os commerce questions

[jazziefrog]

does it accept credit card payments ?
do we have to pay extra for the credit card service?
does oscommerce offer that service?

[areidmtm]

does it accept credit card payments ?
do we have to pay extra for the credit card service?
does oscommerce offer that service?

1. Yes
2. Yes. You'll need an SSL certificate (about $25/year) and a dedicated IP address ($30/year), if you plan to process the CC with your own method. Alternative you can use paypal or bluehost offers a CC accept option within the cpanl (I have never used it)
3. Oscommerce is just the program, not necessarily a service. They may however suggest services that do.

I have never used Oscommerce (too restrictive). I use an SSL certificate and a dedicated IP on my site to and use PayPal to process the CC

[page1ink.]

there is another method to accepting credit cards in OSC, but you'll need a way to process the card numbers manually (such as a SEBA machine). basically OSC stores the middle 8 or so digits of the number in its database and emails you the rest of them. it's a bit cumbersome, but for a new business it's a definite quick fix. like areidmtm said, PayPal is another solution that works well, although they will dock you a percentage of everything you charge (not that you'll be able to get around that with SSL and a "payment gateway" as they're called).

areidmtm is right about OSC being restrictive, and if you're not much of a programmer I'd recommend against it. my first eCom site was with OSC and I was pretty dissatisfied. I'm in the process of setting one up with CubeCart, however, and I've found it to be a bit more user-friendly.

your best bet is to try the different eCom solutions that Bluehost offers through Fantastico and see which one you're most comfortable using. you can uninstall and reinstall them at any time and as many times as you want, so don't be afraid of not making up your mind immediately.

I hope that helps you out =) good luck!

[jazziefrog]

thanx a bunch
:)