Ecommerce Digest FAQs

Frequently asked questions about ecommerce-digest.com services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why another site on ecommerce?

Aren't there too many sites out there already? Exactly. But the need is not for more information, but for carefully selected and organized material. Many existing books and sites are excellent, but ecommerce-digest.com is the only source of such compact, detailed and continually-updated information.

2. Why is the presentation so plain?

We select, summarize and list. There are plenty of sites and publications (many of which which we feature) that will keep you entertained with anecdotes, case histories, trade gossip and the like. We stick to the facts, providing a concise and independent survey for the busy ecommerce professional.

3. Why the stress on business aspects?

Because ecommerce is a business. A rewarding business if you get it right. The e-book takes you through the essential aspects of conceiving, planning, building and running an ecommerce site.

4. Why so many resources?

For many topics, our lists are the most comprehensive anywhere, but where decent lists already exist, they are duly pointed out, so you can be sure we cover the field. Moreover, however wide the choice may appear at first, there are commonly only a few products and services that will fit your particular need.

5. Why include technical information in a site aimed at business folk?

A general understanding will help enormously in commissioning work. Payment gateways, list managers, ISOs and the like are terms not always consistently used, and many sites are promotional, overlooking difficulties and cheaper alternatives. But we also write for technical people. In fact, by drawing on our professional experience in ecommerce development, we provide material that goes a long way to providing the large library that a major design house maintains to answer client questions and supply optimal solutions.

6. The site seems very US-orientated. What about the rest of the world?

The US leads the world in ecommerce, and currently has the better programs, services and information sites. Overseas banks are now starting to provide ecommerce services, and shopping cart programs are being rolled out for other markets. We cover these developments, but advise overseas companies to first compare what's available in the US.

7. You seem to list competitor books and sites. Why is that?

We aim to be comprehensive, which means listing alternative sources of information. We also we believe that anyone serious about ecommerce will do their homework thoroughly. Much of the material we list provides a different slant on matters, or add some flesh to the bare bones of our notes. We don't fear comparisons, and think you'll soon appreciate the strengths of our approach.

8. I haven't the time to read all the information here. Why don't you make some straightforward recommendations?

We do. Cheap sites can be built quickly with "out of the box" and "all in hosting" solutions. But site build is the least of your worries. The point we continually stress is that business considerations have to come first. Nonetheless, if you do want quick fixes, then we list those sites too.

9. How does our company get listed on your resources pages?

Send us an email telling us about your site and products. We'd be happy to consider or reconsider it for inclusion. There's no fee.

10. What if I think a site shouldn't feature?

We've listed a site if it seems valuable and/or has been recommended by a serious publication. Opinions differ, of course, so let us know if you feel a site's not up to scratch, and we'll look at it again. And don't forget our questionnaire. Helping us will help you.

11. Why the general business information sites?

There aren't many, but they serve an important purpose. However attractive the product, you won't sell effectively unless you understand your customers. That means doing your homework on market trends, business news, country preferences — everything that the self-respecting merchant accepts as part of normal business. We also throw in a few sites to find exchange rates, freelance specialists, translation services, free government help, and so forth.

12. Why no newsletter?

Because Internet newsletters are fast becoming a time-wasting nuisance. It's part of our job to read them, but the information is often very thinly spread. We therefore go one better. We update our pages, ensuring that information remains relevant, compact and organized.

13. Listings? I've seen too many of them.

So have we — indifferently put together and maintained. In contrast, our listings are carefully selected, with items placed in their proper categories. Descriptions are tersely written by technical staff. Links are checked and updated for subsequent editions of the e-book.

14. Sometimes you seem to be warning against taking up ecommerce.

We're saying that ecommerce is a difficult business, and very far from being the level playing field supposed. Our information helps companies to assess their prospects carefully and avoid the common pitfalls. And if our e-book clearly demonstrates that a certain business is unsuited to the Internet, and deters a company from proceeding further, then we feel the company concerned will regard their $37.50 subscription as money very well spent (though of course the 30 day guarantee still holds.)

15. Can I load down an later edition of the e-book at no extra cost?

Yes. Our research continues, and updates will be provided free to subscribers.

16. What safeguards do you offer?

You can't go wrong with the e-book, as we provide a 30-day, no-questions-asked guarantee. If, for any reason, you choose not to keep the e-book, simply email us for a prompt and full refund. Registration is safe, moreover: PayPal and eMetrix handle the payment process, and both provide excellent security measures.

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