5 affordable e-commerce shopping carts for small business

Published on: 13 July 2018 Last Updated on: 31 October 2024

Times have changed, for now, you do not need to have programming knowledge and a lot of money to create an online store. Now there are many affordable and easy to use e-commerce providers that are suitable for home-based and small businesses. E-commerce software provider offers shopping cart solutions for your website which enables you to build, edit, and maintain your online shop easily, and collect the orders without having programming or HTML knowledge. Most providers offer everything including hosting, templates and more. Some providers charge transaction and set-up fees while some do not. In all the cases, you will be offered a free trial in which you can test and decide on what you want to choose.

Here is a list of five affordable E-commerce shopping carts.

1. Shopify :

Shopify is among our top recommendations because it is customizable and an easy-to-use e-commerce provider. The service offers mobile options as well. There is a Shopify App store just like Apple’s, through which you can shop and select add-on applications for your website. You can also buy buttons for Facebook and Twitter and get the necessary support, protection from any fraud, 100+ themes, Mobile commerce, Email marketing and Social media integration. You can run a successful online business without the large inventory overhead costs by using Shopify dropshipping. They also have a 30-day free trial, after which the packages start at $24/month.

2. 3Dcart :

3Dcart offers a free trial without the requirement of a credit card. There are 80 payment gateways supported which make it really easy to make a switch. The Plans start at $19.99/month and include 200 products, $25 in free ad credits, No transaction fees, Social media connectivity, Up to 4000 visits a month, 24/7 tech support. 3Dcart is an e-commerce solution suitable for people who want to sell a larger amount of products.

3. Fortune 3

Fortune 3 is a hosted e-commerce solution in which the plans start at $9.95 a month. Fortune3 is SEO-friendly and offers many designs/templates and also allows you to sell and accept gift certificates. There is email marketing, Facebook shopping integration, and the ability to create an affiliate program. Fortune 3 includes all features in all plans, and The difference between these plans is the number of products. The starter plan includes unlimited support, 20 products, unlimited storage and bandwidth and no set-up fee.

4. Avactis :

Avactis is fully hosted with a unique difference which is that they allow the developers to white label the solution as their own. This means that, if you want to, you can sell your own e-commerce offering. You are also offered the standard feature-rich list of shopping carts that starts at $19.95/month. Avactis also has an open source free version.

5. Volusion :

Volusion is also among the top hosted e-commerce shopping carts in the market today and has more than 100,000 customers. The plans start at $19/month and offer a 14-day free trial. The VZoom feature lets the user zoom in and around the product image, and you can also connect to your store to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

We hope that these options will help you in your endeavor!

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Why Is Mentoring Important In Leadership?

You can become a great leader in overnight. Its needs experience, skills, persistence, and personal introspection. But, along with the skills, today’s leaders need one mentor. Mentoring is one of the most important and cost-effective tools which guides leaders throughout the business process. To avoid the pitfalls in the business, it is vital to take mentoring programs or to hire a mentor. Mentoring can build a healthy relationship between employees and shape the culture of the company. Why is Mentoring Important in Leadership: What Will the Mentor Do? A mentor is your professional who will work alongside you and help you in navigating in the twist and turns of your business path. Your mentor will help you in creating fruitful strategies that take your business to the next level. It helps you in understanding the key issues resolving them and minimizing risk. Leaders who enter the mentoring relationship will get many benefits. Some of the major benefits are listed below: Let’s get review it. Gain Practical Advice: Today’s leaders look for practical advice and guidance to resolve internal business issues. To fill that need, it is advisable to attain mentoring programs. Mentoring daily may help leaders to take decisions practically not emotionally. It makes them clear about a decision without having a feeling of fear and regret. It is keen to help guide you in achieving long-term goals. Leaders can gain clarity, sharping communication skills as they navigate their most significant decision effortlessly. Becoming A More Effective Speaker: After making a decision, then you are charged with communication with the employee around you. Mentoring programs can also enhance your speaking skills and make you an effective communicator. Effective leadership is all about communicating. If you get failed in demonstrating strategies in front of your employees, it can create ambiguity and reduce your credibility. The best way to improve communication is to take the help of the mentor. He/she will offer you the essential tips to communicate more effectively. By planning small talk with you and rid of unnecessary conversation filters, learning body language, a mentor can make you an effective and fluent communicator. Nurturing Self-Confidence: Through the power of mentoring a leader can nurture his self-confidence. There are so many benefits that a mentor can bring in the leader’s life. But, nurturing self-confidence is the great one. A mentor can build self-confidence in you which helps you navigate twists and turns of your business path. Measure Knowledge Transfer: Mentoring is all about sharing knowledge with employees. If you know how to deliver the knowledge, you can effectively make your employees informative. A mentor will guide and help you in delivering learning and measuring knowledge transfer to the employees. To Conclude: With monitoring, you can determine the step you are going to take for your business is good or bad. With monitoring, you can easily observe yourself and your behavior towards your employees. If you want to achieve a clear target for success with greater confidence, then it is advisable to take a mentoring program. Your chances of success in business can be expanded by having the right mentor like Brian Paes Braga. Brian Paes-Braga serves as the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Lithium X Energy Corp. Read Also: 5 Key Leadership Skills For Entrepreneurs Leadership Qualities Help In Enhancing Visionary Transform

Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Financial planning is an essential aspect of any business, and for contractors, it's no different. In the construction industry, project viability relies heavily on careful financial management. This article will explore the principles of effective financial planning for contractors and how using a bid bond can demonstrate financial stability and attract clients. The Importance Of Financial Planning For Construction Companies The construction industry is highly competitive, and its dynamics and the economic scenario are changing continuously. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place when it comes to navigating regulations, compliances, and even finances. This section mainly discusses the importance of financial planning for the construction companies. 1. Navigating The Landscape Of The Construction Industry As mentioned above, the construction industry is rapidly changing. Every now and then, you have new rules, guidelines, compliances, and changes in technology. It is an important aspect of the entire industry. A personalized plan can help you pinpoint these changes and be prepared to face the challenges in the future. 2. Managing The Flow Of Cash Cash flow management is another critical aspect of any business. The construction business is no exception. The irregular scheme of payments and also the out-of-plan expenditure can, indeed, disrupt the flow of cash. A personalized flow of finance in the construction industry can help you maintain quite a healthy cash flow. It helps manage the sudden need for finance and fix issues. 3. Long-Term Sustainability A well-planned financial plan offers a roadmap for the long-term sustainability of the construction companies. They assist companies in setting attainable goals and targets. If you do not have a solid base of finances, you won’t be able to plan ahead in the future. One of the biggest challenges that business organizations face today is the long-term sustainability. As a business, you could only attain it if you have a steady supply of finances. 4. Managing The Risks The construction industry is quite risky. There are financial liabilities, safety, legal and other issues. A personalized financial plan helps create the strategies. They help reduce the chances of financial setbacks and also the circumstances hitherto not experienced. 5. Reducing The Cost Of Borrowing You all know that the construction industry is quite fund-intensive. You need to have a large sum of money. Under the circumstances, borrowing is the biggest way to handle it. But they have their interest associated with it, which is quite hefty at times. They may affect your budget and the prices of the products. Therefore, you must have the planning and a strong pedestal in place. But there is no alternative to a strong planning. 6. Increased Profitability The be-all and end-all of business is earning profits. Managing the expenditure is quite a challenge; therefore, you must be highly prepared with a plan in mind. A well-crafted plan of finances considers the revenue streams of the company assets and the expenses. A business owner uses their plan to make the wisest of choices. They help boost the profits and then cut the costs. 7. Attracting The Investors When you woo the investors for your projects, they look at some of the important things before investing. One of the core elements in good financial planning. If they understand that your finances are well managed and your organization is well in shape, it can drive them to invest in your vision. Therefore, you must invest in professionally prepared finance to ensure steady growth and stability in the long run. The Core Aspects Of Financial Planning For The Contractors In this section, we discuss some of the core aspects of financial planning that can help you stay ahead in this competitive landscape. As a stakeholder in the construction sector, you must have the planning in place. Budgeting The cornerstone of any financial plan is a well-structured budget. It’s essential to account for all expenses, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs. By creating a detailed budget, you’ll be better equipped to estimate project costs accurately. Cash Flow Management Cash flow is the lifeblood of your contracting business. Timely invoicing and efficient collection of payments are critical. Moreover, having a cash reserve for unexpected expenses or delays is a wise strategy. Using Bid Bonds To Show Financial Stability One effective way to demonstrate financial stability to potential clients is by using bid bonds. A bid bond is a form of guarantee that you, as a contractor, provide to the project owner. It is a promise that if you're awarded the project, you will enter into a contract and provide performance and payment bonds as required. It assures project owners that you have the financial capacity to complete the project. By including these bonds in your bids, you signal to clients that you are financially stable and capable of fulfilling the contract. This can set you apart from competitors and instill confidence in project owners. Financial Planning For Contractors Emergency Fund As mentioned earlier, cash flow can be unpredictable. Having an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months' worth of expenses can provide a safety net during lean times or unexpected setbacks. Diversify Your Client Base Relying on a single client or type of project can be risky. Diversifying your client base and the types of projects you take on can help stabilize your income and reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations. Regularly Review And Adjust Your Financial Plan Financial planning is not a one-and-done task. It's essential to review and adjust your plan regularly, especially as your business grows and evolves. Insurance Coverage Consider various insurance options to protect your business against unforeseen events. Liability insurance, workers' compensation, and equipment insurance are just a few examples of coverage that can safeguard your financial stability. Invest Wisely Make informed investment choices for any surplus funds you may have. Consult with a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that aligns with your long-term financial goals. Conclusion In conclusion, financial planning is a critical component of a contractor's success. It ensures project viability, stability, and, ultimately, the growth of your business. Remember to create a comprehensive budget, manage your cash flow efficiently, and explore various financial strategies to secure your financial future as a contractor. By following these principles, you can build a strong foundation for your contracting business and thrive in the competitive construction industry. Read Also: Construction Safety – What You Didn’t Know! All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software Construction Safeguards: What Are The Top 3 Leading Risks For Machine-Related Amputation?

6 Tips for Effective Crisis Management

Whether you call it a disaster plan or a crisis plan, every company and organization needs to have detailed plans in place on how to respond to a worst-case scenario. This should be a team effort, not the product of one individual. Here are some tips for handling the nightmare situations you hope never occur. Create a Team: This is the very first step. Whether creating a team is to develop a plan from its inception or to manage a crisis when it occurs, it should involve multiple people with a firm grasp of their individual responsibilities. Brainstorm What-Ifs: Effective crisis management means having a plan in place before the crisis actually occurs. For example, Pittsburgh is ranked as one of the worst cities in the country for car accidents. Developing a “what-if” plan there might involve including the name of a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer. Write it Down: Every detail should be spelled out. While there might be more extensive information for crisis team managers, every employee should be familiar with the plan, including having a copy of what they need to do…or not to do. Along with writing it down is remembering to update it as employee information and technology change. Manage Communication: There are internal and external components to consider. Communication lines to inform employees of what to do and where to go need to be clearly established. However, companies and organizations also have to know how they will manage the story that goes out to the public. For example, many school systems establish protocols that allow only a district public information officer or a building administrator to communicate to the media. Effective communication sometimes also means controlling what and when information is released. Be Honest and Open: In an age when everyone has a phone to record events and information can quickly go viral via the internet and social media, it’s important to be as candid as possible in handling any sort of crisis that has the potential to become a public relations nightmare. First and foremost, keep your own employees informed. Be proactive with social media by frequently updating whatever services you use. Assess and Train: Your plan needs constant re-evaluation to be effective. Once a crisis is past, the team should assess what happened and any changes that need to be made as a result. In the wake of a crisis and as new employees come on board, it’s important to conduct training and drills to everyone remains up to date on how to respond. Having an effective crisis management plan in place can mean the difference between your company recovering from a reputation-damaging event such as an oil spill or a criminal investigation and sustaining a blow that affects your bottom line for years to come. Read Also: How To Do Bookkeeping In Malta Minus Complications What Are The Benefits Associated With Crowdfunding For Businesses?

5 affordable e-commerce shopping carts for small business

1. Shopify :

2. 3Dcart :

3. Fortune 3

4. Avactis :

5. Volusion :

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Why Is Mentoring Important In Leadership?

Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

6 Tips for Effective Crisis Management

5 affordable e-commerce shopping carts for small business

1. Shopify :

2. 3Dcart :

3. Fortune 3

4. Avactis :

5. Volusion :

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How To Choose A Practice Management Software For Your Law Firm

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Follow Us

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