Build webshop offline?

[Gifr87]

Hi guys

first let me introduce myself. I've been working as an Online Marketing (SEO, Content & SEA) consultant for a year now. I'm not really satisfied with the job and I'm thinking of starting my own webshop. I've already found an interesting product with lot's of searches on Google and medium competition. However, I only have limited experience with e-commerce software and databases. I've worked with Magento before but that's about it. So my question is: is it possible to actually build an offline webshop and to learn the back-end system in my free time while keeping the job until I'm ready for the "real work"?

Best regards

[seamus]

yes you can, use this

http://sourceforge.net/projects/xampp/

[scotserve]

Be well aware though of the security implications of running a web server on your local machine

[zach]

Yes, you can set up a webshop using your own computer to host it on localhost. For example, you can download a version of Magento community edition and set it up on your localhost to play around with it.

Just one thought though, why not set up your webshop with a hosted platform (like Shopify, Volusion or Bigcommerce, or even Magento Go) where you don't have to worry about coding/back end set up etc. If your shop really takes off, then you can transition to a more flexible self hosted platform (like Magento) and you can get a developer to do it up for you (since you've money from the shop!).

If you're interested in hosted platforms, there is a useful tool by ReferralCandy (referralcandy.com/carty) that helps you to figure out how much it would cost you to use hosted platforms.

[P2Webdesign]

Hi

To be honest if you have £20 spare you can host your own live site anyway. Host it play with it break it do what you want and keep your machine free.

Just for E-commerce Forum users heres a discount code from P2 Webdesign to you: 10% OFF VidaHost Hosting use voucher code: Hosting Discount 10. This will save you money on all shared hosting packages. Enjoy

Nick
Ecommerce Website Design Somerset