To start, anyone who wants to sell merchandise needs a website. Before you worry about the cost, many website hosting services can help you setup a simple website for under $10. To find these, simply Google "website hosting service" and choose one that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to choose one that allows you to setup a shopping cart system; not all hosting services are created equal.

After you have found a website hosting service that will allow a shopping cart system, it is time to choose a merchant account service. A merchant account service will allow you to accept online payments on your website. Most merchant account services accept a variety of payment types, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Some merchant accounts may also offer the option of accepting online checks. Other popular forms of merchant accounts include Skype, Paypal and Xoom. It is important to read all of the terms before you sign up with a merchant account service. Some require a sign up fee, monthly fees and per transaction fees and some services may even require you to sign up for a specific length of time such as six months, a year or several years.

Once you have a website and a merchant account, you're ready to set up your online store. Most merchant account service providers will assist you in adding a shopping cart and buy-now buttons on your website. Alternatively, many web hosting services also can assist you with this when you are setting up your website. After you have added the products, payment buttons and shopping cart to your website, you'll be able to accept online payments. In no time at all you'll be enjoying an increase in sales and the peace of mind that comes from having a merchant account that handles online payments for you.