Ok, I am starting a new online store. I have searched around and found some templates that would work to create my website. However it's not exactly how I want it to look. My question is should I spend the money to have a professional design my website for me or should I just use the template for now even if its not quite right?

Does the look and layout of the website affect the amount of customers I will have?

Invest in the make over... using a template will usualy turn off savy users and the look and feel of your website will most deffinatley help your buyers make a decision to buy there or not... If it looks cheap then people probably won't buy.

I agree with emmaonline. There are a LOT of templates out there that look very shoddy and cheap. As a consumer not only does it turn me off, but it makes me think that you aren't really a professional business, or that you're not a professional business person. If you have an idea of what you like or want, there are many freelance sites out there in which you can find someone who could build a professional one for you.

Yes, you should invest in a reasonable amount for web designing. People have this tendency of biting into more established and more professional-looking websites so i guess it can really help you. However, if you have a friend who is inclined to these things, it might be a great help.

I guess you should invest in making your website more appealing to others so that they can find your products very interesting. Just a little bucks for the design but then you'll have more online customers visiting your site.

If you do have the budget then go on have your website designed by a professional. If you intend to attract customers you ought to have an appealing website; one that can stimulate a potential customer's interest. Good impressions last.