eCommerce systems are computer programs that let companies conduct internet sales of goods and services. They typically include features such as shopping cart functionality, payment processing, inventory management, and customer management tools. These platforms come in various forms, including hosted platforms, self-hosted platforms, and open-source solutions.
Hosted platforms are typically easier to set up and use since they’re managed by the vendor, while self-hosted platforms offer more customization options and control over the platform’s functionality. Although open-source eCommerce systems are the most flexible and customizable, they are also the most difficult to set up and manage.
The success of an online business depends on selecting the right eCommerce software solution. Your chosen platform can impact your website’s performance, customer experience, and sales revenue. While the incorrect platform can result in lost income, inefficiencies, and unsatisfactory customer experiences, the right one can help you streamline your company processes, increase customer happiness, and boost sales.
For example, a slow-loading website can lead to high bounce rates and lost sales, while a platform with limited payment options can deter potential customers. Choosing a platform that’s too complex or too simplistic for your business needs can also result in inefficiencies and wasted resources.
The platforms selected in this article represent a range of options for businesses of all sizes and industries, from small startups to enterprise-level companies. By the time you finish reading this article, you will know more about the various kinds of eCommerce platforms, their features, and how to pick the one that best suits your business requirements.
With the numerous eCommerce platforms, selecting the perfect one for your business can be daunting. Here are some aspects to consider:
The pricing models vary from platform to platform, and you need to find one that aligns with your budget. Some eCommerce platforms charge a monthly fee, while others charge based on transaction fees. Make sure to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hidden costs such as payment processing fees and transaction fees, before settling on a platform.
The ecommerce app development company should offer various themes and templates that are easy to customize to make your online store stand out. It’s also critical to think about the platform’s flexibility and whether it can expand along with your company.
An eCommerce platform that is SEO-friendly, with features to optimize website content, including meta tags, descriptions, URLs, a blog, social media integration, and email marketing, to improve search engine ranking.
Choose a platform with multiple secure payment gateways that integrate with your preferred gateway to avoid transaction errors. This will provide your clients with payment options and ensure safety with SSL certification and fraud detection.
A platform that integrates with your preferred third-party apps, such as email marketing and social media management tools, to save time and streamline your workflow.
It’s important to consider the level of customer support that an eCommerce platform offers, including 24/7 phone, email, and chat support, as well as training and resources to navigate the platform. The assistance staff ought to be competent and capable of assisting you in resolving problems.
The success of your online shop depends on your choice of platform when it comes to eCommerce app development services. Hosted eCommerce platforms are popular as they’re easier to set up and use than self-hosted ones.
We’ll examine in more detail the best 7 hosted eCommerce systems in this part. Each platform is appropriate for a different sort of company due to its distinct features, strengths, and pricing.
Source: Squarespace
Squarespace is a platform that utilizes drag-and-drop and is similar to other platforms of its kind. In 2003, they established it and it boasts stylish templates and design options.
Squarespace offers a $23/month pricing for personal plans, discounted to $16/month for annual payments. However, this basic plan does not come with the full set of ecommerce features required to run an online store.
To access these features, you need to upgrade to the Business plan, which bills $33 per month or $23 per month when paid annually. The Business plan has an added transaction fee of 3%.
If you want to avoid this fee, you can opt for the Commerce Basic Plan, which costs $36 per month or $27 per month with a discount. By choosing this plan, you can eliminate the additional transaction fee.
Squarespace offers a range of features, including unlimited product listings, abandoned cart recovery, and built-in SEO tools. The platform also offers a range of design templates, allowing businesses to create a unique online store without needing any technical skills.
Shopify is one of the most popular and well-known hosted eCommerce platforms, with over 1 million businesses using the platform worldwide. Its ease of use, extensive app store, and excellent customer support are known features.
It has 3 plans, $29 to $299/month, with discounts of 10% annually and 20% for 24 months. All plans provide unlimited products, bandwidth, SSL encryption, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery.
One-click upsells require a paid app. To access carrier-calculated shipping with up-to-date rates, upgrade to the Advanced Shopify Plan for $299/month. Previously, abandoned cart recovery was only available in the higher two tiers.
Wix app provides three Business and ecommerce plans, with the standard website plan lacking online store features. Plans for Business and ecommerce range from $27 to $59/month, differing in storage space and video hours.
All plans include unlimited products, customer accounts, ad vouchers, abandoned cart recovery, and a free custom domain for a year. Upgrade to Business Unlimited or Business VIP to access advanced features such as dropshipping with Modalyst, product reviews, and automated sales tax. Business VIP includes a Smile.io loyalty program.
BigCommerce is a versatile ecommerce platform suitable for larger retail brands, those starting an online store, and expanding brick-and-mortar stores. Its interface enables customization without coding but also allows tech-savvy users to tweak HTML and CSS for more control.
The starting price for BigCommerce Essentials is $29.95/month, with higher-tier plans costing similar to Shopify’s pricing. Features include discount codes, gift cards, and unlimited bandwidth, but no custom SSL or abandoned cart saver. The platform is suitable for small stores with sales up to $50k per year, with sales limits increasing with higher plans. All plans include a free trial and a 10% discount for annual plans.
Source: CoreCommerce
The mission of CoreCommerce, a company founded in 2001, is to offer small and medium-sized companies open and user-friendly ecommerce services. All users of the website, regardless of their chosen pricing option, have access to all of its functions. The number of goods, email addresses, bandwidth, and storage space all affect the price. The most affordable plan offers 150 products and $50 ads credit for Facebook.
Along with shop design, product administration, order handling, and marketing tools, CoreCommerce provides limitless product mod tools, a built-in blogging system, and safe hosting with a 99.99% reliability assurance from Rackspace. Customers can subscribe to CoreCommerce with a 12-month plan at $41 per month, resulting in a total cost of $492.
Shift4Shop, formerly 3dcart, has served ecommerce services to 22,000 businesses, including PCMag, since its 2001 public release. This platform provides unlimited storage, no fees, multi-channel selling support, and POS integration, with practical features for users. In 2021, the company rebranded as Shift4Shop.
Shift4Shop’s pricing model update includes a free platform for customers processing $500+ in sales transactions per month. For those who have not reached that threshold yet, the price is $29 per month with PayPal. The plan comprises customer relationship management, single-page checkout, inventory control, tax rate calculator, real-time shipping rates, digital downloads, product comparison, product reviews, and a B2B purchase order module.
Volusion started as an ecommerce solution provider in 1999 but officially launched in 2002. Volusion’s services are ideal for those selling tangible goods, as digital downloads after payment are not currently available.
Overall, Volusion is a reliable platform for subscription-based ecommerce businesses. Dropshipping is supported, but print-on-demand is not. The only drawback is the limited Amazon integration, which may or may not be important to you.
Considering the pricing, there are two initial plans are priced at $35 and $79 per month, with restrictions on the number of products that can be sold – 100 and 5,000, respectively.
However, since they earlier eliminated bandwidth restrictions, this could alter in the future. Currently, users must pay $299 per month for the premium plan to have an unlimited number of products, despite regular improvements.
The platform lacks a built-in blogging feature, a significant drawback in an SEO-focused environment. A third-party tool like WordPress can be used to connect a blog.
Self-hosted eCommerce platforms give you full power over your online store. If you require a personalized website for your business, it is necessary to have a good understanding of technology or hire someone who can assist you in setting it up.
WooCommerce offers a variety of features, including limitless goods, payment gateways, and shipping choices, and it’s simple to set up and use.
As an open-source platform, it allows for extensive customization options. You can personalize your online store using a variety of themes and plugins that cater to your unique requirements. It also provides excellent support for SEO, marketing, and analytics. WooCommerce is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, and it provides a user-friendly interface that requires minimal technical knowledge.
Major companies such as Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Cisco rely on Adobe Commerce due to its extensive customization capabilities that involve coding. Therefore, if you have a developer or the financial resources for one and seek a highly customizable and potent platform, Adobe Commerce is a reliable option that enables you to modify your online store as much as you want.
Adobe Commerce is mostly available at no cost, but there is a more expensive version for enterprise solutions that cater to big e-commerce companies. This paid version has a substantial annual licensing fee that runs into tens of thousands of dollars. Despite the hefty cost, Adobe Commerce’s cloud-based architecture is speedy and offers additional features, such as automatic trigger-based email campaigns and automatic cross/upsell.
OpenCart is a free eCommerce platform built on PHP programming language, intended for online businesses. It enables users to customize their website design and offers a modern and user-friendly dashboard interface.
Creating a store with the OpenCart platform may require additional expenses, although you can download and install it for free. Additional expenses may include a hosting plan ($10/month), a domain name ($10/year), and an SSL certificate (price varies). You might also need to buy a theme/template and extra modules/extensions (~$100 on average) to make your store appealing.
Additionally, OpenCart offers a huge selection of extensions and templates to enhance your website’s functionality. It also provides excellent support for SEO, marketing, and analytics. OpenCart is a highly custom Software Development Company, and you can customize every aspect of your website to suit your business needs.
Over 300,000 websites are powered by the free, open-source eCommerce framework PrestaShop. Customize your website with themes and plugins from a wide range of options to add unique features and increase functionality. PrestaShop also provides excellent support for SEO, marketing, and analytics. PrestaShop is an easy-to-use platform that requires minimal technical knowledge. Numerous benefits are offered, such as limitless product alternatives, payment gateways, and delivery choices.
PrestaShop usage fees will change depending on each user’s needs and tastes. Hosting prices range from $2-$20/month, and PrestaShop add-ons & themes range from $35-$200+, offering various options for website customization. Additional expenses, such as customizations or hiring a developer or agency, can significantly increase the total cost.
Nowadays, many businesses want to be online, so they use eCommerce platforms. B2C platforms are common, but B2B platforms are growing. Here are the top 3 B2B eCommerce platforms.
InsiteCommerce is an exceptionally highly B2B eCommerce platform built especially for producers and distributors. It provides tools for order administration, quotation management, and product management. The platform is known for its exceptional user experience and its ability to integrate with other enterprise systems, such as ERPs and CRMs.
One of the unique features of InsiteCommerce is its ability to support complex pricing and product catalogs. The platform offers advanced pricing tools, such as contract pricing, tiered pricing, and customer-specific pricing.
OroCommerce offers a wide range of features, including advanced catalog management, account management, and order management tools to B2B businesses. Additionally, it has features like customized catalogs, individualized pricing, and product suggestions.
Businesses can customize their eCommerce solution with tailored workflows, payment gateways, and shipping methods using the platform. In addition, OroCommerce offers a robust API, making it easy to integrate with other enterprise systems. Its starting price is $45000.00/year.
In addition, businesses should look for a Custom Mobile App Development Company that can provide a seamless user experience for their customers. The platform should be easy to navigate, and it should provide customers with relevant product recommendations and pricing information.
Online marketplaces are getting more popular. Businesses want to make their own online marketplaces too. Marketplace eCommerce platforms let businesses make their own online marketplaces. Different sellers can sell their products or services on the same website.
Sharetribe is a well-known eCommerce tool for platforms that enables companies to design and run their own online markets. It is adaptable and user-friendly, making it a fantastic option for companies of all kinds. Sharetribe’s platform includes features such as vendor management, payment processing, and transaction management.
Sharetribe Go offers four recurring packages named Hobby, Pro, Growth, and Scale, with prices ranging from $99/Month to $299/Month. You can test out any of these options for 30 days if you’re intrigued. All the packages come with unlimited traffic, marketplace listings, and transactions. Sharetribe Go doesn’t currently offer any mobile apps, including iOS and Android, but if you choose the $99/month plan, you will get Sharetribe branding.
On the other hand, the Sharetribe Flex plan’s pricing starts from $299/month for subscription fees. However, transaction fees are applicable if the monthly transaction volume exceeds 30K.
Arcadier is another popular marketplace eCommerce platform that offers businesses the ability to create and manage their own online marketplaces. It provides a variety of functions, including vendor administration, money handling, and shipping management, and is highly customizable. Arcadier also has a wide range of third-party integrations available, making it a great choice for businesses that require specific features.
Arcadier offers a trial period of 14 days free of cost and a pricing plan at $99 per month, with a uniform rate for all users.
Source: Yo!Kart
Yo!Kart is a marketplace eCommerce platform designed specifically for entrepreneurs and startups. It provides a number of functions, including managing vendors, accepting payments, and managing shipments. Yo!Kart also offers customizable templates and has a wide range of third-party integrations available. It is a fantastic option for new companies looking for a cost-effective answer.
With Yo!Kart, you can continue using any version of the software for an unlimited duration, provided you have purchased a valid license. The bundled packages that are sold for a one-time fee include the license.
In ecommerce, not all businesses are the same. Some companies need a specific type of online store. Niche-specific ecommerce platforms are becoming more popular. These Digital Transformation Solutions are created for specific industries or product categories.
Ecwid is a popular online store platform that is easy to use. It can be incorporated into already-existing webpages, social media networks, and markets online. This allows businesses to sell their products in multiple places without creating a new online store. Small companies and newly established proprietors should use it.
Ecwid has many features, such as unlimited product listings, multiple payment options, and the ability to customize the look of your online store. It also has niche-specific features for digital products, subscriptions, and wholesale pricing, which is great for businesses that sell software, courses, or other digital products.
Sellfy is an ecommerce platform that is specifically designed for digital creators. This platform caters to the needs of artists, writers, and musicians. The platform has a simple interface. You can use it easily. You can have unlimited products. There are many features available for digital creators.
Sellfy stands out for its exceptional capability to manage digital product delivery. This includes a diverse range of digital assets such as music files, ebooks, and other types of digital products.
In today’s digital world, eCommerce has become a popular way to shop for goods and services. As a result, there are many eCommerce software solution development companies available in the market. These platforms are excellent options for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for affordable and easy-to-use eCommerce solutions.
Square Online Store is a popular eCommerce platform that allows small businesses to sell online quickly and easily. It is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it a great option for small businesses without a dedicated IT team. Additionally, this platform provides a number of editable designs that let users build distinctive online stores that represent their brands.
Additionally, it provides a number of eCommerce tools, including purchase administration, product monitoring, and shipping integration. It also integrates with Square’s payment processing system, making it easy for users to accept payments. Additionally, this provides users with access to valuable analytics and reporting tools, helping them understand their customer’s behavior and make data-driven decisions.
Weebly, an eCommerce tool, offers a wide range of functions. Weebly has an easy-to-use interface. Anyone can use it, even if they know little about technology. Weebly also makes sure that your online store looks good on mobile devices.
Weebly’s eCommerce features include shopping cart integration, product management, and inventory tracking. Weebly also offers an easy-to-use payment processing system that supports PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Another benefit of using Weebly is its affordable pricing plans, which start at just $9 per month.
Selz is a robust eCommerce platform that enables users to swiftly and simply establish an online store. Selz’s user-friendly interface, which makes it simple for users to establish and administer their web store, is one of its main benefits. With Selz’s extensive selection of editable designs, users can design a distinctive online shop that accurately represents their brand.
Selz also offers several eCommerce features, such as product management, order management, and shipping integration. Additionally, Selz provides a mobile-responsive design, ensuring your online store is easily accessible from any device.
The success of your online shop depends on your choice of eCommerce software. It’s critical to think about your technological abilities, financial constraints, and company requirements before making a choice. Evaluate each platform’s features, pricing, customization options, SEO capabilities, payment gateways, and integration with third-party apps. Also, consider the platform’s customer support options, as you may need help along the way. Keep in mind that your eCommerce platform is the foundation of your online store, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Now that you have a comprehensive list of the top 21 eCommerce platforms and factors to consider when choosing one, it’s time to take action. Determine which platform best fits your business needs and budget, and start building your online store today.
A3logics provides IT consulting services that can assist you in creating a smooth shopping experience for your customers and growing your business. With our expertise, you can receive guidance on developing an efficient and user-friendly website, optimizing your online store for a better customer experience, and implementing effective marketing strategies to increase your sales.
A: Selecting the right eCommerce software solution is very important. The ideal platform comes equipped with all the features and resources you’ll need to successfully manage your online company.
A: Hosted eCommerce platforms are hosted on the provider’s servers, while self-hosted eCommerce platforms require you to host the software on your own server. Hosted platforms are usually easier to set up and manage but offer fewer customization options than self-hosted platforms.
A: Yes, it’s possible to switch to a different eCommerce platform later on, but it can be time-consuming and complex. It’s best to choose a platform that can scale your business and provide you with the necessary features as you grow.
A: It depends on the platform and your level of experience. Some platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces and require little technical knowledge, while others may require more advanced skills to set up and customize.
A: Your choice of site and payment methods will influence this. Some platforms may offer built-in integrations with multiple payment gateways, while others may require third-party plugins or custom development.
