[FoxintheSnow]

Does anyone know where I can get free software to make a WAHM site where people can buy items online?

 

[Book Addict Jen]

First you need a host. You can go to a free site like geocities, but the free price comes with a butt load of pop ups & ads. For $10 a month you could go with <a href="http://www.waterswebshops.com" target="_blank">watersweb</a>. That is the best host I have found. There are cheaper options but the service downright sucks. Be sure the site includes a cart.<br><br>
Then you need a logo & graphics. You can download Paint shop pro trial & use it for 30 days. <a href="http://www.jasc.com" target="_blank">www.jasc.com</a>.<br><br>
Then you need an html editor. You can use <a href="http://webpage.vendercom.com/" target="_blank">http://webpage.vendercom.com/</a>

 

[Izzybee]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">There are cheaper options but the service downright sucks.</td>
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That's exactly right. I'm with wahmshoppes.com, and the service is pretty damn bad.

 

[Book Addict Jen]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Izzybee</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">That's exactly right. I'm with wahmshoppes.com, and the service is pretty damn bad.</div>
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<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/biglaugh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="laugh">: Well I didn't want to point fingers... But that is who I was meaning! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"> You get what you pay for with him.

 

[AngelicMom]

Hi I'm also interested in opening my web store and wanted to ask<br>
with <a href="http://www.waterswebshops.com/" target="_blank">http://www.waterswebshops.com/</a> do you have to pick the $10 to set up a store or the $5 one is ok too? and there is a set up fee, is that to be paid right from the start, I'm guessing.<br><br>
Thanks and sorry for stealing your post,<br>
Nelly

 

[Book Addict Jen]

The $5 one is better for someone who knows web design WELL. It doesn't offer the bells & whistles that can help a newbie out. Yes it had to be paid up front. I have seen that she does take payment in advance though. So if you can't afford it all at once. Pay half this month & half next month.

 

[amyrobynne]

I use 1and1.com for my hosting at $5/month and they sent a lot of free software when I signed up, including a photo program and a WYSIWYG site editor called NetObjects Fusion. It isn't perfect, but it has worked for me. I use HyenaCart for another $5/mo instead of a built-in cart.

 

[yitlan]

I think the free WYSIWYG from <a href="http://www.mozilla.org" target="_blank">http://www.mozilla.org</a> is pretty darned good stuff!

 

[annethcz]

If you're looking for a free cart to use, check out<br><a href="http://www.mals-e.com" target="_blank">http://www.mals-e.com</a><br><br>
I've been using Mal's cart for almost 4 years, and have never had a problem with it.

 

[littlemommy18]

ok i'm glad i found this, i have an idea for a home business, and i went to the waters web shops website, but i'm still not sure. once you purchase your package do they set everything up for you and you just modify it. or do you have to create the website yourself? how do you upload pics and prices and all of your custom stuff? any info would help get me out of the dark? it just sounds complicated, is it? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/headscratch.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headscratch">

 

[Book Addict Jen]

You have to do the design, hire a designer or use a template she offers. The product & pics are easy to manage. She has a test site BTW.

 

[littlemommy18]

so does it cost to hire someone and how much??? how do u load pics? whats a test site? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wild.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wild">

 

[Book Addict Jen]

Yes it cost and the amount varies from one WAHM designer to another.<br><br>
To load pictures you click a button called "browse", find the picture & upload it. Very simple.<br><br>
Use the Shop Kit Plus demos.<br><a href="http://www.waterswebshops.com/index.php/shops/documentation" target="_blank">http://www.waterswebshops.com/index..../documentation</a><br>
There are 2 one for the what the customer can see if you use a template from her & the admin demo where you can see how it works. She also has a manual for how to do everything. If you run into snaps along the way she has a forum where you can request help. Pretty quickly too.<br><a href="http://www.waterswebshops.com/index.php/shops/documentation" target="_blank">http://www.waterswebshops.com/index..../documentation</a>