How do I get started in having my own shopping cart site?

[kislany]

Ok, I'm a newbie at websites, I have my own blog, but that's all so far. I make jewelry and I've decided to take the plunge and sell it online on my own website, using a shopping cart (right now I can only take Paypal). So what I have so far is a domain name (marikajewelry.com) with Godaddy. What are the next steps for me? I'm not asking in terms of technical details, but do I need to get next? I'm thinking of using Zencart, so I know I"ll have to download the software, but do I need something else, like a hosting site, or does zencart have everything else I need, and once ready, I can just point my domain name to it?
Any help greatly appreciated. If I could get myself up and running by the end of the year, it would be great, one milestone achieved

Thanks,
Marika

[kislany]

In the meantime I think I've figured it out. I need also webshosting, so I got myself Hostgator using the link provided by Lynn and her coupon. So I think now I'm all set... the fun shall begin

[robert adams]

go to your hostgator control panel ( cpanel I think ) and find the section that lets you install software of different kinds. ( ask hostgator support if you need to ).

find the OSCommerce shopping cart and click the button to install it.

Now you have one of the best shopping carts installed , ready to go.

now, you spend the time learning how to use your shoppoing cart. YOu have to upload your images of your jewelry, create your product listings, etc, etc.

Then, you have to promote your site and start making sales.


robert

[altyfc]

An ebay or Yahoo shop is probably an easy way to make a start and test the water...