How do you decide which company to hire when everyone claims to be better than the competitor?

We have put together a list of questions to ask before deciding on a partner. Although this list is more geared towards Microsoft Retail Management compatible ecommerce but can help you decide on other software purchases also.

1. 1. Is the shopping cart based on Microsoft technologies? In an ideal world it wouldn’t matter what technology is being used because it would all integrate seamlessly. But let’s face it; we don’t live in an ideal world.

2. 2. Is the entire solution ‘owned’ by one company? Otherwise, no one would take responsibility if something breaks down.

3. 3. Is the shopping cart built using the latest technology? Next version of Microsoft RMS is being built using .Net frame work, which is more secure, scalable, and reliable.

4. 4. Shopping carts have hundreds of features, most of which you will never use. Prepare a list of the features that most matter to you and ask to demonstrate

5. 5. If a desired feature is not available, ask for an estimate. This exercise assures that you will not be charged a leg-and-an-arm when you want to make changes

6. 6. Can ‘anyone’ make changes to shopping cart

7. 7. Can the shopping cart be hosted by a third party?

8. 8. Is the shopping cart customizable?

9. 9. Any sample websites available?

10. 10. Does it come with Unlimited FREE tech and customer support? We believe it makes no sense to make the software overly complicated and THEN charge customers to teach how to use it

11. 11. Are the security patches provided free of cost? Who applies the updates?

12. 12. Is a demo available?

13. Last but not least. Price DOES matter. Is the shopping cart affordable? It’s best to look at First Year and Second Year cost to determine the actual expenses.