Simple site using Opencart?

[bharris]

Hi,
Looking at creating a simple site selling about 100 items. Needs to be free to use (due to possible low orders) other than hosting. Had a quick look at opencart. Is there any issues/hidden costs with using opencart? Or should i be looking at a different system? All programming will be done in house.

Any recommendations for very cheap hosting, the site will be low use so i don't want to invest much money only time.

Thanks all

 

[GraemeL]

We use Opencart, though not the current version. We like it. However it won't be entirely free as you will want to buy a 'theme' and various basic 'extensions' to make it work as close to what your customers and yourselves prefer. About £200 one off cost possibly.

I couldn't recommend any very cheap hosting to you. False economy.

 

[wayzgoose]

I would say Opencart it quite usable straight out of the box - no extensions or theme required for a basic site. Good on mobile too!

 

[webhostuk]

Opencart is a good option to start, incase you wish to try few more ecommerce scripts have you checked woocommerce or x-cart just to compaire with different options you are looking for. Even Magento is one good Ecommerce application but requires lot of resources.
Regarding Hosting are you looking for shared or VPS hosting plans?

 

[bharris]

Thanks webhostuk,
I have a lot of experience using Magento, i run 3 sites using it.
This new site needs to be cheap to make it viable, so hosting would be whatever i can get at the best price. Demand for the site will be quite small, but when a sale is made it is quite profitable. I do not mind spending my time programing as its a bit of a hobby. but all other costs need to be low.

 

[antropy]

Hi,
Looking at creating a simple site selling about 100 items. Needs to be free to use (due to possible low orders) other than hosting. Had a quick look at opencart. Is there any issues/hidden costs with using opencart? Or should i be looking at a different system? All programming will be done in house.

Any recommendations for very cheap hosting, the site will be low use so i don't want to invest much money only time.

Thanks all

No hidden issues.

Get some cheap hosting with cPanel because that will have Softaculous and that will allow you to install OpenCart in about 10 mins:
https://www.antropy.co.uk/blog/what-s-the-quickest-way-to-install-opencart/

Paul

 

[antropy]

I couldn't recommend any very cheap hosting to you. False economy.

We support loads of websites, many of which we don't host. We can confirm that the big cheap hosts (123-reg, 1&1 etc.) are absolutely shocking in terms of reliability, speed, support ... everything.

Paul

 

[antropy]

I have a lot of experience using Magento, i run 3 sites using it.

How do you find it? Seeing as you have a lot of experience with it, couldn't you set this up fairly cheaply?

Paul

 

[jazperson]

I recommend Jolt Hosting. It is based in UK and I think the hosting packages are cheap and very reliable.

 

[Inva]

Do not buy cheap hosting as you will regret it very soon and it will cause you to waste time and pay even more to fix the wrong. Something around 8-10/mo should be good enough.

Also avoid all companies in this list:
http://researchasahobby.com/full-list-eig-hosting-companies-brands/

Good luck

 

[webhostuk]

Thanks webhostuk,
I have a lot of experience using Magento, i run 3 sites using it.
This new site needs to be cheap to make it viable, so hosting would be whatever i can get at the best price. Demand for the site will be quite small, but when a sale is made it is quite profitable. I do not mind spending my time programing as its a bit of a hobby. but all other costs need to be low.

For low budget shared hosting will be your right solution to start, make sure you select SSD hosting provider its good for E-commerce website speed.