So I've been looking to start a small business online to sell products, mostly of the program type but also some true products. I haven't done a huge amount of research just yet, but wanted to put this out there in case anyone here has first hand experiences they can share? I have significant web development experience, I also already have some literature as far as making the site look desirable. I am looking for information on authentication of users (if i want to have a log on system) and accepting payments(though i plan on using paypal?), but more about I guess the technical stuff. Perhaps about legalities as well, getting into search engines and advertising online? These types of things Im not confident on how to approach. Are there any good books on setting up an online store? Or anyone know firsthand things to beware of or to think ahead for? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Although I don't have any specific examples, many programming books offer a simple online shopping cart or store as a sample program to write. I have a couple older Java books that spend a good portion of the book developing a shopping cart. I recommend going down to your local bookstore and browsing through the index pages of the books they have to see if any fit what you need.

As far as the PayPal piece goes, PayPal has always had extensive documentation and sample code for integrating PayPal payments into your website. They even have ways you can easily test that your code is working.

I would also recommend you look at an alternative to PayPal as well. There are some online services that handle secure credit card payments without the customer having to setup an account (like PayPal). The ones I've seen (but never used) charge a small startup fee ($75 or so I think) and take a small % of each sale.

Do some Google searching and you will quickly find some sites offering credit card services online.

I hope this helps.

John

Magento. Install, install plugins, apply design, insert products, configure paypal account, profit.