Automation of inventory input for electronic shopping cart

We are using [login to view URL] to host our shopping cart and catalog. They have a very time consuming system for adding items into inventory. My company specializes in one-of-a-kind, inexpensive gifts. We need a cheap (fast) way to add items into inventory. The web site was originally developed through RAC. The developer was a graphic designer and the site reflects this focus. We need the services of someone who is more business savvy to help in the refinement of our on-line services. This project focuses on the streamlining of data input for catalog inventory items. This process may include changes to the appearance of the catalog search results so as to optimize performance. We would like to develope an on-going relationship with the vendor for other planned upgrades. Proposals and suggestions are requested from interested parties. ## Deliverables System that allows for rapid input of catalog data. May require revision to catalog appearance and structure. Details will follow after a final strategy has been developed. * * *This broadcast message was sent to all bidders on Wednesday Feb 23, 2005 3:52:53 PM: More details have been requested from bidders. In order to understand the issues it is necessary to know how the [login to view URL] catalog system works. Ultracart has set up a generic catalog that can be customized. They offer a batch input system that allows generic product information (image URL, price, weight, description etc) to be input quickly. The batch input system allows fields from comma delineated excel spread sheets to be mapped to specific data fields such as; image URL, price, weight etc. However, our catalog ([login to view URL]) has been customized. A lot of the data that needs to be put into product description fields cannot be mapped to generic data fields within the standard catalog. As a consequence, each item must be individualy updated and corrected. We need to either modify the catalog to a more generic format (less desirable) or to develop an integrated system that allows all of our catalog data to be input through batch uploads. It is also important to know that at Ultracart, there is an "Item edit" screen for all items in the catalog. This screen allows catalog information to be input and/or corrected for individual items. This is the screen used to input non-generic information. Unfortunately the edit item screen does not include all the fields necessary to complete the input for each item. At least three other screens and one other java app are needed in order to completely edit an item. The point is that inputing and editing catalog items works fine for products that are going to remain unchanged for long periods of time. It is much too slow an awkward for one-of-a-kind items and for a company with dial-up internet access. What we need is a system that allows us to map (from a spread sheet) all product information and one that allows all product (f or a specific product) to be edited from one screen. We are generally happy with Ultracart. Their services are cost efficient and comprehensive. However, a solution involving an alternative shopping cart would be considered if it were cost effective. (There is no charge for the Ultracart catalog service while they are in beta.) I am certain that someone who understands the Ultracart system would be able to solve our problems relatively quickly. In the long run we are looking for on-going help in the fine tuning and enhancement of our on-line marketing efforts and in particular to help us work through and with Ultracart. If you would like more detailed and/or specific information, please forward a description. This enhancement is high on our priority list. I will answer questions asap. We are hoping to have the enhancements completed by mid March at the latest. Brian Egan. * * *This broadcast message was sent to all bidders on Thursday Feb 24, 2005 3:07:07 PM: We are waiting to hear back from those bidders who requested more information before they could make a firm bid. Additional information has been provided. If more information is required please specifiy. Thanks Brian Egan. ## Platform [login to view URL]