Shopping cart guide

[Steel Bananana]

I am starting to research the possibility of doing a shopping cart on my
page. I currently have one hosted by Emartcart, and I only accept Paypal
payments (with or without a paypal account).
There are limitations, however. First, I want a running 'shopping cart'
displayed on each page. I also want the option available for 'customer
login.'
This is the entirety of my knowledge: I will need Access.
1. I don't know how to format Access. I will need a sample to copy using my
data.
2. I'm not-so-great at html.
3. I am in WAY over my head.

I am looking for someone to explain this all to me in simple, kindergarden
language. I am looking for great resources to teach me how to do all of
this. I have no problem reading for hours, so any online guides, books,
support forums, etc that deal with how to build a cart from scratch (or
Candypress code) would be great!!!
However, I want to integrate it INTO my website, not create a website USING
the shopping cart. Is that do-able??!?!?!?!?!
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

Thanks in advance!
Kim

 

[Thomas A. Rowe]

First, what you will be able to use, depends on what is supported by your web host. You need to
contact them to learn which server-side scripting language and what database they support, then you
can research the available shopping cart written in that scripting language.

What is the purpose of having customers logging in, what is the advantage to the customer, etc.?

--
==============================================
Thomas A. Rowe (Microsoft MVP - FrontPage)
WEBMASTER Resources(tm)

FrontPage Resources, WebCircle, MS KB Quick Links, etc.
==============================================

 

[Steel Bananana]

I use 1and1, and they support .ASP and will support an Access Database. I
would love for customers to be able to shop around and view their cart at the
top of the page on every page.
I want it customized to my specifications. I want to allow coupon codes and
gift certificates. I also want to develop a 'points program' where their
purchases today earn them credit towards their purchase next time.
I want the customer login so I can offer them individualized service and
track their points and previous purchases/viewed items (like amazon.com).
Not sure if that's possible, but I'd love to try. For example, if it's
someone who's baught a navel ring, they obviously have that pierced or baught
for someone with it pierced, so having their login page include our top navel
rings would be great! I don't want to pump other piercings at someone who
doesn't have those parts pierced.

Part of my problem is that Emartcart has NOT emailed me my last three
orders, and I have been contacted by all three customers wondering about
their purchases. I want something MUCH more reliable that I can control
myself.

 

[Thomas A. Rowe]

You might be able to find a pre-written ASP shopping cart application that meets your requirements,
or you will have to have one custom written for you, which can be costly.

You will also need to have SSL Certificate and a Payment Gateway, Merchant Account and a Business
Checking Account. Click the following links to learn more about the e-commerce process.

http://www.ycoln-design.com/DesignGuides/eCommerce/eCommerce.asp
http://www.ecom-data.com/Resources/ECommerceBrief.asp
--
==============================================
Thomas A. Rowe (Microsoft MVP - FrontPage)
WEBMASTER Resources(tm)

FrontPage Resources, WebCircle, MS KB Quick Links, etc.
==============================================

 

[Andrew Murray]

Paypal offer a shopping cart with their 'business' paypayl accounts (or the
one above the personal/basic account).