Need some expert opinion: what plugin to start with

I've been studying and preparing for MySQL database to build a shopping site.
But I'm lost and don't know which way to turn.

My site will;
- not need for user name and password, but at the end of the order, a customer will type in their info (name, address, email etc...).
- not need for payment gateway (payment will be done by bank transfer)
So the site will be like a online enquiry form with product order function.

The purpose of this is;
- I am located in Japan, trying to sell some rare sports good to Europe/America.
- 90% of time, customers need to consult us to define the most suitable products for them. (this is why we don't want to take credit card, since return of goods/refund could be happening a lot.)

At the moment orders are made by phone calls or email (customers write down the products they're interested).

So far I have created ;
-web layout (hand coded dreamweaver template)
-MySQL tables (for ProductCategories, Products, OptionGroups, Options, ProductOptions)

I have so far studied MySQL database, read how-to pdfs of DetaAssist and eCart.
These plugins have functions that I don't need, although it seems possible to modify to what I want.
But I don't want to make a wrong start.

So could anyone give me some input?
Thank you,
Rika

I would use eCart without a gateway. It would handle the display of images and descriptions. You might want to change the wording from Add to Cart to Add to List.

When they are done choosing the products, they submit the list and it would be emailed to you for further processing.

This way you make it very easy for the customer to build the list and send you everything you need at the same time. Just changing the wording a little will conceal the fact that it was built from a cart that could also handle payments.

I saw one site that used a cart to display images of members of a city council. The descriptions of "products" were actually their biographies.

Thank you Office Guy,
I guess my plan was still vague. You made it so much clearer!

Originally Said By: Office Guy-172461

  You might want to change the wording from Add to Cart to Add to List.  

I never came to think of this little change, but it makes a big difference.

I have another question though.
If I want to have a back end page so other staff can edit products info, that's when I should use DataAssist, right? And what would be the work sequence?
(Do I build a shop list site with eCart first, then back end with DataAssist? Or does it even matter?)

Rika

p.s. Oops! pardon me for choosing a wrong category.

Yes DataAssist works great for the backend.

I create a separate site definition for the Admin section to keep things easy. I usually make the admin section first so I can use it to fill the database. Gives you something to work with when creating the public side.

>I create a separate site definition for the Admin section to keep things easy.

Oooh, Ic Ic.

Thanks, I'll try that then.

Don't forget to let us see how it came out when you're finished.

BTW I love your location list. You must be using wireless.:)

Oh for sure I will. (After your help on developing the site and my skill, I feel it's sorta return of favor! - meaning I will probably be asking lots of questions... :-)

And yes wireless... finding one is the first thing I have to do wherever I go. I'm in China now, and I tell you this is not the easiest place to find wifi connection!