VirtueMart is a full featured eCommerce engine VirtueMart offered by Joomla. The VirtueMart templates are a good option for online business owners who want to create an Internet shop with enhanced security, performance and usability. It is a great option for professional software without the high cost. The software has had well over 2.5 million downloads since its initial release. Users can experience the software for free with modification options. This software can also be used with the Content Management System, Joomla.
VirtueMart templates are written in PHP and can be used in regular MySQL/PHP environments. The software is capable of using Secure Sockets Layers with an encryption (128-bit). Flexible tax models were included such as ship-to-address and tax calculation. Users can perform shipping address management. They are also able to view customer accounts, order history, confirmation emails and change currencies and languages if desired.
The product catalog features include a powerful web-administration interface which is powered by using Javascript. The feature also allows users to upload an unlimited number of products and categories. Users can classify their products by putting them in certain lists or categories. A free marketing tool is included in the VirtueMart template such as the ‘Shopper Groups’. With this group option, the user can allow different payment options and price levels. Shop statistics allow the user to monitor products and categories that are doing better than others for marketing purposes. Another similar feature is the ‘shop statistics’ tab which is a control panel with a summary of orders and customers. Website owners can build a marketing list to sell future products and services. Currencies from different countries and states can be easily managed without having to seek outside sources. For those who have a huge inventory list, the number of products can easily be viewed.
Payment modules are important for making the most sales. In order to increase sales, it is a good idea to include credit card processing. This can easily be done as a variety of payment modules are included; Paypal, EWay, Worldpay, 2Checkout, NoChex and Paymate. There is also an option for shipping modules where customers can pick different shipping carriers with rate configuration. Some of the modules include UPS, FedEx, InterShipper and Canada Post. The Shiping Module API allows users to exend their shop with multiple shopping modules at the same time.
VirtueMart templates also come with extensions to improve the user’s experience. Some of these extra extensions include import/export tools, VM themes, payment extensions, language packs and shipping extensions. One of the most advanced extensions are the ones created directly from Joomla such as the ‘product slideshow’ feature which is great for attracting customers to buy more products and/or services. The VirtueMart Administrator ACL is another popular plugin.
VirtueMart templates offers a variety of options for those looking to create a professional and neat looking e-commerce website. With the ability to attract customers with products and organized categories, the user can only increase their profit and overall sales.
