There is a difference between on-line ordering and E-commerce, and it is important to understand the implications.
In essence, E-Commerce takes away the human element of the financial transaction. A customer finds a product on your website and wants to buy it. He or she places it in their shopping basket and then goes to the Checkout. When they proffer their card details, the transaction is authorised automatically and the monies go into your bank account.
The customer now expects delivery of the product as promised.
The fastest way to lose a customer is to sell something on-line, taking their money automatically, and then have to go back to inform the customer that the item they have just paid for is not in stock and they may have to wait for 6 weeks!
Unless you are 100% sure of your stock positions, DO NOT offer full e-commerce straight away. Simply offer on-line ordering. The process is the same, except the order comes through to you for fulfilment. You can check you have the item in stock, liaise with the customer (building a lasting relationship!), arrange delivery and THEN take the money.
If you are looking for a site that sells your products or services, either via e-Commerce or on-line ordering, let us help you to get the process right.