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Online Store Software                   

Online Store Software with Free Trials

[Go straight to the list of online store software]

Using online store software means you have close control over your brand than with sub-domain stores.  Monthly packages are cheap at the entry level and inexpensive at all levels.  They offer a wider range of services in their packages.  Many offer a free trial period, so you should choose these.  Use them to develop your ideas when you are planning your online store. 

You use the online store software to craete a store on your own website.  They're all WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) packages, so you won't need any html knowledge, though you should plan to spend several hours getting used to the different software products.

Although the providers would not agree, basic packages of online store software are all similar: store front design; ecommerce shopping basket; SEO package, and escrow payment facilities.  So what you’re mostly looking for is the right image, ease of use, and the best service and support. 

Your online store should work in any country, but check this out if it’s important to you.  You may also have requirements for particular features, like integration of your store with other business software such as Sage Accounts. 

Online stores do not cost a lot of money up front, but the smooth running of your store is vital to your business, so choose with care.  Shop around, pick two or three software products that look like they will suit your needs and try them out. 

Plan and use the trial period effectively.  Rather than set up a fully stocked store, use the time to check out all the software features you think you will need, based on a few items in several categories.  Ask family and friends to try the stores' features too.  Speak to the nice people in the software companies if you are unsure about anything, they’ll be keen to help. 

Don’t be afraid to walk away if it’s not quite right.  At the very least you will have gained a clearer idea of what you want in and from your store.  Adapt your business plan if necessary and look at a different product.


Just a few of the online store software products on offer
- in no particular order.

Open-a-store
7-day free trial. 

Volusion
14 day free trial.  30 day money back guarantee. 

EKM Powershop
Free demo.  30 day money back guarantee.

CubeCart
30 day free trial

Tiger Commerce
7 day free trial.  30 day money back guarantee.

Core Commerce
30 day free trial.

The Big Spider
15 day free trial. 

HBE Commerce
Demo store and ’try before you buy’

1and1
30 day free trial on any package.

ePages
20 day free trial

Daily
14 day free trial

Click and Build
Options of either an indefinite free trial on the public access site, or 15 day free trial on your own private trial site.

Website Works
7 day free trial

Actinic
30 day free trial

A Shop Commerce
7 day free trial

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