eCommerce Options

There are basically four options available for implementing selling products on-line. The options are as follows:

1. Using PayPal
2. Using eBay
3. Using an eStore product from a commercial vendor/supplier.
4. Using an Open Sourced eStore product.

Each of the above eCommerce options has it's own advantages and disadvantages. It's vitally important also to understand all the client's requirements to sell and support products on-line. Creating a table/matrix of the client's requirements against each of the available solutions will help greatly in comparing the eCommerce options, as objectively as possible.

Evaluating eCommerce Solutions

There is a myriad of eCommerce solutions available. A nonprofit organization has the challenge of selecting an on-line store solution that fulfills their requirements, and yet is economical to operate as well.

Evaluating eCommerce solutions requires that the client's requirements first be clearly identified and documented. Only then can the eCommerce requirements be compared against each of the possible vendor's solutions. Although this process takes some time and effort, it ensures the selected vendor (solution) is the best match for the client. If you've done this task properly, the client will agree with your recommendation as well.