[InetVentures]

I took a look at X-Cart a few months ago when Affinity first mentioned it. Now I've taken a harder look and I really like what I'm seeing.

As most of you know I'm looking at changing my hosting away from MC, mostly waiting on V to release their update. I took the time this morning to go completely through X-Cart and I must say that I really liked what I saw.

It seems to have all of the options I'm looking for (certainly too many to list here). It also has several low cost add on modules:
Gift Registry
Advanced Order Management
Return Merchandise
Product Comparison
Special Offers
Sales-N-Stats - not so low in cost but it does give you great live chat features & stats
Product Configurator
FancyCategories

Install X-Cart on your server (includes installation of PHP, web server configuration, etc) USD 50.00
Tech support - both phone or trouble ticket are available.

The also do custom programming for 25.00 per hour. I've asked for them to give me a quote on adding a feature like Amazon has where the customer can enter multiple ship to addresses - plus - have them stored so they can return and send out another gift easy.

I've also asked for a quote for them to move my site design over (as is) and a quote for them to do a new color scheme (same design, just different colors).

There is also a list of hosting companies that are set up for X-Cart with very inexpensive rates. One I noticed is helping us be PCI Compliant by offering FREE ScanAlert's Certified PCI ComplianceTM.


Am I missing something obvious as to why this wouldn't be a great choice for hosting? Any and all feedback would be great.

Sam

[Ben]

WOW!
Thanks for the info Sam.
It really opened my eyes even further.
Can't wait to compare them to the new V update.
Thanks again,
Ben

[breaume]

Sam

I have been using xcart for over a year know and have been pretty happy about it. You may want to take a look at this CSS template http://www.cart-lab....mplate-p-1.html this is definetly in my future.

make sure you go with one of there recomened hosts x-cart servers need certian tweaks to make it run well. I have accounts with 2 of them and I cannot same anything bad about either. They also get nothing but praise in the xcart forums. Which by the way is a huge support group.

let me know if there is anything I can answer.

Brian

[InetVentures]

Brian,
Thanks, that is some great information. The CSS template is just what I have been looking for though it will need modifying!

I also see that they have some other great add-ons:
ezCheckout
ezUpsell and ezRecommends

I've seen some people on this forum looking for a Customer Reward Program and Customer Surveys. I see it also has a Wholesale module.
I think someone was just asking about an automated way to import tracking numbers.

I'm still digging.
Sam

[InetVentures]

Robert. It is DIY sorta but it defiantly has support.

We take the latest version of xcart and pre-install all of our latest and greatest modifications and a template of your choice. Install and verify X-Cart and all selected accompanied modifications, templates, etc. And even import your existing products from an alternate shopping cart software package.

Expert consulting advice on how to better setup, maintain, and gear up X-Cart for your particular business model and industry. Search Engine Optimization and Security advice is also available. Security scan is included to check for common X-Cart security holes

Brian- can you get me a url for this?

They also get nothing but praise in the xcart forums. Which by the way is a huge support group

sam

[breaume]

I was impressed, too, but it seems like you have to be a do-it-yourselfer to make x-cart work. I don't believe there is real tech support, but correct me if I am wrong.

It is like 25% do it yourself. there is support you buy credits for it. that guy charges $85 to install that template.

Brian- can you get me a url for this?
sam

http://www.handsonwebhosting.com/
http://www.ewdhosting.com/

there is no real phone support for either but I have never needed it. both get paged to there PDAs if there is a priority ticket and have some staff. I had a hard time signing up because of this. now I would not even consider another shared host. just email handsonweb with a question and see the response they are very long.

Brian

[InetVentures]

there is no real phone support for either but I have never needed it. both get paged to there PDAs if there is a priority ticket and have some staff. I had a hard time signing up because of this. now I would not even consider another shared host. just email handsonweb with a question and see the response they are very long.Brian

Brain - I'm assuming you meant the host. Do you use one that you do recommend? I noticed that you just signed up with 3dc - is there a particular reason why you just didn't do another Z-cart? Tell me what the really negatives & positives have been in your experience. I'd really appreciate it!

Muchos gracias
Sam

[affinity]

Am I missing something obvious as to why this wouldn't be a great choice for hosting?

Hey, Sam - As I believe (?) I may have mentioned elsewhere - I think it is mainly and simply a case of uncertainty and nerves on the part of many merchants. For some seeing things like having to upload the solution to your server is enough to make them run for the hills.

People like the idea of signing up for a hosted solution (monster, volusion, IES, 3DC) and just logging into a backend. They also like the idea of one company handling it all. They (like I did) envision buying a solution like X-Cart or LiteCommerce and something going wrong: who do I contact: X-Cart or my host. And when I call/email XCart will they blame the host and then when I call the host will they tell me it's X-Cart's fault and send me back to them and keep me in a vicious circle?

Also, while it would (for the great majority) be cheaper even if support had to be paid for - people don't like the idea of having to pay for support - overlooking the fact that they essentially already do as the support price is built into their monthly hosting fee with monster, vol, etc.

But I do think a lot of people (like myself) would be very happy with something like X-Cart and LiteCommerce and stay away for reasons like those mentioned above.

[B00MER]

I've been using X-Cart since its initial release and was using it in product since version 1.3. Any "Official" hosting solution companies for X-Cart can easily take your licensed copy of X-Cart and have it installed and running in under 5mins.

I'm also the developer whom developed the CSS template for X-Cart in an effort to get them to conform more to W3C standards and offer a more "up-to-speed" solution of template than the usual table built templates currently exist and most peopel are used to. I do offer a installation service for those who can't figure out how to install it. However its VERY simple to install the CSS Skin. However modifying it your gonna need to know some basic CSS/HTML to be able to make adjustments to it.

As for contact information, etc. I am a sole prepriortier, so I am my own support, developer, and sales team at the same time. I do not offer a publicily listed phone for the simple fact I would never get anything done as the demand is too high. I do make exceptions especially for emergencies and/or clients whom are on a retainer, etc. I've also installed Kayako's eSupport recently and must say it REALLY helps manage customer support questions and daily day to day tasks.

Anyhow im rambling. <URL removed by forum mod.>

[InetVentures]

Hey Boomer,
Thanks for stopping by and giving us this info. I do have a few questions about your template such as how it works with mods like the tabs, ezcheckout, etc. Also, if you have any examples of sites that are using it they would be very much appreciated.

Sam

[breaume]

Good to see you here boomer.

Boomer is very active and a moderator for the x-cart forms. Maybe he will come by at times to answer some questions about x-cart.

brian

[Brian]

Welcome Boomer!