E-commerce solution feedback required

[walstib]

We are seriously considering going with the Volusion e-commerce solution. We have gotten a number of quotes from other companies from $7,200-$10,000 to develop the site but based on their platforms I don't see much of a major difference to justify the huge difference in cost? Am I missing something vital here?

We are only going to be using the Volusion back-end. We are having a graphic designer produce the site mock-up and Volusion will cut out the holes and link it to their back end.

Volusions back end can't be modified like it could if we went with another developer that was building from the ground up, but other than that I don't see any real differences other than the amount of money that goes into each company's bank account?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, its my butt on the line if it was the wrong decision. Thanks. Jamie

[edited by: engine at 9:23 am (utc) on Feb. 27, 2007]
[edit reason] TOS [/edit]

[HighConversions]

Jamie,

For that amount of money you should be able to find an e-commerce solution which has a good back end and a flexible front end which wraps around your design as well as accommodates your front end e-commerce needs.

I would recommend searching out a few more companies to get quotes from if I where you.

[ColinVox]

For such amount of money use can hire development company to create you unique solution. Perhaps it is the better way.

[webtress]

The price quotes you are getting are due to the person hours that would be required to build from scratch. Custom solutions are usually not re-saleable and need to re-coup their cost upfront, whereas off-the-shelf companies can make up their cost for development over a period of time and multiple users. Off the shelf solutions can work for many businesses in different industries. Some are more restrictive than others when it comes to editing their code to fit your needs. The important thing is to have a clear distinction between needs and wants. You may find items on your list of needs that can be address though other means, such as visitor tracking.