Online-only solutions require no software, while other solutions rely on one or more applications. For this task, we evaluate the steps required before you start designing your storefront. We also consider the availability and quality of support provided by online help and tutorials. Some companies offer additional e-commerce resources on their Web sites. The site design task includes the creation of both the storefront and the product catalog.
Some products provide wizards or templates, and others offer full-fledged authoring tools.
For this task, we look for site-design tools that are easy to use and provide the power and flexibility to create a customized, professional look. The product should provide a means for importing product data, as well as an efficient method for inputting data manually. The ability to generate frames, built-in search capabilities, and other navigational aids are also a plus. Perhaps the most critical task for an online store, order processing is also one of the most complex. We look at other features including how each program handles taxes and shipping as well as customer confirmation and merchant notification of new orders.