Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

After being a member for several months ... I`m wondering if new start-ups or those that are thinking about becoming a start-up are confused and over-whelmed with the thought of starting an on-line e-commerce store?

There are soooo many folks touting websites, touting shopping carts, touting data bases ... and wanting your money!!

But in reality ... are they truly interested in your on-line store becoming successful ... or are they more interested in simply selling you a web site, shopping cart, data base ?

And then, after they have your money ... they leave you to the wolves.

We all know that a true successful on-line store takes a professional team to design, impliment, and grow. Yet at the same time, many design teams don`t take the time .. the needed hand-holding that is required for a start-up to succeed.

Many design teams don`t help provide a true "turn-key" solution.

1. Do they  first understand the true concept of the business? The prior expeience of the client, or the passion of the client?
2. Do they take the time to understand the client`s level of business knowledge, level of e-commerce knowledge, level of financial resources and amount of time available for the owner to dedicate to this new start-up?
3. Do they offer a step by step approach ... outlining requirements by both the design team and the client regarding filing certain forms (EIN filing, business license filings, Credit Card processing), obtaining certain sofware (for adjusting and resizing images), and a time-line for learing or doing certain things?
4. Do they provide a suite of services outside of designing the web site, such as fax services, accounting software recommendations, CPA referrals, attorny referrals, ect?
5. Is a true turn-key solution offered ... including the option to have the site hosted or not (but not required)... to offer additional maintenance contracts (but not required), to offer a SEO and Submission package (standard) to assist in driving traffic to the site , and true han holding to guide the new start-up to success?

I`ve been reading over the months how folks may have fallen prey to very successful sales folks ... touting eveerything possible ... and providing very little but sizzle.

What if there was a true turn-key solution for e-commerce ...

1. That prior to anything, sat down and listed to what the client truly wanted and offered suggestions and encouragement.
2. That provided a true customized web site, with a shopping cart that was not just a me too ...
3. With an off-line data base that allowed you to run your on-line store just like a bricks and mortar store, including drop shipping if required.
4. That provided step by step how to`s and guidance on starting an on-line business.
5. That offered a comprehensive solution, assistance and hand-holding for the client.
6. That taught the client how to do simple web site text changes, but reminded folks that there is a reason why they chose a design team. (Not everyone can be a webmaster ... and most have no business even attempting to be one.)

Is this something that is finally needed within industry?

 

TJG,

There are lots....I use the word "scads" (I haven`t heard that word in awhile) of companies that will do all of those things but the one thing they have in common is that they cost a lot of money. You are talking about quality at a considerable price when you talk about a web design company that can do all of the things you are listing. Elance.com is full of such companies that will hold your hand from sea to shining sea and then wait for you as you dip your toes in and test the waters if you can pay the price.

TJG, I know that you know about e-commerce so I have to ask, are you talking about something more....ummm....franchiseable?...if I may make up a word.  A sort of local physical store that you can go to for your website design and management needs....if so.....I have to say....very very interesting. Yeah...very interesting.  If not..............................then....................... ............................................................ .......................... I`m just thinking out loud...I`ll shut up now.

Very interesting TJG. Very interesting indeed.

-------------------------

~Eric
JE Design Group, LLC
If all you do is what you`ve done, then all you`ll get is what you`ve got.
www.jedesigngroup.com

TJG,

I know you got burned and have had some bad experiences with some of your "partners" ... however, there are some reputable people out there that do great work for less than a King`s ransom. Granted, as Eric states, most of the higher end partners come with a higher end price which is usually out of reach of startups.

I would like to make a plug for some folks I have been associated with that I feel fall into the small business range and treat other small businesses well and with respect. They have some great products and also do eCommerce solutions. They are called ACT - Advanced Computing Technologies (north Atlanta - but it really doesn`t matter these days where you are located). Their web address is http://www.actcorporate.com. They have some niches they have carved out, but they can help most any business. I know the owner personally (Joanne Taylor), and she is straight up. She knows that if you are successful, she and ACT will be successful.

I`m an optimist. There are some bad folks out there. But there are many more good folks. We all get burned from time to time. But stay positive and positive things will come your way. The Law of Attraction. It works. And when you run across good folks, spread the word. It will come back to you.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

Thank you for the suggestion. I`ll check them out.

Please don`t assume that I feel "burned". I`m an eternal optimist and am confident that the Lord will guide me in the right direction. If you recall, I`ll be heading to Iraq in about 6 weeks.

As for my original question, if an organization offered such a "turn-key solution ... with a "customized web site" (HTML pages), a unique shopping cart and off-line data base (that the search engines are very receptive to) and that works just like a true bricks and mortar store (sort functions of your products ... so you can feature them in a catagory) ... and all the basic bells and whistles that a high quality solution should have ... PLUS the abilty to help a start-up with most of the start-up questions one would have ...

• How do I get a business license?
• How do I establish a "merchant account"?
• What accounting package do I use?
• Do I need a fax machine? Or do I use a pFax or eFax account?
• How do re-size and optimize images for my web site?
• How do I establish "drop shippers? And where do I find them?
• How do I charge for shipping? Or do I offer FREE shipping?
• How do I promote my web site?
• How do I create my Newsletter?
• How do I change minor text on my site`s key pages (HTML)
• How do I upload images? (ftp)

I know that if I had a source that would have taken me step by step through the process, my journey may have been alot smoother. (Not saying that I have not learned a great deal ... and that I would`ve changed a thing.)

I`m wondering with a web site featuring all that I`ve mentioned, with all these features and more ... and the business and web coaching program included ...

What would be a reasonable  amount that folks would be willing to pay for a true "turn key" solution?

(We had another thread and if I recall the concensus was that an e-commerce web site with all the bells and whisles would run approx $5000)

I`m just kinda` wondering ???

I know I have touted my web designer alot here on sun and I still do.
He has been there every step of the way to help and give advise.
We spend alot of time on the phone with each other and most of the time it is after hours and he is already at home. He is concerned  and interested in what I want to do and acomplish, and he wantes to be there to help.
I have had few hosting companies before and I have never recieved this type of service from any of them. Not saying that they are bad, but I need a little extra attention since I`m really trying to make this as proffesional as any of the big stores can. And I could not accomplish this without Edgar. So take this as a heart felt thanks and let`s keep up the good work..........

Paul

First of all I wan to thank Paul for the Kind Words, and TJ... I understand what you are talking about. But not all Web Developer`s have the same intensions. I don`t want to speak for myself or want you to think that I am trying to pitch a sale to you, as you know, I`ve made you an offer long time ago, now it`s up to you to act on it. My offer still remains..

As for helping Small businesses and Start Ups, that is my "GOAL, MY DRIVE, and MY PASSION". 

Helping small businesses is what`s kept me in business for the last 5 years. Along the way I`ve learned that sometimes as a developer the need to know how is greater than money. That in order for me to be able to offer you good service, "I need to know what I am talking about". Not only do I need to know what I am talking about, I have to be able to provide you with a solution that will not only help you get started, but that it`s going to grow with you as your business grows.
Which is why I like to do things "Right the first time"..
As for your questions. please read below.

1. Do they  first understand the true concept of the business? The prior expeience of the client, or the passion of the client? Yes, I let you do the talking for the first 30 minutes to get an idea of your business concept. In reality, anyone who starts a business should have experiece in the business they are trying to start. It is not to the web designer to help you in that sense, you should have done your homework before hand. Remember, your designer has to meet your needs... (not teach you). But I will learn with you...
   Most of the time, the clients passion is noticeable within the first 5 minutes. From my experience with clients, if I don`t see the drive, I don`t touch the project. I call these clients the "testing the water" clients...  
   
2. Do they take the time to understand the client`s level of business knowledge, level of e-commerce knowledge, level of financial resources and amount of time available for the owner to dedicate to this new start-up? This is noticable with in the first 5 minutes, I don`t expect my clients to have any knowledge in e-commerce, that is why they hired me, but if the do, it makes things much easier. If not, then this is the "Holding the clients hand stage"  This is where I teach you about domain names, web hosting, SSL certificates, Search Engines, Optimization, image formatting, and anything to help improve your web site. The solution that I offer is, work at your own pace, update your web site when you have the time. that is why you have your own administration back end, upload and update your shopping cart when you have the time.
   
   
3. Do they offer a step by step approach ... outlining requirements by both the design team and the client regarding filing certain forms (EIN filing, business license filings, Credit Card processing), obtaining certain sofware (for adjusting and resizing images), and a time-line for learing or doing certain things? Yes I do TJ... I offer you help in filing forms such as EIN, Articles of Incorporation (if you wish), Business License filings ( I go with you to city hall, only if you live in southern California), I offer you three types of Credit Card Processors (linkpoint, Authorize.net, and Paypal). Give you an FTP login where you can download my own "purchased" software for you to learn in Optimizing, croping, and resizing images. I teach you the basics too.  
   
   
4. Do they provide a suite of services outside of designing the web site, such as fax services, accounting software recommendations, CPA referrals, attorny referrals, ect? yes, I do TJ... I my father is a CPA, and he is available to help you, As far as attorney referrals, You ask the question and I will ask my attorney and they call you and tell you. Your best bet would be if you are a start up go with pre-paid legal. I have a person on staff that can help you get started with your pre paid legal, they offer a small business package that has helped me along the way.
   
5. Is a true turn-key solution offered ... including the option to have the site hosted or not (but not required)... to offer additional maintenance contracts (but not required), to offer a SEO and Submission package (standard) to assist in driving traffic to the site , and true han holding to guide the new start-up to success?
   TJG.. All my designs and shopping carts come with a 500 Meg/ 100 email accounts Ecommerce Package.SSL certificate ready, 4 MYSQL Databases, Forums, and not to mention you have your own web hosting control panel which is PLESK 7.5 (Newly Upgraded), You also get a 90 day free Search Engine Submission and monitoring software, and finally we sit down and see which keywords work best for you.
   Need to know how this program works... ASK PAUL twc238, he is currently running it.
   
6. As for making text changes, you can do all the changes you want from your admin panel. It usually takes about 2 hours to teach my clients how to work the whole shopping cart.
   
   So TJ there are company`s that do help... I know what you went through with "Not mentioning name".. But now is the time to rectify all your mistakes. So what ever happened? did you get everything squared away? I stopped posting simply because, it was getting out of hand.
   
   Have a Good Day, and be careful when you go over seas..

 

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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Eric,

You have quite a lot of great information from your SuN colleagues here...

I will submit that it is very difficult to find a firm, with affordable fees who offer both front end design along with logical, bug-free back-end programming and a comprehensive listing of items that you`ve described...you have to do much of the preliminary work on your own.  Of course SuN is a great place to start to get your ducks in a row, wouldn`t you say?

But...you have to be a detail nut when you deal with any of these folks.

I will say, make sure you get an agreement, IN WRITING, which stipulates specifcially how their monthly/annual service fees are going to work.  Service fees alone can break your back.

And do talk to your bank about such things as a merchant account...I would not leave that up to a web developer.  Try to get an account person from UPS to work with you about shipping charges...after you`ve figured out your profitability schematic.

This can all be very overwhelming...but do continue to seek information, here at SuN...it`s invaluable.  Best of luck to you and keep plugging.

Still no one has answered my question ... would a fee of somewhere between $4000 - $5000 for all that I`ve spoken about be a reasonable number?

 

TJG,
Not if you didn`t get what you bargained for. I think that 4K to 5K is alot of cash for an uncompleted web site, or for a web site that you can`t even move around as you wish.
I think that for that much they should give you more than just head-aches...

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Thanks for the response, but forget my situation. I know I have. 

I`m just asking a rhetorical question here.

Is a fee of $4000 - $5000 ...(for all that I`ve talked about)

• A Bargain
• A Good Value
• Just a Fair Value
• Way Over Priced
• Forget It ... Its out of this world ... overpriced.

Just looking for some feedback.