E-commerce packages vs bespoke build?

Question

I am looking at taking on a e-commerce site, and what was wondering what everyone thoughts on e-commerce package vs bespoke solutions are, is it beneficial to just use a 'plug+play' system like osCommerce, or maybe using something a bit more robust but with a fee and use something like Magneto?

Or would it be better for just to site down plan the e-commerce enviroment out and get programming? My knowledge of packages out there is a little loose to say the least so I hope you people can provide with a good grounding of what is good, bad and indifferent?

I am looking for something on a PHP platform

Answer 1

i would say use existing components where possible, will save time.

for instance, hosted: shopify.com, stores.yahoo.com; self-hosted: x-cart, oscommerce, magento

in the e-commerce space, lots of different solutions are out there with varying levels of specialization / customizability