When setting up my first couple of web stores, I didn’t try to make it perfect, but I did make the effort to work properly.  That was a number of years ago, and people were more happy that the storefront software worked properly, rather than the looks.

But now, the site design and template are important.  I make sure that each of my shopping cart websites have their own distinct look that is related to their niche.  This way, when my customers visit my sites, they take their time and appreciate their time there.

I was able to find a product that simplified the entire process for me starting a new web store.  We now use an asp net shopping cart based system that not only accepts money on our part, but it automatically does inventory control and all of our accounting.

In some respects, it is almost like the store does the work for me so that I can enjoy life more.