1
\$\begingroup\$

first time poster here at the Photography Stack Exchange. My question relates to a self hosted eCommerce option for a photography website. First, I'll give a few details that may better help understand what I am looking for.

I have a client who is a freelance photographer. I am a WordPress developer. I initially created her site using a heavily modified Photocrati theme about a year and a half ago. At the time she did not wish to include any eCommerce functionality. From the start I noticed a log of buggy behavior with the Photocrati theme, and created many code work-arounds to achieve what I wanted with regards to design and functionality. The client now wishes for the added functionality of eCommerce, with the ability to have private password protected galleries for her clients. I've began working some with the site, and have now found that the Photocrati theme is no longer functioning correctly. That being said, I think it is time to rebuild the site from scratch not using a pre-built theme.

I'm looking for a self hosted eCommerce solution that will work on sub-domains, and also be non Flash as Flash is not supported on iOS devices. The portfolio/informational site will be a WordPress site and the idea is to include the eCommece portion of it at a sub-domain. The eCommerce software would not need to actually send the orders to be printed, just allow the user to select print size and quantity and of course pay for their order.

If I've left anything unclear, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll look forward to some great replies!

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
15
  • \$\begingroup\$ possible duplicate of What solutions are available for a self-hosted portfolio website? \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 2:36
  • \$\begingroup\$ @mattdm - While that is related, that isn't specifically about the eCommerce and print fulfillment side, which this question is. This is also for non-flash only options. \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 2:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ That one also specifically asks for non-flash, which is what I remembered about it. You're right that it doesn't focus on e-commerce. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 2:42
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Really it this point I am wondering why you do not just make the software yourself. If fulfillment is not needed, you have a very simple problem on your hands considering Wordpress handles content and publication. \$\endgroup\$
    – Itai
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 2:48
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is about web site development. \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Nov 28, 2017 at 12:26

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
\$\begingroup\$

My original recommendation was RedCart. I was thinking that they did have a non-flash based option for mobile users. Unfortunately at this time they do not. They have promised that as an option with or right after version 4, which is slated for February 2013. Since that is still down the road, you might want to hold off. I still really like RedCart and suggest you browse it anyways.

Other options beyond RedCart include:

Redcart is a great all around solution and very popular. RedCart isn't cheap at $599 for the self hosted option, but it is a very complete and industry tested solution. Description from the Redcart site:

RedCart is a host-it-yourself online proofing and shopping cart system for professional photographers. You install the system on your own web site (or we host it) and you maintain complete control over the print fulfillment process to maximize profits!

You might even want to try something like ZenFolio. It isn't self hosted, but really print fulfillment is a complicated process and having it hosted can be a great thing.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ My answer is bad, but I'll leave it here anyways as someone may find it useful :( \$\endgroup\$
    – dpollitt
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 2:57
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Thanks for the info. RedCart was actually towards the top of my list. My concern is that is front end is Flashed based. I had emailed them asking some questions, they did tell me about Version 4 having mobile support, but they didn't have a firm ETA for it. Said it was still a few months out. I'll take a look at the other options you provided. Thanks. \$\endgroup\$
    – AndyWarren
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 12:51
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ From the looks of it I think PhotoCart from PicturePro is going to be a decent option. Thanks again. \$\endgroup\$
    – AndyWarren
    Commented Jan 22, 2013 at 17:22

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.