osCommerce. Is it for non-techies?

[yoyokidd]

I am thinking of switching to osCommerce from my current provider snipped to save money. I dont mind what I am paying but I plan to launch 2-4 additional websites and my current provider charges me for each site.

I was wondering if osCommerce is difficult for me to use. Keep in mind that I have NO programming experience.

Is there anyone out there that offers a support package if I need help with customizing it of if I experience problems down the road. Right now if I have a problem I send an email and get a response quickly.

My current provider is pretty full featured...can I get all the features in a tight package like I am currently getting?

[edited by: DaveAtIFG at 7:59 am (utc) on June 10, 2004]
[edit reason] Unlinked URL removed [/edit]

[lorax]

osCommerce is definately NOT for non-programmers UNLESS you happen to have one available to you.

Check your sticky mail. ;)

[derekwong28]

I completely agree. For a cheap option, have a look a cubecart which is a clone, and also the following

litecommerce
e-commerce templates
clickcartpro
squirel cart
Mal's e (you have to build your pages)

[wavebird23]

Read the osCommerce tutorial, it may be able to help.

[danieljean]

Also, if you have one site that is working well with your current provider and you don't mind what you're paying, by all means leave that one with them.

After you test the waters with new sites on oscommerce, you can make a lower risk decision to switch, or keep looking for another cart.

I personally found oscommerce to be over my patience treshhold, but it looks as though there are plenty of people willing to install it for you if you host with them, as well as some that will develop custom solutions, templates, etc... so if you are willing to pay, this should be no problem.

[mgm_03]

OK..what if you are "comfortable with PHP/MySQL? I am no guru but not a beginner either.

I haven't downloaded OScommerce yet because I've heard mixed opinions about it including implementation.

[fathom]

I haven't downloaded OScommerce yet because I've heard mixed opinions about it including implementation.

hmmm... I got a housewife that know nothing about programming but can teach you everything about it.

She had a few months to kill! ;)

[mgm_03]

'nough said ;-)

[lorax]

>> I am no guru but not a beginner either

It's one thing to understand and feel comfortable with ANY programming language and entirely a different matter to wrap your head around the intricate details/whys and wherefores of what another programmer has built. Especially one like osCommerce which has been built by many people and built for modularity rather than the most efficient code.