The next step after eBay for me was to open an online store. This provided new challenges, but also the promise of lower expenses and potentially a larger customer base. With this, I had to setup several things.

1. Domain Name - I get and manage my domains through the World’s Largest Registrar - GoDaddy.com. I have found their pricing and management options to be the best. I recommend that you do not buy your domain through a hosting company. This is one thing you don’t want to intermingle. You can read about my trouble with one domain, here.
2. Website Hosting - I host all my domains with AlphaOne Techonology. Once again, I like having my hosting all in one spot. It simplifies management of my websites. I have found their support to be responsive and effective. They also took care of setting up the secure certificate for my store. This is needed to ensure security and privacy for my customers.
3. Shopping Cart - I researched and tried a lot of different shopping carts and settled on X-Cart. It is a lot like OS-Commerce, but is supported by both Qualiteam (the software company), an active user’s forum, and third party vendors. Qualiteam is based in Russia, but I have found their support to be excellent.
4. Products - You will need to decide what products or services to sell online. Once that is done, setup agreements to purchase those products wholesale. You will then need to set your prices and enter product information into your shopping cart solution.
5. Business Formation - I recommend that you setup your online business entity in such a way that your personal assets are protected. I used Biz Filings to setup my corporation. I found their offering to be complete and their prices to be very competetive.
6. Credit Card Processing - No matter what you do online, you will need a way to accept payment. I use two avenues, PayPal and Echo. I used Echo. I use Echo to process Visa and Mastercard. They have an application process that they help you through. It is involved, but not difficult. When you are done, you will be able to accept credit cards on your website, including Yahoo Stores if you decide to go that route. PayPal is easier and quicker to get going. Accept Payments Online with PayPal. Fast, Easy & Secure. Sign Up Now!

That should get you going on the road to e-commerce success with an on-line store. If you are interested in checking out my store, you can go to www.tenfoottable.com.