Web platform

So the business has been started, product is being manufactured and now I'm trying to figure out the online ordering mechanism.  What web platform are you guys using?  I started my site through Wix which was easy to get up and running but offered no shipping integration or basic options like coupon codes, etc.  I'm struggling with how to set up the shipping cost rules when orders are larger than a flat rate envelope or box.  So....I added on Ecwid which offered integration with the USPS to provide a shipping calculation at check out based on weight and dimensions.  Perfect.  But.....it does not offer the option to print shipping labels so now I would have to go the USPS.com and enter info manually to print each label unless I now also add on Shipstation at an additional cost.  I feel like I'm headed down the rabbit hole here and would greatly appreciate any advice.
 
I won't have product to sell for a few more weeks so I'd like to get this all ironed out in advance and if I need to scrap all I've done and choose a new platform like Shopify then I guess now is the time to do it.
 
JoynersHotPeppers said:
If you accept PayPal you can print labels from there with different shipping options.
 
I use Joomla with an opencart shopping feature but I am also very savvy with web stuff. 
 
I do accept PayPal but customers can also order with credit card payment.  If they choose that route I have no option for printing the label in my current platform which can be a pain.
 
UpInSmoke said:
 
I do accept PayPal but customers can also order with credit card payment.  If they choose that route I have no option for printing the label in my current platform which can be a pain.
Most platforms do not allow or have the ability to do what you are asking. I have an API for USPS and do exactly what you do when required, save the address and hope they return. 
 
JoynersHotPeppers said:
What is the 2% issue? 
 
Hah..I knew that would be asked!!!
 
1% cost no service is perfect..aklthough id be hard pressed to choose something I am unhappy with with shipify off the top of my head...
 
1% cause i am on the basic plan which is $29 a month, and gives you an awful lot of stuff.....if i ever do grow to the point where i need to upgrade my service with them, the next tier plan is $79 a month which is a pretty big jump.....kind of makes me wanna keep an eye on my usage of space and data...
 
but really, i have zero qualms.
 
I am entrenched with Woocommerse and Wordpress.  But if I were not, I would go with a Wordpress site for search engine bait and then have all actual sales go threw a service like Shoppify.  Lots of places are fighting it, but the future of online sales is likely to involve collecting sales tax for every place you ship.  Imagine a different percentage for each of the fifty states, then local government will want their cut too.  Most of the ready made stores out there are preparing for this and will have a service that automatically separates out the sales tax and passes it to the various states. 

Woocommerse is starting to offer a similar services to the stand alone sites who use their software, but I think you will have to send it off to each state when it happens.
 
Back
Top