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e-Commerce Hosting: What You Need, What You Don’t

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Art
Art
Web Hosting Geek

If you’re looking for a specialized web hosting service that caters to entrepreneurs seeking an online e-commerce endeavor, then consider opting for an e-commerce hosting package.  While many believe a standard web hosting plan will suffice to operate an online business, soon they reap a harvest of profits.

e-Commerce Tools

To be taken seriously by your competition offering the same products or services, secure an e-commerce web host.  It’s much easier at the onset to opt for one that offers everything you need instead of being forced to changed web hosts mid-course due to growing sales or edgier competition.  The most important e-commerce tools that you should demand include:

  • Storefronts
  • Product Catalog Builder
  • Shopping Cart
  • Payment Processing Tools
  • Autoresponders
  • Fraud and Security Prevention
  • Integration Capabilities
  • Adequate Bandwidth and Diskspace
  • Search Engine Tools
  • SSL Certificates
  • Google Adwords Credit
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e-Commerce Caveats

While many web host advertisements appeal with tantalizing offers, always read the fine print to know exactly what you can expect from the service.  Many entrepreneurs usually fall into one of two traps: free hosting and premium host plans.  Free hosting is best used for testing a target market or learning the ropes; however, it has numerous limitations and virtually impossible to expand your online business.  Seasoned gurus often become the victims of the second trap by signing their life away when securing a premium host package, especially when establishing an online business.  Granted, premium packages usually offer all the bells and whistles, but stop and ask yourself at what cost?  Compare prices and contract details before taking the plunge to secure an e-e-commerce host.

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Another aspect that you may not realize unless you read the fine details of the user agreement that if by chance the web host company is forced to file bankruptcy, and assuming they own the legal rights to your website, then you’re totally out of luck if you agreed to the terms and secured the service.  Given this worst case scenario as an e-commerce entrepreneur, needless to say it would be devastating to your online business.

Enough emphasis can never be placed on the importance of research and reading the fine print, especially when it comes to e-commerce because valuable resources are at stake. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from your web host service.  It’s essential to know the exact plan details and the reputation of which host you’re requesting service.  Ask any fellow website owner to share his or her nightmarish experience of changing web hosts and moving a domain before an existing contract expires. Chances are they highly won’t recommend it!

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