If you wish to build an profitable online store, your shopping cart is one area that you should not cut corners. A shopping cart program is the software that assists with designing and creating both your the catalog that your customers will see and the order processing. They are an online store builder that allows you to develop an ecommerce site from the ground up with the features you need for success.

When shopping for an online store builder, it’s important to know what type of program you will benefit from with your individual ecommerce needs. There are open source programs that are free and highly customizable. However, they often require some degree of programming skills and sometimes lack full security features. On the other hand, commercial shopping carts exist that can be expensive, but are user friendly while providing a professional appearance. Sometimes these shopping carts are included as part of a web hosting plan or other online store services.

The features of online store builders can vary greatly from one program to the next. The best features include everything from catalog design templates, display options, and easy check out, to inventory tracking, security, technical support, shipping tools, and marketing solutions. It is difficult to say that any one of these is more important than the next, as all of these items need to be compared before selecting an online store builder. It is also advantageous to read online reviews about the various shopping cart programs available.

Your online store builder will be used to create both the part of the website that customers navigate through and the back end which controls the order process and manages all functions. Therefor, it is critical that it is aesthetically pleasing, informative, and easy to navigate, while being efficient and providing the tools to keep you organized. Overall, the shopping cart you select for your online store builder can greatly affect the success of your online store.