Online Shop E-Commerce Websites

We offer two online shop solutions to meet the individual needs, budget, and goals of our clientele. From enterprise sized online stores to entry level boutiques, we have the right solution to launch an effective online shop for every industry and budget.

Outlined below are the details and applications of each of our online shop solutions, followed by a general comparison chart. If you're still not sure which solution is right for you, just send us a quote request and we'll help analyze your specific needs.

WordPress Commerce

WordPress is a highly versatile application used for blogs, online shops, and CMS's. WordPress's e-commerce feature is a simple and easy way to start a small to medium sized online store.

WordPress commerce is perfect for individual professionals and start-up shops where budget and ease of use are prime factors.

Who Uses WordPress E-Commerce?


WordPress Highlights:

  • Very inexpensive, with an average cost of $6/mo.
  • Ease of use, even for non-techy shop owners.
  • Comprehensive SEO features are built-in.
  • Comprehensive admin control panel allows control of all aspects of the online store.
  • UPS, USPS, FexEx and custom shipping rates available.
  • Customer/shopper accounts built-in.
  • Includes a complete WordPress blog and Wordpress CMS.
  • Unlimited products and categories.
  • Direct access to server is permitted.

Perks:

  • Product photos are automatically cropped and resized. No need to manually resize photos in a graphic design program.
  • Multiple photos are included without the need for an additional module.
  • Product photos include "lightbox" popup or "zoom" feature to enlarge.
  • Upsell and cross-sale products are included.
  • Built-in SEO.
  • Search engine friendly url's.
  • Product reviews are included.
  • WordPress blog is included.

Considerations:

  • Because the application is Open Source and runs on your own hosted server, there is no official customer or technical support offered through WordPress itself.
  • A security certificate must be purchased through the website host (renewed annually, not required if PayPal only is used).

Recommended for use for/where:

  • Entry level and/or boutique online stores under 1,000 products.
  • A simple, user-friendly admin panel is preferred.
  • Budget is an important factor in setting up the online shop.
  • Organic (non-paid) SEO is a high priority.
  • A comprehensive blog is a necessity.
  • Direct server access is a necessity.
  • An in-house web designer or developer does not exist.
  • Recommended for both non-techy shop owners and those with moderate to advanced knowledge of web technologies, and more technically advanced shop owners.

Miva Merchant

Miva is one of the most popular and longest standing e-commerce solutions in existence. Tens of thousands of Miva shops have successfully opened since its inception in 1997.

Miva works for any size online store, and is the right choice where advanced e-commerce abilities and features are needed.

Who Uses Miva Merchant?

 

Miva Merchant Highlights:

  • Relatively inexpensive, with an average cost of $49 - $99/mo.
  • Miva Module add-ons allow for advanced features such as wish lists, coupon codes, product reviews, gift certificates, digital products, and more.
  • Comprehensive admin control panel allows control of all aspects of the online store.
  • UPS, USPS, FexEx and custom shipping rates available.
  • Customer/shopper accounts built-in.
  • Manual SEO options for all products.
  • Can be combined with multiple shopping carts (from other domains).
  • Direct access to server is permitted.

Perks:

  • PCI-compliant software.
  • Miva Merchant is not open source and therefore offers technical support.
  • More robust options available for enterprise-sized stores.

Considerations:

  • Product photos must be resized to specific dimensions before uploading.
  • By default, only one product photo is included - a module must be purchased for additional photos.
  • A module must be purchased in order to have search engine friendly url's.
  • A security certificate must be purchased through the website host (renewed annually, not required if PayPal only is used).
  • Miva Module enhancements are not free. Prices start at $20 and up per module.

Recommended for use for/where:

  • Enterprise level online stores.
  • Advanced features are needed (such as discount codes, wish list, registry, customer reviews, gift certificates, points redemption and more).
  • Shop owner is able to manually resize product photos to specific dimensions (usually with photo editing software).
  • Integration with USPS, UPS, or FedEx is required.
  • Direct server access is a necessity.
  • Recommended for those with moderate to advanced knowledge of web technologies, or companies with an in-house web tech person.