A merchant site can be designed in may ways, using a variety of software and shopping carts. In our experience consumers who shop on the web are looking for instant gratification, so we do recommend equipping your site with the ability to accept credit cards.

The ability to accept credit cards online requires the use of S.S.L. (secure socket layers) to keep the information secure. Merchant sites can also accept checks online, or we have even set up printable fax forms for the more security conscious consumer.

Unlike the claims of many web providers a properly set up online store is impossible to set up and be online in 24 hours. To achieve online success in retail marketing many factors come into play.

The first thing you as an online marketer must do is have a business plan that takes into consideration planning and development, product procurement, shipping time and rates, return policies, advertising (web promotions), overhead and more.

Once you have completed this important step you must decide on who will host your store, what type of merchant software will be used in your store, who will be your credit card processor, what images will you use, and who will design and promote your web site.

Is this starting to sound like quite an undertaking? It is, we at Design Tech have been here and done this many times and can help you along the way. Below please take the time to look at a couple of our successes.