Finding The Right Ecommerce Providers 

Choose a complete provider--There are some out there. Many times business owners get stuck in the middle between the requirements of the website, and the hosting services needed to support it.  The company you choose should be able to design your site and host it as well.  If the design firm can't host the site, think how difficult it may be to find a hosting company that will meet the requirements of the designed site.  Selecting a firm that can provide you with both will save you time, frustration, and possibly even money.  Some design firms offer discounts on packages when you choose to have them both host and design your site.

Look for examples--Ask the company you are considering doing business with if they can show you examples of similar sites they've previously designed and hosted .  If the company has done a site for your type of industry or business previously, chances are they may be able to provide you with what you will need for your site.

Ask "What Else" you will need to get started--A website and hosting quote can be just that...A website and hosting quote.  A quote doesn't necessarily mean that your idea of what you want to accomplish is going to be what you get from your finished product.  A good example of this occurs when a designing company can't provide you with a payment gateway or merchant account in addition to your shopping cart.  You may have a great looking store online that doesn't take credit cards.  Find out upfront if you will need to seek out other solutions in addition to what the company is doing for you.

Don't be afraid to pay--In this day and age especially, the old adage "You Get What You Pay For" rings true.  All those Do-It-Yourself tools and instant ecommerce sites aren't going to get you where you want to be online.  Professional services are always distinguishable on the Internet.  Your Do-It-Yourself site...well...everyone who happens to visit your site will know you did it yourself.

Pay Attention to the conversation--Does the company you're talking to answer the questions you asked?  Do you get technical answers to business questions or vice versa?  Or does the company actually pay attention to what you're trying to do online and show you how they will accomplish it for you?  If not, you're talking to the wrong group of people.  Step away, and try other companies until you get what you need.