An ecommerce shopping cart simplifies the buying process for customers and acts as a virtual retail assistant for merchants. There are two types: licensed software and hosted solutions. Licensed software is downloaded and installed on a web server, while hosted software is paid for on a monthly or yearly basis and is maintained by the provider. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be based on the unique requirements of the business and its customers.
An ecommerce shopping cart, more commonly referred to as an ecommerce cart, typically forms the foundation of any online store. It acts as a virtual retail assistant for the merchant while simplifying the buying process for the customer. There are essentially two types of carts available: licensed software and hosted solutions. Knowing the difference can often help an online merchant determine which type is right for their particular needs.
A licensed ecommerce shopping cart refers to software that can be downloaded from a vendor and installed on a web server computer. Some of these applications require a one-time fee and some are completely free for a merchant to use. Products that require a fee are generally aimed at companies that generate large volumes of monthly sales. These carts typically come with premium updates and support for as long as the product is licensed.
Free ecommerce shopping carts usually come with an open source license that allows the user to modify the software to suit their individual needs. As long as it meets the system requirements, this type of shopping cart can normally run on any server platform. The most notable disadvantage of free shopping carts is the lack of official support, which essentially forces the user to rely on community assistance.
Unlike a licensed ecommerce shopping cart, a hosted software program cannot be downloaded and installed on a web server. This variation is hosted by a service provider and is typically paid for on a monthly or yearly basis. Hosted software tends to be highly sought after by Internet entrepreneurs and small business owners who have no technical experience with computers. This is mainly due to all the benefits that come with the service.
In an ideal arrangement, the hosted ecommerce shopping cart software offers premium technical support and continuous free product updates. The main attraction of this type of ecommerce shopping cart is the hassle-free environment. For example, users normally don’t have to worry about any software or hardware maintenance as these tasks are handled by the provider. Most importantly, there are no expensive infrastructure investments, which often makes this option very cost-effective.
Each type of ecommerce shopping cart has its advantages and disadvantages. Licensed software tends to be more flexible, while hosted versions are typically cheaper upfront. Many online store owners find that the most effective way to choose between the two is to base the decision on the unique requirements of the business and its customers.
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