[Satellite1]

When starting up an E-Commerce site, what is considered to be required that your web host provides? If you guy's could help me out. I just don't know much about it, and don't want to make a stupid decision. Thanks!

[nado]

I guess it depends on what sort of shopping cart you intend to use and what content you'll be putting on your site.

Some hosts offer easy install options within the control panel for shopping carts. Most shopping carts use PHP and MySQL which come standard with most hosting packages these days.

Then if you want to put many detailed photos or videos then you'll need a fair bit of space, although something as low as 200MB will probably do fine

[Satellite1]

Thanks !

[nado]

Another good thing to do is send an email to a host you're thinking about and tell them what you're after and ask what they can do for you.

This way you can test their support.

[Sarafina]

The host has their interest in mind so I wouldn't trust them to tell you what you need.

Make sure it has PHP/MYSQL as well as Elefante installer or another scripts installer and 24/7 support. Everything else is upgradeable and pretty much standard.

[GriZzly]

Look for a host that clearly states what your bandwidth allowance is and any overflow fees. Most hosts that offer you 'unlimited bandwidth' are b.sing you and leaves you not knowing when your site will go offline due to too much traffic.

[benoitb]

The most important thing to look for is reliability and support.

Originally Posted by Sarafina

The host has their interest in mind so I wouldn't trust them to tell you what you need.

Make sure it has PHP/MYSQL as well as Elefante installer or another scripts installer and 24/7 support. Everything else is upgradeable and pretty much standard.

Not all companies operate like this.

[joshw]

Have you considered buying your own server and hosting your own site? Depending on the size and scope of your site, it might be cheaper.

[asher]

Hi,

I would definitely recommend 3ix.org - i host my site with them (zedfone.com) and I've spent quite alot of time looking for hosts and found them to be the best.

Esp in regards to price - you can go online for as little as $1 per month... with a cart and everything, very customizable and professional...

[Cartman]

Reliability, support, speed, and price.

I've gone through a number of hosts, and finally found the right guys a few years back.. Their uptime is great, their support is incredible (all done online, but responses are usually within 30-60 minutes, even at 9pm at night), their speed is awesome, and their price is competative. eMax Hosting

There will always be cheaper guys out there, but you do get what you pay for. I use a cheap host for some of my recreational sites (How can you argue with 1-year hosting and a free domain name for $15 for the year?!), but for my e-commerce sites, I don't mess around - Any downtime can cost me WAY more than my monthly hosting costs.

[nado]

Originally Posted by Cartman

Reliability, support, speed, and price.

I've gone through a number of hosts, and finally found the right guys a few years back.. Their uptime is great, their support is incredible (all done online, but responses are usually within 30-60 minutes, even at 9pm at night), their speed is awesome, and their price is competative. eMax Hosting

There will always be cheaper guys out there, but you do get what you pay for. I use a cheap host for some of my recreational sites (How can you argue with 1-year hosting and a free domain name for $15 for the year?!), but for my e-commerce sites, I don't mess around - Any downtime can cost me WAY more than my monthly hosting costs.

Do they have an affiliate program

[gambit]

When it comes to e-commer