OSCommerce offers professional website designers and developers a versatile and flexible way to create custom made websites for clients. OSCommerce is widely accessible and easy to use. 

OSCommerce has been released on open source software licensing, so it is free to install and redevelop, but if you are less experienced in programming and scripting then you can purchase some pre-built OSCommerce storefront templates that can combine the flexibility of this software with the instant availability of commercial paid for applications.

Webpage Design
OSCommerce’s main advantage for website designers is its highly versatile website creation tools, which allow users the freedom to rewrite codes and customize all aspects of webpages from layout through to SEO.  This allows designers to create not only unique and professional looking websites with fully functional eCommerce and social media features, but it also allows to make sure that each page is search engine friendly to drive site traffic and boost sales.  

The product catalog can support unlimited products and can be adapted to suit most business needs.  It includes a number of comprehensive category options including manufacturer’s descriptions, images, reviews and customer comments.  The product catalog can also support both shipped and downloadable items, so you can sell a range of both physical and virtual goods.

Shopping Cart
The shopping cart provides a quick and efficient way for your customers to select products from your online catalog and store them until check out time.  The cart provides a password protected area on your store for each customer that stores orders history and personal details such as shipping and billing addresses, so that customers can log in and see their order status and also update their own accounts.

Payment Processing
OSCommerce offers one of the most versatile payment processing centers on the market.  From here you can offer your customers a wide range of both online and offline payment options including secure instant credit/debit card transactions, PayPal, gift cards and more. Traditional payment methods can include offline credit card processing, checks and money orders.  OSCommerce also offers instant shipping and tax calculations for each order, so that the customer can receive their full bill and check out in one, easy transaction.


Customer Services
OSCommerce is open source software and so does not provide the same intensive level of customer service as commercially driven paid software, but there is a very supportive online community active 24/7, so if you visit the online forums and bulletin boards you can find out answers to many of the common problems and also ask questions of your own.  There is also a lot of information about OSCommerce and all of its features and functions on the developers website.

Take a look at some real live online stores using OSCommerce here.

Posted in: Resources - Shopping Cart On May 19 2012