.htaccess for 301 redirect ?

[TransferTown]

We are moving all our stores out of subdirectories to the main root and want to make sure that using a .htaccess is the way to go to not bother the search robots

eg: moving http://transfertown.com/test_store up to
http://transfertown.com/?ID=10

using
Redirect 301 / http://transfertown.com/index.php?ID=10/
in the .htaccess file
Is this the best way

Thanks in advance for any and all comments

[incrediblehelp]

Yes using a 301 redirect is the way to go, but why the need to chnage the URLs? It can take a long time (3-4 months) to get re-indexed and ranking with the new URLs.

[TransferTown]

but why the need to change the URLs?
Actually we are closing the stores that are in the subdirectories. and making them part of the main Store/Mall..

Basically we ran a bunch of T shirt stores by combining them we are able to have one database - shopping cart > that in turn allows customers to shop from any and all stores with one checkout.
Doing like CafePress.com

[Webnauts]

It can take a long time (3-4 months) to get re-indexed and ranking with the new URLs.
Heh? 3-4 months to get re-indexed? Did I possibly miss something here?

[incrediblehelp]

For the new URLs to start showing in the SERPs, yup. If you find it faster, it is possible. I am only speaking in averages. normally I don't see much "down time" in using 301 redirects, I am only speaking of the new URLs showing in the SERPs that takes 3-4 months.

Have you never implemented a 301 redirect Webnauts?

[Webnauts]

Sorry Jaan! Please don't shout to me like that man. LOL
Now I got your point. I honestly misunderstood you man. :)

[incrediblehelp]

Yeah I figured you know what I mean. By the way my new nickname for you is:

Mr. Semantics

You have to register MrSemantics.com right?

[Webnauts]

Yeah I figured you know what I mean. By the way my new nickname for you is:

Mr. Semantics

You have to register MrSemantics.com right?

Thanks for your interest to baptize me.

But my parents have chosen another name for me.

Mr. SemanticalSeo

So I guess I need to reserve the domain semanticalseo.com

Or maybe even better: seosemantics.com?

Do you know the real meaning of the word semantics itself?

LOL

[incrediblehelp]

Do you know the real meaning of the word semantics itself?

Nope...and I dont know what SEO stands for either. Someone help me!