website client download area

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Hello folks, I have searched for some website building forums, but no luck.

What i want to do is add a section to my website that clients can log in to purchase photos that they can download direct from the site.

I want everyone to be able to view my website and photos, but not everyone can go in to download the photos.

I am building my website by dreamweaver, but I don't mind using other software etc to help.

Thanks folks :thumbs:
 
I don't know about add on web apps or anything, I just use Zenfolio and that allows me to do it easily. You need to be on a premium account for this facility but as I know little about html and wanted something that looks good and sorts all the selling out for me Zenfolio did the trick.
 
On a similar note to Mark, I use Photoshelter, I'm a webdeveloper and building an ecommerce platform is pretty tricky, so went to a specialist. You can design the rest of the website however you want, or just use it to hook into your existing site.
 
Thanks, I will get a look at them.

I have found a quick process for uploading my photos with Dreamweaver, and I would like to be able to add a download button for those who have a log in, does anyone know how I could "batch" doing this?
 
What is the site written in? XHTML? PHP?
 
Building a static website in Dreamweaver, and building an e-commerce platform are two very different things.

Html is a very easy language. Quick to learn. Current standards of CSS make it a little more complicated, and it's not the easiest thing to master, but it's still easily obtainable for a novice to produce an acceptable product.

For the forms and e-commerce to work however, you need to get into some server-side scripting (something like PHP), and this really separates the men from the boys! You're talking a real programming language. With stuff that will go right over the top of your head and have you pulling your hair out within the first hour. That's before you even get the software installed on your machine!

Now there may well be stuff out there already. There's certainly a lot of e-commerce platforms - finding one with the download option and your exact requirements will be the tricky bit.

If you really wanted to take the DIY approach, it's certainly not impossible. But be warned.

A login is fairly easy. Though you don;t see how you want these to be managed. It can quickly become a lot more complicated.

You can use PayPal buttons to purchase (PayPal will give you the code), and this will cut out a lot of work involved in building a fully fledged e-commerce system. Show the buttons only when logged in (easily done), then take the customer off to a download link when done.

There will still be some work involved in the above (don't be fooled), and potentially some security issues (in the sense that more than likely, the more knowledgeable will probably be able to get to your download links - if that's something you can live with..).

It's not the most professional looking solution either...but hey, you get what you pay for :)
 
Don't know. I build my own :)

If there is, I'm sure there must be someone on here knows about it.

Most e-commerce platforms will be a one off fee. There'll be some out there free, but may take a little work. Again, it's finding one that suits your needs. If it's a serious business venture, I'd suggest putting your hands into your pocket...

If it's a bit on the side....keep looking..
 
Don't know. I build my own :)

If there is, I'm sure there must be someone on here knows about it.

Most e-commerce platforms will be a one off fee. There'll be some out there free, but may take a little work. Again, it's finding one that suits your needs. If it's a serious business venture, I'd suggest putting your hands into your pocket...

If it's a bit on the side....keep looking..

No problem spending a few pound on something that works, and is one off payment. Most I have found so far take a cut of sales, not ideal in the long run.

Thanks to everyone who has put in some advice so far :thumbs:
 
I'd recommend Zenfolio also, I use it in my website - www.atl-photography.com

It does all you ask and a lot more. It does cost €100 per year though but i think its worth it and one event will more than pay for it.

I believe photocart does something similar and is a once off fee of approx €300 odd but I havent used it so cant comment on it.
 
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