We’ve tested and reviewed the top 10 e-commerce software solutions on the market so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Capaciteam gives you insight into each platform’s features, pricing, and ideal users so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your business, this article will be helpful.
Here’s a breakdown of what e-commerce software solutions offer:
And while any e-commerce software solution satisfies these requirements, there are a couple of categories out there, specialised for various needs:
If you want to set up an online store quickly and easily, a hosted e-commerce platform is a great option. Solutions like Shopify, BigCommerce and Volusion offer templates and tools to build a professional storefront without coding. Since the platforms are cloud-based, you don’t have to worry about server or software maintenance. Pricing starts at around $30 per month.
If you’re focused on better online store control, you can use an open-source e-commerce platform like Magento, WooCommerce or Odoo. These are free platforms that provide flexibility and customisation options for developers.
You will, however, need to host the software on your server and handle updates yourself. The initial setup also tends to be more complicated so you may need help from professional web developers.
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms provide e-commerce functionality through a monthly subscription model. Solutions like Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Insite Software and Elastic Path give you a headstart with pre-built features.
The platforms handle infrastructure and software maintenance. Pricing is typically a percentage of sales or revenue share model. SaaS e-commerce software solutions offer convenience but less control over customisation.
Since most online shopping happens on mobile devices, your e-commerce platform must be mobile-friendly. Look for solutions that offer responsive design templates that automatically adapt to mobile screen sizes. They should also have features like one-page checkouts, mobile payments, push notifications and more. Some top mobile-friendly e-commerce platforms are Shopify, BigCommerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Magento.
For seamless customer experiences across channels, an omnichannel e-commerce platform helps provide a single view of customers, inventory, orders, and payments across your website, mobile app, in-store, call centre, and any other sales channel. Some leading omnichannel e-commerce solutions are SAP Commerce Cloud, Oracle Commerce and Commercetools. They provide robust functionality for unified commerce but at a high cost.
As one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, Shopify makes it easy to get an online store up and running. With a simple monthly subscription, you get a customisable website and blog, payment processing, shipping and more. Shopify has over 1 million businesses in 175 countries using their platform, making it the most widespread among eCommerce software solutions.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| User-friendly. Shopify’s intuitive interface makes it a great choice for entrepreneurs of all tech levels. | Transaction fees. Shopify charges transaction fees on each sale, which can eat into your profits. |
| App store extravaganza. Extend the functionality of your store with a vast selection of apps in the Shopify App Store, covering everything from marketing to shipping. | Customisation limits on lower plans. While Shopify offers customization options, they might be limited to lower-priced plans. |
Shopify is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use and scalable e-commerce platform. With its user-friendly interface, extensive app store, and mobile-optimized design, Shopify empowers you to launch your online store and watch it grow.
If you already have a WordPress website, WooCommerce is a great choice for launching an online store. It’s a free plugin that turns your WordPress site into an e-commerce store.
WooCommerce powers over 3 million online stores worldwide, works with most WordPress themes and offers extensions for shipping, payments, marketing and more. While the core plugin is free, you will need a web host and SSL certificate to get your store up and running.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Highly customisable. WooCommerce is a dream come true for businesses seeking a unique and feature-rich online store. | WordPress know-how required. Since WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, some technical knowledge of WordPress is needed for setup and maintenance. |
| Large and supportive community. Benefit from the vast knowledge and support of the active WooCommerce community, offering troubleshooting help and plugin recommendations. | Potential plugin costs. While WooCommerce itself is free, the extensive plugin library often includes paid options that can add up. |
WooCommerce perfectly fits businesses already using WordPress or those seeking highly customisable e-commerce software solutions. The flexibility and vast plugin library empower you to create a unique online store tailored to your needs. However, working technical knowledge of WordPress is recommended.
BigCommerce is a robust platform for mid-size to large brands looking to scale. It offers advanced features like product filtering, customer groups, and API access with an easy-to-use interface. BigCommerce lets you sell on multiple channels including social media, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and in-store using their Point of Sale app. Over 60,000 businesses in 120 countries use BigCommerce to power their stores.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No transaction fees. Unlike most competitors, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees, allowing you to secure a larger profit margin. | Learning curve for beginners. BigCommerce’s robust feature set can be overwhelming for new entrepreneurs, with a steeper learning curve compared to entry-level options. |
| Feature-rich platform. BigCommerce eliminates the need for many additional plugins with its built-in marketing, SEO, and inventory management tools. | Design limitations. While BigCommerce offers customization options, they may not be as extensive as other platforms. |
BigCommerce is ideal for growing businesses that require a scalable platform with a comprehensive feature set. The built-in marketing tools, multi-channel selling capabilities, and lack of transaction fees make it a compelling choice for businesses poised for significant growth. However, those new to e-commerce might find the interface less intuitive compared to other options.
Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform made for large, complex businesses. It’s a highly customisable solution that offers advanced marketing, SEO and catalogue management features for enterprise brands.
Magento requires technical resources to implement and is better suited for companies with in-house development teams. Major brands like Coca-Cola, Burger King, and Nestle use Magento to power their online stores. It’s a powerful platform designed for large businesses and enterprises with complex needs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Limitless customisation. Magento’s customisation capabilities are unmatched for businesses seeking complete control over their online store. | High cost of entry. Magento requires significant investment, including licensing fees and often additional development costs for customising the e-commerce software solutions. |
| Feature-rich arsenal. Magento offers a vast array of features out of the box, eliminating the need for many additional plugins or integrations. | Steep learning curve. Magento’s complexity can be daunting for beginners. It often requires a team with technical expertise for setup, maintenance, and ongoing optimisation. |
Magento (Adobe Commerce) is the perfect fit for large businesses or enterprises with the resources and technical expertise to leverage its full potential. The unmatched customisation options, robust SEO features, and scalability make it ideal for businesses with complex needs and ambitious growth plans. However, the high cost and steep learning curve make it less suitable for small businesses and startups.
Wix is a popular website builder that has expanded its reach into the e-commerce software solutions world with Wix eCommerce. It offers a user-friendly solution ideal for small businesses or those new to eCommerce platforms.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Intuitive interface. Wix’s drag-and-drop builder and user-friendly interface make it easy for anyone to create a stunning online store, even without prior experience. | Limited advanced features. While Wix eCommerce offers a solid foundation, it might lack some of the advanced features needed for complex online stores. |
| Design flexibility. Wix offers various templates and design options, allowing you to create a unique online store that reflects your brand identity. | Transaction fees. Wix charges transaction fees on each sale, which can eat into your profits. |
Wix eCommerce is ideal for small businesses or those new to e-commerce. The user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop builder, and beautiful templates simplify creating a professional online store.
It’s a great choice for businesses that prioritise a design-focused approach and don’t require many advanced features. However, the transaction fees and limitations on advanced features might be a consideration for larger businesses or those with specific needs.
Squarespace, known for its beautiful website creation tools, offers Squarespace Commerce, a user-friendly solution for building an aesthetically pleasing online store.
OpenCart is a free, open-source e-commerce platform offering extensive customisation options and a large community of developers.
PrestaShop joins the ranks of open-source e-commerce platforms, offering strong community support and extensive customization options.
Volusion is a hosted e-commerce software solution platform designed specifically for the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features focusing on ease of use.
Weebly, another popular website builder, offers Weebly eCommerce, a user-friendly drag-and-drop solution for creating a basic online store.
Choosing an e-commerce platform is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your online store. The solution you select will shape your business for years to come. With so many options, how do you determine which is the best e-commerce software for your needs?
Some platforms require more technical expertise to set up and manage than others. If you’re not technically inclined or lack an in-house web developer, choose a solution that’s easy to use with an intuitive interface, such as Shopify, BigCommerce or Volusion. These options have drag-and-drop builders and plenty of ready-made themes, so you can get started quickly without needing to code.
On the other hand, if you have a web developer on staff or are comfortable with more advanced e-commerce software, Magento or OpenCart could be good options. They provide flexibility and customisation options for stores wanting to create a unique experience. However, these platforms have a steeper learning curve and require more technical resources to manage.
Consider the features you need to run your business. All e-commerce platforms offer essentials like shopping carts, payment processing, shipping and tax calculations. But look for a solution that also provides the specific features important for your business model and target audience.
For example, if you sell internationally, ensure the software supports multiple languages and currencies. If you dropship products, it should have inventory management and third-party logistics integrations.
You should also consider how your business may grow and scale in the coming years. Choose an e-commerce solution that can expand with you, handling higher traffic and order volumes over time. Some platforms charge additional fees for add-ons like stronger security, increased bandwidth and storage, or POS integration. Make sure any additional costs still fit your budget as your business grows.
E-commerce platforms vary significantly in their pricing models and fees. Some charge a monthly subscription fee, while others are free open-source software but charge for add-ons, themes, and transaction fees. Compare the total cost of different solutions based on your specific needs.
Think about:
For small businesses on a tight budget, a low-cost solution like Wix, WooCommerce or OpenCart could be appealing. For larger stores, the higher subscription fees of Shopify Plus or Magento Enterprise may be worthwhile for their advanced features and scalability. But always choose a solution that fits your current budget and allows room for growth.
E-commerce software allows businesses to conduct sales and accept payments over the Internet. It provides tools to help create an online storefront, list products, process payments and manage orders and shipping.
If you want to sell products or services online, then yes, you will need an e-commerce platform. E-commerce software makes it easy to create an online store and start selling. It handles the technical aspects of running an online store so you can focus on your business and customers. An e-commerce platform will allow you to:
Without an e-commerce platform, building and managing an online store would be extremely difficult and time-consuming for most business owners. E-commerce software automates and simplifies the process.
There are three primary types of e-commerce software solutions:
For most small to midsize businesses, hosted SaaS solutions offer the best balance of ease of use, affordability and functionality. Solutions like Shopify, BigCommerce and 3dcart are popular, low-cost options for getting an e-commerce store up and running quickly.
E-commerce software pricing varies significantly based on the solution and features. Some options are available for free, while enterprise platforms can cost tens of thousands per month. In general, you can expect to pay:
Some solutions charge a percentage of sales in addition to a monthly subscription fee. You’ll also want to consider payment processing fees, which average 2-3% per transaction. Make sure to evaluate the total cost of ownership before choosing an e-commerce platform.
The technical skills required vary depending on the e-commerce solution:
From all-in-one systems to specialised tools, there are options for top e-commerce software solutions to suit businesses at every stage. The key is finding the right fit based on your business needs and budget.
With the foundation of a robust e-commerce platform in place, you’ll be well on your way to taking your online store to the next level. But remember that technology alone isn’t the answer – you still need to focus on providing a great customer experience, smart marketing and solid operations.
Approach your e-commerce software as an enabler, not the end solution. Use it wisely and it will empower you to achieve your online retail goals.
Take your retail business to the next level with Capaciteam’s e-commerce software development expertise!
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