Newbie

CubeCart & OScommerce

[flamesrock]

I've managed to install CubeCart, but I'm trying to figure out how to integrate it into an html (err..shtml) site. I don't want to use the default postnuke-like interface for my webstore, since there will be other sections to the site.

Is this possible?

Secondly- what are the differences between CubeCart & OScommerce? Is there a particular one you'd recommend? My site will be selling Widgets on CD as well as a few other accessories & widget related products.

And finally, does anybody know where I'd be able to find information about registering a business in Canada? Is it even necessary if the store doesn't make significant profits?

Any special advice for a newcommer to to ecommerce? I'm new, but 100% ready to jump in.

-Thanks

[derekwong28]

CubeCart and ZenCart are based on OSCommerce but are much easier to use. Cubecart is by far the easiest cart I have ever seen.

With the appropriate addons, OSCommerce can be made into one of the most powerful carts available. I have seen sites with Millions of dollars in turnover using OSCommerce. However, unless you have some technical knowledge, OSCommerce can be very difiicult to customize. Morover, as with any free carts, nobody is obliged to provide you with any support if things go wrong.

You can keep your site as it is. Just simply link to your cart under the words "shopping". You can also link to individual product pages on your cart.

I don't know about Canada but most countries have a grace period before you need a business registration. The only use for a business registration is that you can open a company account. None of our suppliers in Hong Kong have ever required to see our business registration.

[wavebird23]

flamesrock-
My online business is in Ontario, Canada, and I had to go through lots forms and research to legally start it. Here are the steps I took:
1. Go to Government Canada's website.
2. Click on Frequently Asked Questions (It's on the left side of screen).
3. Click on "How do I start a business".
4. Choose your province or territory from the dropdown list.
5. Look through all the links. They are listed below:
------------------------------------------------------
Basic Steps for Starting a Business

Being an Entrepreneur
Market Research
Preparing a Business Plan
Choosing a Business Type
Selecting Your Business Name
Registering Your Business
Financing
Taxation and Business Number
Hiring Employees or Contractors
Regulations
Importing and Exporting
Copyright, Patents, Trade-Marks
Doing Business on the Internet
Managing Your Business
Promoting Your Business
Starting a Specific Business
Municipalities
------------------------------------------------------
You may also want to search on google canada for "starting a business in canada". I would also recommend searching Amazon Canada for books on this subject. Good luck with your new business!

[flamesrock]

Thanks! Thats is exactly the information I was looking for. I'm starting to go through that faq now.

So basically, if I understand enough php, it would be better to go with OScommerce? I've been playin' a bit with osCommerce & I still can't decide :)

[irubin]

osCommerce is a great choice. We use it for ALL of our ecommerce projects.

Our clients are absolutely thrilled with the results and vast number of features it offers.

[flamesrock]

Thanks for the reply :) I don't think I'm going with cubecart any more.

I've been looking around and spotted a project called 'zenCart'. Some people *love* it. Others say they ended up going back to osCommerce because of the bugs/problems. I can't decide! heh...

of course it doesn't really matter if I follow through with a good business plan, I'd just like to have a solid foundation.

What do you people recommend?