Must-Have Shopping Cart Features

If you are shopping around for shopping cart software, you want to make sure that the software has all of the features that you need. There are so many features that are offered by different software companies. Not all offer the same features, so be sure to do your research. The following are must have shopping cart features.

Tax Calculations
Tax calculations can end up being a bit tricky. There are many different tax rates, and some states offer tax vacations during special times of the year. Some states require tax on online purchases. Not all items are taxable, so your shopping cart software should be able to handle these variations.

Reporting
It is very important to be able to get statistics and reporting on your traffic and sales totals. This type of information is very valuable in understanding your business. You may also want to be able to follow your customer trends. Statistic reporting is a feature you should require from your shopping cart software.

Cross-Selling
Cross-selling is a great feature to have in your shipping cart software. When your customers purchase a particular item, the shopping cart will offer an item to go with it. For example, if the customer purchased a winter scarf, an offer to add matching gloves and hats would come up. This is a great tool to help increase your sales.

Merchant Account
Will your current merchant account work with the software? The software needs to work smoothly in conjunction with your current merchant account. You also want to make sure that it accepts all types of credit cards. You want your customer’s checkouts to be as smooth and hassle free as possible.

Easy to Maintain
Once your shopping cart is set up and your online store is in full operation, you may need to add additional products, change prices or remove products. You will need shopping cart software that is easy to use and allows you to make changes easily and quickly.

Search Engine Friendly
You want your customers to be able to find you when they are searching for you online. The shopping cart software that you choose should be search engine friendly.

Quantity Discounts/Coupons
You will want to be able to offer your customers special discounts or coupons from time to time. You need to have shopping cart software that will allow you to offer these special promotions.

Customer Service
Good customer service is a necessity with any software you purchase. Make sure that customer support will be available to you at all times should you have any problems with the software.

Autoresponders
Autoresponders are a great resource for marketing. They allow you to stay in contact with your customers and follow-up with them via email. You can send out product announcements or special offers with your autoresponder.

There are countless features for shopping cart software. You need to figure out what it is exactly that you will need, and find the right software to fit your needs.

Read shopping cart software reviews to see which software performs well and which does not.