This is a 10-part series on how to make money online with a Zen-Cart Online Store using the free shopping cart software, Zen-Cart. Of course, with all the talk of a down economy, you may be thinking this is the worst time to start a new business. After all, there is hardly a day that goes by without a news story about a company that is either closing its doors or laying off people.



However, if you'll look more closely, you'll find that this is one great time to start a business. And, with the ease and simplicity of the free zen-cart software for your shopping cart platform, you can focus your time on product selection and customer service instead of shopping cart headaches and disappointments. Zen-Cart has many features that simplify managing your store, including:

* dashboard to see new orders at a glance

* ability to send customers emails right from the admin panel

* unlimited products

* unlimited category depth

* multiple display modes

* multiple shipping options

* multiple payment options

* discount coupons

* gift certificates

* featured products

* quantity discounts

* plus many more features too numerous to mention

Here's why we think this is a great time to start a business:

Online shopping is here to stay.

Sure, the growth decreased a bit this year, but that was across the board and online sales fared the best over walk-in store sales. In fact, the Washington Post reported Amazon as recording "its 'best ever' holiday season this year with a 17 percent increase in orders on its busiest day..."

More people are shopping online than ever before.

Gas prices have lead even the most wary person to go online for shopping. On a more positive note, for more details visit to www.82-money-pocket.com comparison shopping sites, the huge array of online stores with great selections for just about anything you could possible want combined with the tendency for online retailers to offer some form of free shipping mean shopping online is easier, quicker and cheaper than schlepping all over town to find what you want.

This down economy will not last forever.

If you use this time wisely, you will have your business up and running with all the kinks worked out, positioned for huge increases in sales when the economy turns around. The Zen-Cart shopping cart makes it easy to get started. With its advanced admin panel, just about everything you need to manage your business is already included.

Right now, you can get great deals on many of the products and services you need for your business.

Online businesses are known for their low overhead. While you don't need a lot to get started, there may be some technology-related items in which you want to invest (accounting software, upgraded computer, etc.). Many companies are offering specials and discounts to encourage sales. If you wait until things are improving, those opportunities for price savings may well disappear.

You can start your online business and still keep your day job.

There is a lot to learn about running a successful online business. It makes sense to get started using evenings and weekends. Keep your day job while you learn how to use your shopping cart, how to categorize and present your products, for more details visit to www.make-ezee-money.com how to get traffic to your website and the other factors that make a difference in success.

It's a great time to start an online business! Build your business carefully and just about the time you are wondering about quitting your day job to put all your energies into the business full-time, the economy will have turned around.