New Ecommerce Division

[mtn_lion_ya@yahoo.com]

Hello-

I work for a distribution company and we are looking to develop an ecommerce division. We are looking to open multiple gateways (Ebay and different websites) and each of which must have seamless, real-time integration with our inventory management software (Mas90/200 by Sage Software.) Sage offers ecommerce solutions; however, we have had some difficulties with their customer service and therefore we do not want to be completely reliant upon them. The website will have many interactive features and a very large (10000+) inventory. My questions are as follows:

1) How difficult will it be to integrate Mas90/200 into the ecommerce division? We are currently thinking of establishing it as a client, which would allow us to move away from Mas90/200 if needed.
2) Suggestions for possible development of the site? (Netsuite, etc. or a smaller company?)
3) Should we look for “all in one” development or work with a freelance developer and designer?

Obviously, we want to keep start up costs to a minimum; therefore, we are looking to add employees only on an “as needed” basis. We do not want to high a full-time developer till it becomes necessary. Thank you for your time.

Casey O’Shea
Project Manager

[StevenAllen]

I woould consider Yahoo as your primary webhosting/store option and combine it with writeitonce (WIO). WIO is an inexpensive option and integrates easily with Quickbooks for easy inventory management. WIO is basically a one-man-shop. Thus, do not expect superior customer service, but with some REAL patience it can work effectively.

Good luck!

[mtn_lion_ya@yahoo.com]

I thought about Yahoo or Ebay's Prostores as options. The plus side either of these would be the support and the ease of setting up a store. However, I am a little worried about outgrowing both solutions. The company I work for is a major distrubutor in a billion dollar industry (Why they haven't already established a web presence is a bit baffling) and my boss is willing to spend the money needed to get the job done (hence Mas200); however, he is a little leary of the internet and wants me to research all possiblities before he hires someone to put together the site. The plus side of Yahoo, et.al., is the price and ease of set up; therefore, they are the low-cost option.

However, on the other end, I am looking for suggestions on some of the best web design companies in NYC? Also, if I grow out of the Yahoo store, how easy is it to transfer my website to a different host?

I am currently putting together an RFP and would greatly appreciate any help.

-Casey

[StevenAllen]

Stores like Vermont Tedday Bear use the Yahoo platform and can process a thousand orders per hour. Yahoo Store template's are easily customized and you can bootstrap your way to any number of different software programs that can be integrated with the Yahoo platform.

I have 6 Yahoo stores and as the founder of EmerchantsGroup I see and hear about other webhosting/store service. Taking my experiences and what I see and hear I still think Yahoo is your best choice.

I should ask Yahoo for a commission I sound like a salesperson.

[mtn_lion_ya@yahoo.com]

Steven-

I agree that Yahoo is a very good option, but if we wanted to a more complete web presence what would you suggest?

-Casey

[StevenAllen]

Buy your own server and shopping cart and spend hours and hours doing what I already suggested was available thru Yahoo.