The Internet economy, known as eCommerce, has altered the face of modern business. We now have a new way for consumers and businesses to interact. You face the threat of making a mistake if you start your business assuming it’ll be simple to generate money online. When it comes to launching an internet business, there are a lot of decisions to be taken. One of the most important choices you’ll have to consider is which eCommerce platform to choose. But, with so many competitors for your business, how do you know which is the best eCommerce platform for startups?
Why does a business need’s eCommerce Platform?
Consider your eCommerce platform as the front door of your online business. Because consumers are prone to window shopping, you’ll need a platform that encourages them to spend more and provides a positive customer experience.
eCommerce hosting platforms, on the other hand, are software solutions that help online merchants manage their websites, marketing, sales, and operations. They connect to other business tools, allowing merchants to consolidate their activities into a single location.
Types of eCommerce Platforms
In the industry, there are primarily two sorts of e-commerce solutions.
Free and Open-Source Software (Free content management system)
Entrepreneurs who know how to code or who can engage a team of developers for eCommerce development should choose open-source solutions. Unlike traditional open-source systems, however, both Tribe and Magento allow for drag-and-drop adjustments, making them appropriate for non-programmers.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
On the other hand, SaaS solutions have recurring charges, which means that while small enterprises and startups can purchase them for a low price, they are not as cost-effective in the long term. That is, eliminating transaction fees, which raise the SaaS monthly package prices, making them suited for both new eCommerce firms and well-established organizations with huge budgets.
Here is the list of the world’s best eCommerce platforms for startups!
1. Shopify
Shopify is undoubtedly the most popular eCommerce platform, with a plethora of capabilities that are also incredibly simple to use (can’t locate a function you need right on your dashboard? There’s certain to be something to supplement your store’s needs in the Shopify app store).
Shopify is also for people who want to make a living from their business. Because of the simplicity of connection with social networks, drop shipping shops (eCommerce firms that sell items without carrying inventory and instead ship directly from a supplier) adore it, as do businesses who rely on Facebook Ads or Instagram promotion.
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a cutting-edge eCommerce platform that is ideal for small businesses. Especially if you’re planning to sell something unique and want to customize the design of the shop. BigCommerce is well-known for its features. They provide a wide range of capabilities that allow you to incorporate whatever you can imagine for an eCommerce shop.
BigCommerce has a modest market share compared to wooCommerce. However, due to its user-friendly interface, it is a fantastic alternative for entrepreneurs. Multichannel sales, wholesale items, and more are all possible with BigCommerce.
If you already have an eCommerce store, you may convert it to BigCommerce right now. You can even use BigCommerce to install WordPress.
3. WooCommerce
This is a WordPress plugin, which is the most widely used content management system (CMS). WooCommerce is an excellent alternative for WordPress users because it’s so easy to integrate into your dashboard. You’ll have access to shopping capabilities, product administration, and payment and checkout operations on your website after installing wooCommerce successfully.
Regardless of what some skeptics think of plugins, this one simply covers the necessities, such as inventory management, shipping prices, tax calculations, payment methods, and more.
4. Wix
Wix is a solid choice for eCommerce companies since it is trusted by more than half a million online retailers. Hundreds of designer-made themes, promos, and gift cards, as well as gorgeous product galleries and simple order management and delivery, are available on the site.
Your online store will also be optimized for mobile devices automatically (both iPhone and Android). With their online shop builder, you can simply modify the mobile experience—and you don’t need to be an IT specialist to do so.
5. Magneto (Adobe Commerce)
Magento platform was used to build the vast majority of eCommerce websites a few years ago. They now have a very little market share. However, for entrepreneurs, it may be a viable choice.
Adobe now controls the platform. Adobe has updated its eCommerce website features and now offers premium memberships. Magento is a wonderful alternative if you’re looking for an eCommerce platform that can handle high-quality graphics.
Because the platform now operates on a SaaS model, you will need to invest money before getting started. You may, however, begin with open source, which is completely free. However, this will need a sufficient level of technical understanding. There are numerous price choices under the SaaS model, and consumers can request a demo before getting started.
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder geared mostly towards small company owners that offer a restricted number of items. It enables you to develop a professional website without the need for coding. In fact, excessive fiddling is discouraged on this platform. Squarespace encourages you to choose a template, fill it with content, and publish it.
The most difficult aspect of selling overseas on Squarespace is GDPR compliance, which means you’ll need to invest in a third-party service to be entirely compliant, and there’s no multi-currency selling option.
6. UltraCart
UltraCart is a full-featured site builder that allows eCommerce businesses to add online shopping functionality into their website or blog in two ways: as a simple button or as a fully-functional shopping cart and checkout procedure. The StoreFront functionality provides total control over available features, style and design, and domain names for online enterprises.
UltraCart handles everything an eCommerce platform needs to perform on the back end, including order management and shipping, sales, inventory, customer reporting, accounting, fulfillment through third-party logistics partners, and even affiliate marketing.
7. 3dcart (Shift4 Payments)
Shift4 Payments, a leading supplier of integrated payment processing solutions, has acquired this rapidly growing platform. 3dcart now offers an omnichannel experience with enhanced SEO tools, 50 free designs, and over 100 payment processors as part of the Shift4 family. All options include domain registration, no transaction fees, unlimited bandwidth, a Facebook store, a built-in blog, API access, and 24/7 tech support, making it an excellent platform for startups and small companies.
