TulipTools Internet Business Owners and Online Sellers Community

Quote:...all shopping cart software should provide the following basic features, Lambert noted:

    * Pleasant display and easy navigation of a merchants wares
    * Clear consumer information display for checkout
    * Shipping options which are clear and accurate
    * Flexible pay options (Visa/MasterCard, America Express, Pay Pal, Google Checkout etc.)

Needs and Features Assessment

E-tailers' choice of shopping cart or e-commerce storefront software becomes more subjective once the aforementioned criteria have been met.

"After that, the details become more unique based on merchants' needs," Lambert explained. "For example, many merchants focus a great deal of attention on recurring consumers and their storefront software should support methods for re-marketing to existing consumers and allowing consumers to log-in and enjoy special benefits."...

Quote:There are essentially two sides to shopping cart sites, Vidoni continued: "The merchant's administration area (the back end), which allows them to manage the products, pricing and freight and things like that; and the Web site front end where visitors can see and read about the products, place orders and make payments."

Getting the front-end user interfaces right is one key to creating a satisfying customer experience. They need to be intuitive and facilitate a smooth workflow, Vidoni elaborated.

"From a sales perspective, it is vitally important that we help make the purchase experience a good one -- and good means easy, pleasant and enjoyable -- the opposite of frustrating. Remember the phrase 'it's been a pleasure doing business with you?' That should be your target," he said....