would really appreciate it if someone could help me build a website like alibaba (not necessarily alibaba but like a directory without maps that looks just like alibaba).But I don't know where to start. What plugins I need. So please help. Here are the features I require: - The site should have 2 user types (Administrator, Seller).Buyers will be included later - Users should only be able to register as sellers after approval by the administrator and only the administrator should be able to make another user an administrator. - When a user registers, the information taken should include name, address (street, city,county/region), email, phone, business/company name (suggestions to improve this are welcome by the way). - The site should have a "select location/region" feature with categories and sub-categories for sellers to upload their products. - The administrator(s) should be able to create categories and sub-categories. - The product information should include product name, product type (related to category and/or sub-category), description, price, images, meta-keywords. - Products should have to be approved by the administrator(s) before being published on the site. - The site will function as a directory with ability for only registered sellers to post some items under "classified" section under the website (no need for e-commerce just as yet).So instead of "BUY NOW" would prefer "CONTACT SELLER" feature - Sellers should be able to view all the products that they uploaded and be able to make edits (if edits are made then the administrator my re-approve the product). - Buyers should be able to search for products by category, name, price and general keywords. Please give separate answers for all the requirements. Thanks in advance. I know i am in the right place for assistance
I'd start by Google something like "alibaba clone script". The second from the top link: http://www.b2bbusinessdirectoryscript.com/alibaba-clone-script.html could be something you're looking for. The script isn't cheap, $500. Also, I have no idea how reliable / good the script and customer service are.
Have you considered just buying a template? I see that you've mentioned plugins so I'm assuming you may be trying to do this with Wordpress? Are just raw PHP/HTML templates out of the question? I always just buy turnkey sites, then hire someone to customize them to my liking... Much easier that way...And cheaper. Here are a few links to some turnkey classified ads type sites that I have found. Pre-built and ready to go. Many of the sellers will also install them for you if you're having any trouble. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTABLISHED-CLASSIFIEDS-ADS-WEBSITE-BUSINESS-4-SALE-PLUG-PLAY-WORDPRESS-SITE-/221817536109 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Local-Classifieds-Profitable-Website-Directory-Design-Services-/252011786955?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aad12b2cb http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classifieds-Listing-Directory-Profitable-Website-Design-/252011788069?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aad12b725 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Classifieds-directory-website-/121693945001?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c55863ca9 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Real-estate-classifieds-website-Free-install-Hosting-/261874653047?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf8f21777 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Local-Classifieds-Website-Free-Install-Hosting-/121677505824?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c548b6520