E-Commerce Security

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate – Set-up by RWD.   Having a https: URL creates an encrypted connection between your web server and your visitors’ web browser allowing for private information to be transmitted.  This shows a potential customer that their e-commerce processing will be secure and protected.  Each business purchases a certificate through Thawte, VeriSign, GoDaddy, SSL.com , etc. There are a variety of SSL certificates, but most start at $50/year.

Rich’s Web Design has set-up various e-commerce solutions for a variety of clients.  Each one has different requirements, but they all have similar basic needs … eCommerce Platform (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.), Gateway Processing (PayPal, Authorize.net, etc.), S.S.L. Certificates (Thawte, VeriSign, GoDaddy, etc.), Dedicated IP Host Server, Integrated Shipping & Reporting through Google Analytics:

eCommerce Platform

There are various eCommerce platform tools available (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.) but the best platform for WordPress sites is  WooCommerce.  This WordPress plugin is powerful, proven and provides a seemless integration with all aspects of the entire e-commerce process.  It is also the easiest for most clients to upload new products, edit existing products, create coupons, on their own, rather than always turning to RWD.

Gateway Processing

1. PayPal Account – This is set-up by each client, for each client’s full control and protection. FREE set-up, no monthly dues, but each transaction = 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction fee. PayPal is widely accepted by most customers, but some people simply do not wish to use PayPal.
2. Authorize.net or other 3rd Party Gateway Payment Systems – This is used as an alternative to PayPal.  Just like PayPal, a gateway processes the credit cards from the customer, thru the credit card, when approved deposits the funds within a few days in your business bank account.  This is also set-up by the client and consists of a $49 set-up fee, $25/mo., 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction fee. Other 3rd party gateways have similar set-up, monthly & per transaction fees.

Dedicated IP Host Server

As part of security for an e-commerce site, most SSL certificate providers require that a site be hosted in a dedicated IP web hosted server.  A dedicated IP (Internet Protocol) is a unique Internet address dedicated exclusively to a single hosting account to provide security for your customers’ data.

Normally, several hosting accounts reside on a single server and share that server’s IP address. Dedicated IP addresses are used for SSL-encrypted secure websites.

Shipping

Shipping for e-commerce sites can be very easy to very complicated, depending on the products being shipped, weights and sizes.  Two common methods that can be easily set-up from within WooCommerce are:

1. UPS Shipping Method (WooCommerce Plugin) $79/year. (weight limit = 150 lbs)
2. USPS Shipping Method (WooCommerce Plugin) $79/year.

For more complicated shipping processing, it is best to use your existing shipping carrier (depending on your business) and their own e-commerce integration system.

Reporting

Reporting of sales / orders is provided by the e-commerce tool that is selected.  WooCommerce provides very nice reports, as well as Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.  Reporting and other metrics can also be shown in your monthly Google Analytics reports.