Shopping cart software is often offered in conjunction with hosting services. Shopping carts can be hosted or licensed. A hosted cart is essentially a rented cart where a monthly fee is paid for use. Outright purchase of the shopping cart software is referred to as licensed. Outright purchase allows the cart to be moved; hosted carts have to be re-worked in the new format when changing providers, though it is a far less expensive upfront cost. When deciding on an independent shopping cart, consider the ease of interface with your site.