Online Store FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does hosting cost?

Hosting for Online Stores is typically 150 euro per year. This is just the cost of hosting and only includes telephone and email hosting support. This is the only ongoing cost of your website. We do provide full website support including – product changes, website maintenance, full store monitoring and reporting, Google adwords campaign, and much more.

What are the Hidden Charges for Online Stores?

Hidden Charges: Would be things like the banking charges for processing transactions or setting up transaction accounts. These would all be third party fees from banking institutions or shipping institutions. No matter what we do we will have these but we do have a few different options to keep the cost down (e.g. only processing through paypal until transactions increase, Processing Credit Cards in-house, etc.)

Is it possible to process credit cards through paypal without setting up an account with them?

Yes, it is possible to process credit cards through paypal without setting up an account with them – but this only applies to your customers. For you to host paypal on your site, you have to register with them. This only takes a credit card (personal or business). The user interface will be paypal and we will not have a lot of options for customising the user interface. But the benefit is that there is limited costs. There is however a 4.5 – 5% transaction fee which, will be passed on to the purchaser. Other T&Cs apply but they are typical.

4.5, 5 % is very painful, Could we look into any other payment gateways?

Another good clearing house to consider is moneybookers.com. They have cheaper transaction charges and take Laser Cards.

If you are looking create a payment gateway through your bank you may be able to negotiate a better rate. However, when it comes to the payment gateways we are at the mercy of the banks and escrow companies. It really comes down to what you can negotiate with your bank. Getting this setup takes minimum 2 weeks. All you have to do is ask your bank for information on their online payment processing setup and fees.

Does Paypal Take Laser Cards?

Lasers cannot be used through paypal. Another option for Laser Card users would be moneybookers.com

Can we add the credit card charge to the customers bill?

We can pass on any charges you would like. However, it is better and more typical just to build it into the price. People tend not to like when businesses appear to be passing on every charge. The best thing to do is see what other competitors or online retailers are doing. If they are not passing on the charge than your customers might think it strange if you do.

I am going to build this charge into the price but it means less profit for me anyway?

It should never mean less profit. You need to raise your price to reflect the difference. What we can do is give people the option of offline payments. This would enable them to save the 4.5%, if they pay by cheque or cash.

Will I have the ability to edit my site and add New Products setup?

We build all our websites using Content Management Systems. These systems allow you to fully manage all aspects of your site. Including, but not limited to, updating existing product information, adding new products, and managing changes in the User functionality.

I already have an existing website. Can I add an Online store to it? Will I have to get rid of my existing website?

We will have a content management system setup for the online store but this will not affect your existing website. Your existing website will run exactly the same as always. All we will do is creat a link on the old website, to the new Online store (and vice versa). If your existing site is older, it might be time to consider redesigning it as well. Freeman Contingent always has special deals for multiple site creations.

We have two or more types of clients. Could these two types of clients have separate product prices, promotions, etc.?

To be more clear: I have more products available for wholesale, than retail and obviously different prices. I am looking to give logins for select customers ( it will be a kind of “elite” group and they will be able to avail of special offers available only there etc.) Can this be done?

The software is able to make distinctions for different customer categories and limit or change prices, product selection, etc. You have the ability to name these categories to suit your needs.

Important Information:

It is important to discuss everything. The most important thing in designing an online store is to ensure that the correct architecture has been designed. The initial architecture must take into consideration growth and changes. Speaking with one of our representatives will help to clarify issues that you may have. Contact Us Today to discuss your new online store.