SETTING UP ECOMMERCE

Hey Jerry,

Drupal is the system that will dominate all web applications, everyone will some day move into this direction. Many people that sell ecommerce systems use some version of what is in Drupal and customize a product for sale from it. Some , will simply take the core of Drupal and modify its name and call it their own. This is an example how Harvard modified Drupal and made a free network product. I think it is best to stick to the source and avoid third party systems where you have limited control of the system and data.   
Since I have just set up this Ecommence site I thought  a step by step detail of what it entailed for me, may be helpful.

First before you start, you want to always make certain you have control of the server, and your URL. Many developers, or I would say most take control of the URL and the server.  They can make it difficult for you if they have the Administrative control of your web site name and data.

1. I got the basic account with Hostgator, it comes with a shared   SSL  certificate that you can set up the credit card encryption needed for a website to process cards.

2. Set up a Drupal 7 site, and added the Ubercart configuration. http://drupal.org/project/ubercart

3. Set up account with the payment gateway.   http://welcome.authorize.net/about_authorizenet/  

4. Set up folder  for Card number encryption key filepath  in Ubercart, Configuration, Payment methods, Security settings 

5 You get a  "API Login ID" and  " Transaction Key"  from Authorize.net ... these are keys that permit the website to tie into the Authorize.net payment system.

6. Your site is now ready to test , it will now tie into the Authorize.net payment system and you can make the shopping cart work  in test mode.

7. Start adding products, and making the site look and function the way you like.

Total cost less than $50.00 for the URL, server w/SSL certificate, and Authorize.net account.  I am currently charging $1000.00 for setting up a site/Ubercart. This is a special price is for the first few accounts I set up. (Hopefully you will guide me in how to improve service).  It will take about two or three weeks for the site to be built and ready to go.   My regular price will be 1500,00 which I think is well below market and I offer free credit.

Your comments and opinions are most, most, valued !  Oh, and also appreciated are referrals.

Claudio

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