Do I need a full blown shopping cart if I only have 3 products

[adamnichols45]

What is the best way to move foward with this project?

We will only have 3 products in the database. People will usually want to buy say 10 of any 1 item.

Thanks

[phparion]

create a normalized database. integrate shopping / cart features. use CC processor if required. earn money and pray for me that I guided you :)

[phnord]

Wow, that has to be the broadest question I have ever come across on any forum ever. That's equivalent to saying "Car...we have 4 tires and need to build a working automobile that people can drive. How do we start?" :)

Please don't take offense, but I would suggest Googling web development firms that can build solid e-commerce systems, if you are posting a question like that. They will help you to get situated with your needs and guide you.

...or you can use Yahoo Store, or one of those basic online DIY stores, since you only have a handful of products.

ZenCart is solid too but probably completely over the top for what you are trying to do.

[jatar_k]

actually the question is not as bad as you portray

I could reword it if it makes you feel better

"Should I use a full blown shopping cart if I only have 3 products"

You could use any regular shopping cart. I imagine you still need the same functionality. It doesn't really matter how many products you have.

I guess you could code your own, or get one made for you, but it seems that if there are products out there already that manage the cart/session, allow checkout and payments, then you might as well use them.

[phparion]

thank you J for your explanation :)

you could use wp-ecommerce plugin for wordpress. It gives you a very quick and functional way to sell with paypal. You can setup your store within few minutes. I tried this plugin lastday and it rocks.

I am also making an enhanced format of this plugin that will work with 2CO and google Checkout kinda services too but do not wait for that one, it will take years to come on the scene :P..

[adamnichols45]

Excellent re-wording. I think I might just go down the route of coding it my self.

I was just wondering if there was anything out there that has been built for few products etc.

The back end is simple enough I would rather code that my self for sure.

[jsinger]

There are carts that come in several different levels of features. I used one years ago that was free for up to 20 products, as I recall. (that company is nearly out of business now LOL)

I think Shopsite offers a "Starter" level version that's fairly cheap. Consider that if you feel you might need to upgrade to a full featured cart if things take off.
--
How about Mal's for free?

[Marcia]

>>How about Mal's for free?

That's exactly what I'd use for only a few products, it doesn't get easier.

[paulmadillo]

Have a look at the 'Couffin Shopping Cart' here

Really, really simple.

[sem4u]

I would go for Mal's. So easy to integrate into your site without even having any database experience.

[rajivlodha]

try paypal or 2CO no need for a complete cart! but upgrading would be suggested if you earn and increase your catalogue to 10000 products :D

[edited by: minnapple at 2:06 am (utc) on Feb. 19, 2008]
[edit reason] OK to mention company not url [/edit]