Newbie - Creating my first database and making it "shopping cart ready"

[theviewer1985]

Hey guys

Ok, so i am fairly experienced with webdesign, but about to create my first database. I think i will be able to work this out on my own, but will need a couple bits of guidance before i start.

The easiest way will be to explain what i need to do...

Ok, so my client wants at some stage in the future (maybe years) to have a shopping cart. It might not be virtuemart, but because i made her site via joomla, i automatically assume i will use it.

But in the mean time, she wants her goods to be displayed on her website. Just basically to say whats available at her shop. A picture and small description. Preferably with an option on the database to say whether its in stock or not which she can change herself.. IN STOCK will show it on the site... OUT OF STOCK will take it down off the site

I htink i will be able to learn this and do it myself. But my worry is i will complete this database will all her goods, and won't be able to import the data later on into a online shop and therefore will have to start a new database all over again.

I guess i need to know if theres any standard layout to the database i have to abide to, to make it import into any shopping basket later on...

Very sorry if this makes no sense. Its difficult to ask a question when i don't quite understand what i am asking ;-)

x

[CSPS]

Virtuemart has the capability to use as a catalog only which disables all the payment areas and may suit what you are describing.

I would recommend to save time later take a little longer now and pick which cart system you may want to use and then if you choose Virtuemart enter in all your products which will create and populate all the tables for you.