Waz 4,293 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Just dipping my toe about starting an online shop, real small and basic to start (and maybe stay!). Is the best way to go about this with an online outfit who you register a domain with, do hosting, and you can build from one of their templates, the whole kit and kaboodle! eshop1 sort of sounds right. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Better to buy a domain name, buy your web hosting then go for a open source package that does the whole thing for you. Ive used opencart in the past and i think its great. Really comprehensive in features. Have a look for yourself. http://www.opencart.com/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PlasticJock 539 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 A web designer did mine mate, cheap and 2 years free hosting. Check it out on my profile Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waz 4,293 Posted May 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Better to buy a domain name, buy your web hosting then go for a open source package that does the whole thing for you. Ive used opencart in the past and i think its great. Really comprehensive in features. Have a look for yourself. http://www.opencart.com/ John, what are the advantages of doing it the way you say as oppose to "a one stop shop"? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 If things dont go to plan, your not tied to that particular package that they offer. Ive tried those things out too and although they look good with a bit of clever marketing, normally they fall short of expectations. My advice would be to buy a domain name with a registrar. I use LCN, just google that and they will come up (low cost names) Then if your hosting isnt up too scratch you can shift easily without having your name tied with your hosting company. Depends on what you want to do and traffic expectations, but start off with a reasonably cheap hosting company like 5 quid host. They are pretty good and i had no probs but then decided to go dedicated as my traffic was ramping quickly and would have been limited if i stayed with them. But all in all, they are a good start point. Open source software is good, as it is free (we like free stuff) and has a good user base and normally very good updates and backup. The one i pointed out is very well known and has a huge following with regular updates and a big old forum to back you up if things go tits up. Which on start up, they are sure to do. Most of the open source stuff has automatic installation scripts though which make it pretty idiot freindly. Not saying your an idiot mind LOL Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simoman 110 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Some great advice there, something im also looking into at the minute, although im a techo numpty and thats like reading hieroglyphics, i DO need the idiots guide Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Its pretty straightfoward when you get going. Most of the things i have pointed you all too have excellent back up and help. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waz 4,293 Posted May 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 If things dont go to plan, your not tied to that particular package that they offer. Ive tried those things out too and although they look good with a bit of clever marketing, normally they fall short of expectations. My advice would be to buy a domain name with a registrar. I use LCN, just google that and they will come up (low cost names) Then if your hosting isnt up too scratch you can shift easily without having your name tied with your hosting company. Depends on what you want to do and traffic expectations, but start off with a reasonably cheap hosting company like 5 quid host. They are pretty good and i had no probs but then decided to go dedicated as my traffic was ramping quickly and would have been limited if i stayed with them. But all in all, they are a good start point. Open source software is good, as it is free (we like free stuff) and has a good user base and normally very good updates and backup. The one i pointed out is very well known and has a huge following with regular updates and a big old forum to back you up if things go tits up. Which on start up, they are sure to do. Most of the open source stuff has automatic installation scripts though which make it pretty idiot freindly. Not saying your an idiot mind LOL Thanks John, sound good advice. I think I might still go with the something like the 123 outfit, but will try and get my domain name set up first. So, next question! LOL who/where shall I goto to get my domain name registered? How long can you do this for? etcetera. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dymented 2,220 Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 search the net for the best deals Godaddy is ok Google search 123-reg.co.uk theres loads then look for a good reliable cheap host Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Waz 4,293 Posted May 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 If I get the .com domain I want for 1,5 or 10 years. What happens after that? do I automatically have the right to continue with it, or can someone else gazump you on it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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