Click and mortar software?

[Ron 10]

Need a good software solution that has a single inventory with good Internet sales and POS interface.

Thoughts?

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[pyrotech 0]

Could you be a little more descriptive? Are you just wanting to start an online store? Do you have web development experience so that you would be able to setup an online POS app yourself? What technologies are you looking to use?
There are open source e-commerce solutions available in a number of technologies including .net, ruby on rails, php / wordpress, drupal plugins, etc.

What are you trying to sell? Maybe I could give you a recommendation.

[Ron 10]

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Could you be a little more descriptive? Are you just wanting to start an online store?

Already have a successful brick and mortar store and looking to start an online side of the store. This issue we have run into is that most 'online' retail applications do not have a good POS interface. Currently, all of the business is FTF standard retail and we are looking to expand online.

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Do you have web development experience so that you would be able to setup an online POS app yourself?

I/We can use most applications, but I/We do not have any serious computer exp. I have taught basic computer programs for my day job... But that just means I am a good user with teaching skills... Not as an example of actual computer skills.

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What are you trying to sell?

Radio Controlled hobby supplies.

What we want to be able to do is to have a single inventory system that has good POS and internet sales applications.

The physical store has several thousand SKU's, but looking to have a few hundred SKU's to start eventually ending up with 2k or so (Currently have around 800 planned).

The issue is everything we have looked at has terrible interface either on the online portion, or the POS.

The big issue is that we want both POS and online to draw from the same inventory, so we do not have to try and keep track of both systems.

This has been a project that has been put in a "parking lot" for a while (I moved and am no longer physically at the location). We are buying a building and moving, the new building has plenty of warehouse space... so the renewed interest.

So basically:

* Good online and POS interface
* Drawing from a single inventory
* We have basic user skills, but not serious programing skills.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[pyrotech 0]

I see. You're going to want to hire a web developer. There is nothing out-of-box that will enable you to do this yourself without sacrificing interface, usability, connecting to an existing database, etc.

There are open source applications that will lighten the cost of the app, but you're still going to need a lot of customization. Any web development firm should be able to give you plenty of options. Personally, I'd go with a firm that uses Ruby On Rails running on Linux / Apache servers, and 3rd party hosting. It would be the quickest development time, least expenses, and be easily maintainable. The app you're asking for doesn't sound incredibly hard to develop.

The firm you choose should be able to integrate with your current database for inventory, give you a simple interface to add products, change prices, etc.

It may seem like it will cost you quite a bit up front, but if you're not currently offering online sales, you are missing out on a LOT of revenue currently. The longer you wait, the more losses you're accruing.

Go with someone local. I'm currently rebuilding a large project that was shipped overseas for its original development. My client is paying us about 3 times what they would have if they went with us in the first place due to a really poor quality of development.

[Ron 10]

Thanks for the info...

Just like we were afraid, no super simple solution.

Any idea of the range we should expect to pay?

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[trunk 0]

Ron,

What are you using for a backend accounting and inventory controls now? I use quickbooks integrated to a joomla/virtuemart online solution via a program called t-hub. It was not all that difficult to integrate but hiring someone maybe the easiest. I'm not as affluent on everything as the other guy, but online stores such as magneto looks very promising and may have ways of linking to your current POS system. Otherwise, that is the one part you hire out for.

Also, maybe check the link on chutingstar's website, they seem to have a really good thing going and I'm sure Mike will point you in the right direction if you ask.

-Trunk

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[pyrotech 0]

Hrm, you'll want to check around your local area and get estimates from several developers / software firms. The ranges are all over the place. Our firm would cost you your first born child as a down payment, arm and leg for development, and at least 1 newborn for every year of support. I personally would only charge a small child for the entire thing. Others charge much less. If you go with someone that uses Ruby On Rails and your current database with 3rd party hosting, you could find people who freelance as cheap as about $3k to firms that will charge upwards of $50k.

If you hire a firm, you will likely get a better quality product in a more timely manner. That's just usually how it goes when the firm does internal code reviews and whatnot. When I do freelance work, I don't have anyone else review my code before delivering the app to my client, though it is VERY well tested by myself, my clients, and a group of testers I trust with my work.

Sorry to be so vague, but prices are honestly all over the place with web and software work. Just look through as many local portfolios as you can and decide who matches your company's style the most.