
      • The graphics match the design layout
      • The graphics match the textual message
      • The content flows correctly within the design
      • The syntax and grammar matches the targeted region
      • Meets all regional laws or statutes
E-Commerce Site Design Pricing
These prices are good-faith estimates and subject to change.
Our Services Billing Method    Estimated Fee Remarks
Domain and Hosting Fees Annual $100 You must lease the domain (and your domain name) from a hosting service if you plan on hosting the site externally.  We will assist you through the necessary steps at no additional cost to you during the Web site deployment. We highly recommend Bluehost.com
Web Site Design Per Site
Per Page		 $500
$75		 A CMS Web site normally consists of server-side installation.  Much of our pricing depends on various Client requirements and the complexities encountered while fulfilling those requirements.  The $500 is the starting price but will be based on the scripting package used.
Web Form Design Free
Per Page		 $0
$150+ 		Most managed content scripts have simple form management built in.  If you want database driven forms designed, The cost will be $150 for the database software setup, then $25 for each page after the first one.
Graphics Design Free
Per Image		 $0
$20 		We have a large archive of copyright / royalty free images we use in our designs at no additional cost to you.  Custom design is based by job or on the standard hourly fee per image.
Web Site Optimization Free
Per Page		 $0
$20 		We include optimization in all our designs at no additional cost to you.  If you want us to optimize a pre-existing site, the fee will be based on the number of pages.
Web Site Maintenance Per Bid
Per Job		 1, 2 We can maintain your Web site for you after it's hosted to the server.  This service can be set up on a per job basis or by a service agreement.
Service Consultation Free We'll be happy to discuss your Web site project with you at no charge.  After we completely understand your needs, we'll offer you a bid proposal and let you make your purchasing decision.
Telephone Assistance Free If we can supply an answer to your question within a reasonable amount of time, we'll be happy to assist you at no charge.  If the issue is too complicated to handle over the phone, we may escalate this service to one of the other services listed above.
E-Commerce Project Samples
The Project The Scenario The Final Cost
Project 1   The client wanted an E-Commerce Web site using a free downloadable public domain script.
The client requested a logo for the Web site design.
The textual and catalog content was to be supplied by the client at the completion of the drafted site design.
The client needed 5 hours training on how to navigate and set up the administration section.
Hosting

$100
Script

$    0
Design

$500
Graphics

$  20
Training

$100
Total

$720
Project 2 The client wanted an E-Commerce Web site using a commercial script which cost $200.
The textual content was to be supplied by the client at the completion of the drafted site design.
The client supplied a logo for the Web site design.
The textual and catalog content was to be supplied by the client at the completion of the drafted site design.
The client needed 2 hours training on how to navigate and set up the administration section.
Hosting

$100
Script

$200
Design

$500
Graphics

$    0
Training

$  40
Total

$840
Rate Explanations
 1  Per Bid We understand that you will to want to know "up front" how much something is going to cost.  When you request a service that will last for more than just a few hours, we'll design a customized bid with all the information necessary for you to make a qualified decision.
2 Per Job Many of the general tasks we offer has a price list.  Based on our previous experiences, it's an easy procedure for us to itemize the list of tasks you require and offer you a quote.
3 Hourly    If you need assistance on a one-time basis, we charge a standard $20 per hour rate.  Fractional hours (after the first hour) are rounded to the nearest 15 minute increment.
Notice

Although we seldom make price increases, the above estimates are subject to change without notice.
Contact us for a quote for your specific project.

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