Each visitor is assigned a unique cart number. Some systems use cookies, others generate random numbers. Customers who register are tracked via the database system and cart number. Store Set-up ISP host installs software. May be entirely set up with a Web browser.
Placement is limited to pre-set templates.
Standard HTML may pasted into specific areas of each page. Product ordering code may be placed on existing standard Web pages when product is included in ShopSite's on-line product database. Stores may be set up using legacy databases, or may be ported to ODBC compatible databases that link to the store-building software. Templates for the various pages and product types must usually be developed by programmers, except for the most simple product catalogs. The average storeowner cannot do this himself, but defer to in-house database programmers or outsource to specialists in setting up larger catalogs.