Where do I start?!?!

[KnightVision]

I'm trying to build an e-business website to diversify into other fields. I've had this idea, for about a year, which only seems to be getting better and better in my head. I've never ventured into the e-business/non-tangible side of the business spectrum other than to promote my current wholesale/import business, so this would be relatively new for me.

However, I think I'm in a psychological battle with myself to actually "dive in" to this venture.

I've built a "detailed information" page which entails the overall features typed-up description of the page-by-page features. However, I know in my head that this is not enough.

Here's what I have thus far:
1. General layout (textual)
2. Domain
3. Logo

I'm not sure where to start, or when to start. I've put up a listing on Guru.com (where I've had success before on smaller projects) and expectedly received several bids. I'm not sure who to screen for, what to look out for, etc. I get a lot of "bargain" bids which seem to offer a lot. How much should I expect to pay when outsourcing this site?? What is reasonable??

Because this is uncommon territory for me,I always assume I need more (which I likely do) or I'm not ready yet. I put it off because of the fear of starting or maybe the fear of failing.

Help!

 

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[Forbes]

Congratulations on the beginning of your online biz! Outsource with someone with a good track record. You can usually see the reputation on their profiles. Don't try to skimp too much. If you pay for peanuts - you get peanuts.

Clearly write down all the details of what you want to accomplish with your website project. In my experience web designers and programmers do specifically only what you ask so you mush make all your directions clear.

Don't be afraid to fail. Champions are not afraid of failure. The greatest people in history are known for their success rather than failures.

 

[KnightVision]

Is there anything in specific I should look out for?

How do I know when I'm ready to start??

 

[LightHouse]

You don't, just start. Research the heck out of any problem you run into, if you can't find the answer come up with more creative searches for the research and then if you can't find the answer.... ask questions. Only way to win is to start.

 

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[deepman]

Try some open source shopping carts and customize it yourself is one of the options.
check out the post that I have written on the coding advice thread.