Programming a shopping cart

[Tony0930]

I am almost done developing this e-commerce site and my client just asked me to add a shopping cart. I have some templates, but I want to start from scratch, is there a specific way of starting to do it? What should I consider when building a shopping cart?

[ryanhellyer]

Hi,
The most important thing to consider is the software you want to use. You 'could' write the entire thing yourself, but in most instances it is easier to use an off the shelf software and modify it to suit your needs.

I assume the most important thing to consider in building a shopping cart from scratch is security. I wouldn't want to make any errors in the development of an ecommerce program as I would never want to risk placing my customers credit card details at risk.

Beyond that, ease of use and a logical flow to the shopping process would be high on my list of priorities.

[Syed wahed]

Hi..dude,
You must consider one and only one important thing in dealing with your customers... i.e Customers are the altimate source of revenue.. So you must see that wht ever u develop must be fully in ur control, so that u could meet the Change Request as per Demand..

There is no problem in reinventing the wheel , though there is already a wheel in place, so that u r the owner of ur Module u know the loop holes, the jargons and everything or ur project..

So dont be nervous ... and dont think too much .. just start implementation...

Wahed.

[coder4hire]

You're thinking of developing a shopping cart from scratch? As Wahed alluded to, you are reinventing the wheel. Does your client want to pay for that? Do you want to run the risks of using a homebrew shopping cart? First consider using a "bolt-on" cart, which can be used with any existing site, because the shopping cart service gives you the links for all the products.

[IS_NUMERIC]

There are some good off the shelf carts and good shop-in-a-box solutions. Some are free some have a cost attached. It depends on a few factors really.

does any of the carts meet your client requirements and budget

can you easily extend them (not HACK them)

do you have the skills to implement the change

do you have the skills to build from scratch

In my opinion the cart building project is a time overhead which amounts to cost. I advise, as coder4hire advises to look for something which you can extend. I would also suggest you build your own as part of a self learning program in order to familiarise yourself with the logic and hone your programming skills. The cart itself is a straight forward implementation of storing product codes and prices for use later. Its this information which you would pass to the payment gateway who are better placed to process the sale.

[akash]

I assume the most important thing to consider in building a shopping cart from scratch is security. I wouldn't want to make any errors in the development of an ecommerce program as I would never want to risk placing my customers credit card details at risk.

Beyond that, ease of use and a logical flow to the shopping process
________
EFFECTS OF PAXIL

[danielacamelia]

yes i most say dont be nervous
all the things...works good i think



________________
Marco Island Vacation Travel,
cast iron clawfoot tub

[nicu_pascan]

hello everibody,nice job and very intresting forum








_________________
Wholesale fashion clothing
Lingerie
________
FINGERING

[itouch resumes]

Security and customization are key - there's nothing worse than a cart which doesn't match the product being offered and looks out of place.
Professional Resume Writers, CV Writing and Resume Writing for Australia

[advantshop]

Please read:

Online store creation cycle:
ASP.NET Shopping Cart Software and E-commerce solutions - creation cycle

ASP.NET Shopping cart software:
AdVantShop.NET - ASP.NET Shopping Cart Software and E-commerce solutions