So, here's the thing.

I absolutely, positively do not want to develop a core competency in web server management. I don't even want to admin leased or shared space on someone else's box (even if it has a shiny web-based administrative interface). I have a day job, and it will stay that way for at least a couple of years.

My sweetie and I are going to start retailing small, high-margin items on-line. We think using Yahoo! Stores may be the way to go. It's expensive, but not as expensive as trying to reinvent the wheel in my spare time. :motorcycl

Has anyone given them a try before? Any pitfalls I should be watching out for? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Andrew,

I, like you, have a "day job" and started my own online retail store.... and not wanting to "re-invent the wheel" turned to "store builders". Upon researching all the different "store builders", I think finestshops.com is a way better deal than yahoo stores. They have a lot of features for the money and wonderful customer support.

I am ultimately opposed to yahoo taking ANY percentage of my online sales - thats why I would not recomend them.

Only my opinion,

Valerie

The per-item charges make me extremely skittish, too.

But one of the things that makes Yahoo! Stores seem so attractive is all that darned traffic that blows through there. On-line storefronts are much like their meat-space counterparts: it's all about location, location, location. There was an interesting article (http://searchenginewatch.com/searchday/article.php/3440601) over on Search Engine Watch just a coupe of days ago:

Yahoo Shopping is the most popular shopping search and product comparison service, according to Hitwise. The site features more than 50 million product offerings from over 200,000 merchants, making it the largest in scope and comprehensivenes as well.

I think I am willing to pay Yahoo! a piece of every transaction, and chalk it up to advertising expense (though I'm pretty sure I can't really book it that way), especially if it means I get a storefront on the Rialto, instead of a lemonade stand at a crossroads in the hardscrabble of West Texas.

That traffic is compelling to me, because it could mean the difference between turning my inventory 4 times a year and turning it 8 times a year. The cost efficiencies to be gained there could more than offset the added expense.

Other reasons why I'm considering them:

Direct hooks into Quickbooks
A really slick Dreamweaver extension to automate your catalog-building
One step merchant account processing
Complete clicktrail reporting
Electronic couponing
Did I mention the traffic? ;)


I'm not criticizing - I'm certain you made exactly the right decision for the way your business needs to work - but I wonder if there are other really good reasons to stay far, far away from Yahoo!.

Anybody else have an experience to share regarding Yahoo!? How about other ASP storefronts? I'm very interested in hearing more!

P.S. - Valerie, your on-line store kicks butt! I can't wait to launch one, too. :thumbsup:

Andrew,

Some more info: "Paymentech". Here's some reading material for you while you continue your investigation.

www.bradfallon.com/2004/09/paymentech-merchant-account-sucks.html

Thanks for your kind words on my site...

My best to you!!
Valerie

Val,

That's a real eye-popper! Thanks for that link! :eek:

Just a quick mention, having a Yahoo! store is unique to Yahoo's shopping program.

With a Yahoo store, it does look like you get a discount on shopping listings and Overture paid campains. From the Yahoo store's Merchant Professional (http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/merchant/c3.php) page, they do mention this:

Special discounts on a range of marketing services,
including a discount on Overture search engine advertising and 20% savings on Yahoo! Shopping listings, to help potential customers find your site

If you're planning to spend a decent amount of money on those services, I can definitely see the benefit to a Yahoo store. If not, I would say the best program for you wins. :)

Paul