E-Commerce:
Basic Information

The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on E-Commerce.

  • I am interested in using Miva Merchant. What exactly is it, and how do I get started?
  • What do I need to do to accept secure credit card orders through my Miva Store?


    I am interested in using Miva Merchant. What exactly is it, and how do I get started? All Commerce and Enterprise account include the Miva Merchant: Miva Merchant is a browser based Storefront and Catalog development tool that integrates cataloging, product maintenance, category management, shopping basket, order and credit card processing. Multiple stores can be maintained by one central administrator or specific store functions can be delegated to sub-administrators. The software is organized as a series of modules that can be field upgraded to provide new functionality without any changes to the core system. Developers can use the browser based interface to build stores or can get "under the hood" with complete access to the underlying source codes written in XML based Miva Script.

    Merchants, such as yourself, manage their stores with a user friendly browser based interface. To get started, and upon your request, our Technical Support department will configure your site for Miva by installing the Miva base. After the base is installed, you will then need to take your web browser to http://YourIPaddress or domain name/Merchant/setup.mv Here you will be led through a short series of windows where you must accept the user agreeement and such. After you complete the series you can then begin configuring your Miva Store by taking your web browser to http://Your IP address or domain name/Merchant/admin.mv You will be prompted for you username and password.

    For your store configuration information you can click on any of the "question marks" that you will find throughout the configuration windows. You will also find a myriad of information at http://www.miva.com Miva has a brand new configuration manual free for the download at: http://www.miva.com/docs/ Click on: "Miva Merchant Documentation for v1.25, rev1.08"
  • What do I need to do to accept secure credit card orders through my Miva Store? You will need to do 3 things: 1.) You will need to setup a Merchant account with your bank or one of many other Merchant Processors, such as Card Service International. Your bank or merchant processor will "process" the transaction, deducting funds from your customers source, then depositing the funds in your account. 2.) You will need to sign up with a gateway that will securely link your site to your bank or processor. CyberCash, Authorize.net, and LinkPoint are 3 of the popular gateway services. 3.) You will need to use SSL in the pages that you want to be secure. You can use our SSL certificate or you can order your own.

    Both Thawte and Verisign offer SSL certificates. If you use our certificate, your shoppers will see an alert-window informing them that the Secure Certificate Registrant (us) does not match the domain (yours) they are visiting. If you have your own certificate then the shopper will not see an alert because the Registrant (you) will match the domain name (your domain name).

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