E-commerce has been and until now, the trend in selling or trading on-line. It is a big help in commerce industry because by using the web, sellers and traders now have a wider range to market their products and services. It also advantageous for the consumers because they do not have to go to different places to canvass or compare prices and to waste time to check out the products they are interested in. Just by sitting and clicking the mouse and some hits on the button, they could already go to different sites and make a comparison of the product's amount. Or to be sure of the product's quality, consumers can also research through the net for some reviews about the commodity.

But don't get too excited to make an e-commerce website. There are several factors to consider before doing so. It is not enough that you have a web programming background. You should think about these pointers and put them into consideration to have a viable E-commerce website.

Price List

Avoid hiding the price list. Some websites do this and is very annoying for most visitors. Some even display the price after the guest have registered or after hitting the “buy” button. Whatever the reason behind this is, it could be misinterpreted that you are selling a higher-priced product. It should be always available at least on the bottom of the features of the products. This way, after assessing at the functionality, the potential customer could already know if it fits the budget. If the price of the product cannot be seen immediately, it is almost always that customer will be driven away.

Pictures and Descriptions

Pictures and descriptions should also be shown in the page. Screen shots will do if it is a software product. If it is a tangible product it is best to have its image displayed so that it will be more appealing to the potential customer. Brief description is also important. Consumers rely on this when deciding whether to purchase the product or not.

Buy Button or Download Buttons

Do not make your customers suffer by making them browse through several pages before finding the buy button. One of the reasons, besides comfort, in shopping through the net is because it will save some time. Remember that some customers decide fast even without reading all the features of the product. Have you buy or download button available at all times. At least have one on each page. If it is a very one, then you could use two buttons.

Site Navigation Bar

Like in any other website, visitors should be able to navigate the site easily. Making a navigation or menu bar is the way to do it. As for an e-commerce website, it is suggested to put home, products, order form, price list, support and about us as the navigation keys.

Remember that in doing a website, you should always think first of its usability. And for an e-commerce web site, it should be as user-friendly as possible for both the seller and the buyer.

RESOURCE: Author Methyl Vizcarra recommends Wicked Innovations – web design firm based in the Philippines that specializes in web site design and maintenance. http://wickedinnovations.com/portfolioMS.html