Hi Guys,

I am working on to create a site for a hosting company which is offering 6 packages. Now, I created the website first and then thought of using OSCommerce as the shopping cart. But, I encountered many problems.

First of all, the OSCommerce doesn't look good to be used for a hosting company. There are 5-6 packages and the effort needed to do customise OSCommerce is much more than needed. I don't need quite a considerable portion of OSC like shipping stuff, categories etc etc. I would rather create my own small cart in php.

The second problem is that I am not sure if I make my own cart then how will I take care of payment gateways? Will the payment gateways have their own API's that I can use in my cart?

Now, I would like to ask you guys who have worked on hosting website and carts that how good or practically reasonable to use OSCommerce for hosting company? Do you suggest any other cart or script? And what about creating my own cart?

Thanks everyone in advance.

In my opinion I would write a script for your first question.
Number two you can always write your own API just takes time my friend. Number three, It all comes down to what you want to do in the end. Lots of people take different approaches in the web hosting industry.

I'd suggest 2 options:
1. Just go with WHMCS
2. Write your own and start with a Paypal gateway which is extremely easy

I recommend you try WHMCS. I personally love it!

Yes it's probably going to be worthwhile to go with WHMCS atleast in the short-medium term as it will provide you all the functionality you need, i.e. cart functionality, invoices and payment processing, and a support desk! It's generally safer (well tested) than starting from scratch, and a lot cheaper

I vote for WHMCS
Nothing better has not been discovered yet

WHMCS would certainly be a viable choice until the hosting firm can afford to buy a custom solution. It has a myriad of features and good support from both the devs and the community.

Throw another coin in the hat for WHMCS - especially if you're starting out. Custom cart solutions you can spend a long time trying to get right - so start with WHMCS and customize and improve as needed.

If you decide to go a custom cart solution and you're doing credit cards etc - be aware of the PCI Compliance and PA-DSS Compliance that takes effect in June of next year. Not cheap for PA-DSS

WHMCS is the way to go for billing, automation, and help desk.

Best is to try billing system..

WHMCS should help you sort your issue.

WHMCS looks great and is low cost.

Add another vote for WHMCS I've also used and enjoyed ClientExec in the past but WHMCS really takes the cake from where I sit.

One more for WHMCS! It's an amazing piece of software.

WHMCS is very good. ClientExec is also recommended

Another vote for WHMCS. I use it on 3 hosting sites I run.