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Initial Setup

e-Commerce is the most complex system within Exponent.  Though as shipped it can't be considered as full-featured as many e-Commerce only applications, it does provide easy to add light-weight e-Commerce features to existing sites, and can handle more robust needs if required.  It does requires quite a bit of set up to implement.  Here's how to get  up and running on your site

(all steps below except step #1 are already completed automatically if the installation was performed using the sample e-Commerce store database, or if you import the /install/samples/store.eql file).

  1. Set up your site on a secure (SSL) server!
    • Enter appropriate settings under the Security tab above
    • 'Checkout' should ALWAYS be done within/on a secure server to protect private financial information!  Though you can test the setup without a secure server.
    • If you are NOT collecting sensitive data such as credit card information and using an external payment option such as PayPal Express, this step may be considered optional.
  2. Import default ecommerce information into the database (there is a link on the Configure Website, e-Commerce tab to perform this action)
    • While much of these imported settings are duplicated below, there are many other records needed by the e-Commerce system
  3. Activate e-Commerce, or an e-Commerce module to turn the e-Commerce system on:
  4. Activate a Payment Option
    • Most Payment Options need configuration which requires establishing an account with that payment service
    • 'Bill Me' and 'Cash/Check' are the easiest to set up
  5. Activate a Shipping Option
    • Most Shipping Options need configuration which requires establishing an account with that shipping service
    • In Store Pickup is the easiest to set up
  6. Recommended (to get better results):
  7. Add an e-Commerce module to a page to allow customers to visit the 'store'
    • Consider adding an 'e-Commerce Store Front' module with the 'Links - Users Links' action for easier user access to their store account and shopping cart
  8. e-Commerce Store Management is best handled through the e-Commerce menu (slingbar), or e-Commerce Dashboard
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