
Having a scalable ecommerce solution is crucial for businesses that want to grow rapidly. According to our research, a well-designed ecommerce platform can increase sales by up to 20%.
To achieve scalable business growth, businesses need to focus on providing a seamless user experience. This includes having a fast and reliable website, as well as a secure payment gateway.
A scalable ecommerce solution can also help businesses to manage their inventory more efficiently. By integrating their inventory management system with their ecommerce platform, businesses can avoid stockouts and overstocking.
By investing in a scalable ecommerce solution, businesses can save time and money in the long run.
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Choosing the Right Solution
Choosing the right eCommerce solution can be a daunting task, but it's essential to get it right. A modern eCommerce solution should offer mobile optimization, secure payments, flexible design, inventory management, and marketing tools. Consider your customer base, do you sell business-to-consumer (B2C), wholesale to other businesses (B2B), or both?
You should also think about the level of customization you need. If you want to launch quickly, don't have a development team, and want to focus on selling, not tech, a hosted eCommerce solution might be the way to go. However, if you need full customization and flexibility, a self-managed eCommerce solution could be more suitable.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce solution:
Identify Project Executors
Your ecommerce site's execution team is crucial to its success. In-house developers are ideal if you have technical expertise internally.
Consider your options: in-house developers, agency partners, or a combination of both. Agency partners offer full-service support from concept to launch.
BigCommerce works with certified agency partners experienced in building on the platform. This can be a game-changer for businesses that need expert support.
Other platforms may offer less support, such as Salesforce Commerce Cloud, which lacks key service teams. This can leave businesses without the guidance they need to succeed.
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Here are some options to consider:
- In-house developers: Ideal if you have technical expertise internally.
- Agency partners: Great if you need full-service support from concept to launch.
Enterprise customers can tap into BigCommerce's Professional Services team for hands-on support across the full ecommerce lifecycle. This can provide peace of mind and ensure a successful project outcome.
Options
There are three main options for ecommerce solutions: SaaS, Composable, and Open-source. Each provides different levels of freedom and flexibility when it comes to building your site.
SaaS (software-as-a-service) is a popular option that offers all-in-one ecommerce solutions hosted and managed by the vendor. With SaaS, you pay a monthly or annual fee and don't need to manage infrastructure.
Composable ecommerce solutions are designed to be modular and flexible, allowing you to build a customized solution that meets your specific needs. This option is ideal for businesses that require a high degree of customization and flexibility.
Open-source ecommerce solutions offer software whose source code is freely available and can be modified and hosted by the business. You have full control over customization, but you're responsible for hosting, updates, and security.
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Here's a brief comparison of these options:
Ultimately, the choice of ecommerce solution depends on your business needs and goals. Consider factors such as your customer base, tech stack, and scalability requirements when selecting the right option for your business.
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B2B
When choosing a B2B solution, it's essential to consider the features that cater specifically to your business needs. BigCommerce offers a range of features tailored to B2B sellers, including Stencil themes optimized for B2B establishments.
BigCommerce's B2B solution is designed to streamline operations and elevate user experiences. Advanced product filtering, bolstered by responsive support and adept customer success management, helps to improve the overall shopping experience.
Seamless corporate account oversight enhances administrative control, allowing you to manage multiple accounts with ease. Facilitated Sales Representative Quoting ensures swift and precise client interactions.
Collaborative tools like Shared Shopping Lists and “Buy Again” foster convenience and loyalty among your clients. An efficient Invoice Portal simplifies financial transactions and saves time.
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BigCommerce's B2B solution also offers complex pricing calculation features, including automated pricing rules, volume-based pricing, and quotes for negotiated pricing. Custom catalogs with pricing available only to specified corporate accounts provide an additional layer of control.
Facilitated bulk ordering features, such as order export before submission, quick reorder of previously purchased items, and multiple requisition lists per customer account, make it easier to manage large orders. Minimum and maximum order volume storewide or by customer helps to maintain inventory levels and prevent overstocking.
By leveraging these features, you can make buying more personal and selling more efficient with AI tools.
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Integrated Sales Channels
Integrated Sales Channels are a crucial aspect to consider when choosing an ecommerce solution. This feature allows you to sell and advertise across multiple platforms, reaching a broader audience.
Having an ecommerce platform that supports an omnichannel strategy can help you reach more shoppers. With BigCommerce and Feedonomics, you can sell and advertise across marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping, as well as social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
To give you a better idea of the integrated sales channels available, here are some examples:
This means you can manage all your sales channels from one back end, saving time and streamlining your marketing efforts.
Key Features and Functionality
To run a successful online store, you need an ecommerce platform that covers the basics. At a minimum, look for payment gateway support, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, and shipping integrations with carriers like UPS and FedEx.
The core features are critical for completing transactions and keeping operations efficient. BigCommerce delivers these capabilities natively, giving brands the flexibility to scale while tailoring the shopping experience.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform:
- Payment gateway support
- Shipping integrations
- Customer groups for segmenting buyers
- Price lists for custom pricing
- Multi-Storefront for managing multiple stores
Basic Functionality
To run a successful online store, your ecommerce platform must cover the essentials. At a minimum, look for payment gateway support that allows you to accept the payment methods your customers prefer, like credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Payment gateway support is critical for completing transactions and keeping operations efficient. Your platform should also confirm compatibility with carriers like UPS and FedEx, as well as third-party solutions like ShipStation to streamline fulfillment and reduce manual work.
Here are the basic functionality requirements for a successful online store:
These core features are critical for completing transactions and keeping operations efficient.
Central Insights with Analytics
Shopify Analytics provides a detailed breakdown of product performance, including sales, trends, and geographical distribution. This information helps you identify top-selling products and tailor your marketing initiatives accordingly.
Product Insights, a key component of Shopify Analytics, offers a wealth of data on visitor traffic, search trends, and user interactions with product pages. This insight enables you to refine your offerings and marketing strategies to better align with customer preferences.
Volusion also presents vital metrics right on the dashboard, including Top 5 products and categories, sales figures for specific timeframes, and purchase trends. This comprehensive overview gives you a clear picture of your store's performance.
To gain even more insights, Volusion's Reports section allows you to delve deeper into your data. You can also create custom reports to suit your specific needs.
Here's a comparison of the analytics tools offered by Shopify and Volusion:
Email Marketing
With Volusion's email integration, you can boost your customer base management, thanks to the seamless synergy with Mailchimp. This integration streamlines operations, allowing you to harness customer and shopping history data.
You can dispatch post-order emails, promotional offers, and top-of-mind communications with ease, thanks to the integration's empowering capabilities.
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Design
Within the Design realm, Volusion presents an array of 45 Templates. These templates are designed to help you create a visually appealing online store.
You'll find 11 complimentary templates during testing, giving you a chance to experiment with different looks before committing to one. The option to upload your logo further personalizes your storefront.
The Style Editor facilitates the manipulation of your store's color palette and font selections. Themes come primed with specific color harmonies, though these can be customized within the Custom Styles section.
The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to incorporate new content into your shop. This feature is especially helpful when adding elements such as testimonials, maps, and portfolios.
Integration and Scalability
Your ecommerce platform should support your growth, not limit it. This means looking for a solution that can handle traffic spikes during events like Black Friday, as well as sales channel expansion and global growth.
BigCommerce is built to scale alongside you, supporting multi-currency and centralized management of international storefronts. Its open APIs also let you build unique, scalable experiences that evolve with your business.
To ensure flexibility, your ecommerce platform should support the tools you need without added fees. BigCommerce lets you integrate with providers like Stripe or Square with no transaction fees, giving you the freedom to build the stack that works best for your brand.
Here are some of the integrated sales channels you can expect from a top ecommerce solution:
- Walmart Marketplace
- eBay
- Amazon
- Google Shopping
- price comparison engines
- Etsy
This means you can sell your products across multiple channels from a single platform, making it easier to manage your online store and reach a wider audience.
Connect Store and Online
Connecting your store and online presence is crucial for a seamless shopping experience. BigCommerce allows you to integrate with providers like Stripe or Square with no transaction fees.
To reach more shoppers, your ecommerce platform should support an omnichannel strategy. This means being able to sell and advertise across various channels, such as marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and more.
You can sell and advertise across multiple channels with BigCommerce and Feedonomics, including marketplaces, social platforms, and more. This streamlines your marketing and saves time.
Here are some integrated sales channels that BigCommerce offers:
- Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping
- Social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest
- Google, Walmart Marketplace, eBay, and Amazon
- Google Shopping, Facebook, price comparison engines, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and Instagram
This allows you to manage all channels from one back end, making it easier to keep track of your sales and marketing efforts.
Scale with your business
As your business grows, it's essential to have an ecommerce platform that can scale with you. BigCommerce supports your growth, not limiting it, by handling traffic spikes during events like Black Friday.
Your ecommerce platform should be able to handle traffic spikes, and BigCommerce can do just that. It's designed to support your growth, whether you're selling B2C or B2B products.
To ensure scalability, look for a solution that can handle tech stack flexibility, sales channel expansion, and global growth. BigCommerce supports multi-currency and centralized management of international storefronts.
Here are some key features to look for in a scalable ecommerce platform:
- Traffic spikes during events like Black Friday
- Tech stack flexibility: native tools and advanced integrations
- Sales channel expansion: B2C to B2B or vice versa
- Global growth: multi-currency and international storefronts
- Custom scalability: Open APIs for unique experiences
BigCommerce also offers flexibility in software integrations, allowing you to use third-party gateways like Stripe or Square with no transaction fees. This means you can build the stack that works best for your brand without added fees.
Security and Payment
Security is a top priority for any ecommerce site, and BigCommerce has got you covered with Level 1 PCI compliance and regular audits to meet global privacy and security standards.
BigCommerce includes Level 1 PCI compliance, which is a must-have for handling sensitive customer data.
Shopify, on the other hand, charges extra for using third-party payment gateways, whereas BigCommerce lets you integrate with providers like Stripe or Square with no transaction fees.
BigCommerce simplifies the checkout experience, allowing you to configure secure payments anywhere on the platform.
With over 100 payment gateways to choose from, including PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay, Shopify offers a diverse range of payment options tailored to your specific needs.
Shopify Payments is an integrated payment solution that enables you to seamlessly accept credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal payments within your store, with robust security measures and advanced fraud protection.
BigCommerce also gives you the freedom to build the stack that works best for your brand, with no added fees for using third-party gateways or integrations.
The platform's innovative tax tool automatically computes taxes based on the customer's location, eliminating guesswork and ensuring precise calculations.
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Popular Ecommerce Platforms
PrestaShop is a free, open-source platform founded in Paris, France. It's a great option for those who want a highly customizable store, as it allows brands to create a one-of-a-kind site.
PrestaShop provides access to a wide range of themes and pre-built modules, making it easy to design a unique store. This platform also supports multi-storefront, multi-inventory, multi-language, and multi-currency, helping brands tap into new markets.
However, PrestaShop has its downsides. Technical support is a paid service, and the support community is primarily in French and Spanish, making it difficult to find information if you're not fluent in either language.
To use PrestaShop, you can opt for the Classic plan, which is free to download, or the Hosted plan, which costs about $28 USD (€24) per month. The Enterprise plan is customizable and requires a quote.
Here are the pricing options for PrestaShop:
Comparison and Evaluation
When comparing ecommerce platforms, it's essential to consider the impact on your business strategy and internal workflows. SKU limit, headless architecture, and functional limitations are critical factors to evaluate.
You'll also want to assess the ecommerce admin experience, as it directly affects how efficiently you can manage your online store. A user-friendly interface can save you a lot of time and stress.
Business models supported by the platform are another crucial aspect to consider. Make sure the platform can handle B2C ecommerce, B2B ecommerce, or even a multi-vendor marketplace.
To give you a better idea, here are the types of business models supported by ecommerce platforms:
The cost of ownership is another critical factor to consider. This includes platform licensing, hosting and deployment models, and the availability of platform developers and consultants.
Top Recommendations
We've shortlisted the top ecommerce platforms that can handle growing demands, according to ScienceSoft's evaluation.
These platforms have been thoroughly evaluated and are well-established in the market.
The most popular ecommerce platforms have been identified by ScienceSoft, capable of delivering on ecommerce demands.
We've relied on ScienceSoft's expertise to identify the top ecommerce platforms that can meet your business needs.
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Launch and Growth
As your ecommerce platform grows with your business, it's essential to have a solution that can scale alongside you. Your platform should support your growth, not limit it.
Traffic spikes during events like Black Friday can be a challenge, but a good ecommerce platform should be able to handle it. BigCommerce, for example, can handle traffic spikes with its scalable architecture.
You'll also want a platform that allows for flexibility in your tech stack. This means being able to start with native tools and then scale up with advanced integrations, like using BigCommerce's native search and then upgrading with partners like Algolia.
Here are some key features to look for in a scalable ecommerce platform:
- Traffic spikes during events
- Tech stack flexibility: native tools and advanced integrations
- Sales channel expansion: B2C to B2B or vice versa
- Global growth: multi-currency and international storefronts
- Custom scalability: Open APIs for unique experiences
What Else Is Needed for Launch
To ensure a successful ecommerce launch, you need to consider more than just the ecommerce platform. Your implementation partner is just as crucial, with 21 years of experience in ecommerce implementation services. This experience helps them understand the needs of ecommerce companies.
You'll want to work with a partner who offers ecommerce consulting services, including technology consulting to choose the right platform for your roadmap and scalability. Market-entry consulting is also essential to make your launch investments reasonable.
Strategy consulting is vital to shape your target audience and craft a powerful customer experience. This involves shaping your target audience and crafting a customer experience that will set you apart from the competition.
Ecommerce development is another critical aspect of a successful launch. This includes migration to balance the effectiveness and cost of ownership of your ecommerce software. Your implementation partner should also handle website design and development, including integrations to automate supporting business operations.
Here are the key ecommerce consulting services you should look for in an implementation partner:
- Technology consulting
- Market-entry consulting
- Strategy consulting
And here are the key ecommerce development services you should look for:
- Migration
- Website design and development
- Integrations to automate business operations
Scale and Grow with Connected B2B
Scaling your B2B business requires a platform that can adapt to your growth. BigCommerce supports traffic spikes during events like Black Friday, so you can focus on sales rather than worrying about your website crashing.
To ensure seamless growth, look for a platform that offers tech stack flexibility. BigCommerce's native search can be upgraded with partners like Algolia, allowing you to scale your search capabilities as needed.
As your business expands, you'll need to manage sales channels more efficiently. BigCommerce supports multi-currency and centralized management of international storefronts, making it easier to sell globally.
Here are some key features to look for in a B2B platform:
By choosing the right platform, you can streamline your operations and focus on what matters most – growing your business.
Software and Solution Types
Ecommerce software is a broad term that encompasses various tools and platforms designed to facilitate online selling. Ecommerce solutions, on the other hand, refer to dedicated tools that simplify store management by handling tasks like security, hosting, and updates.
There are different types of ecommerce software, including self-hosted and hosted solutions. Self-hosted solutions like WooCommerce (powered by Bluehost) and Magento (powered by SiteGround) are ideal for businesses that want more control over their online stores.
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Hosted ecommerce solutions, such as Shopify and BigCommerce, are designed for businesses that don't want to worry about maintenance and updates. These platforms handle the heavy lifting, allowing businesses to focus on growth and customer engagement.
Some ecommerce software platforms, like BigCommerce, offer open APIs for custom integrations and non-proprietary coding environments, providing businesses with flexibility and control.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of ecommerce software and solutions:
Ultimately, the choice between ecommerce software and an ecommerce solution depends on the business's needs and goals. By understanding the different types of ecommerce software and solutions, businesses can make informed decisions and choose the right tools to power their online stores.
Shopify and Other Platforms
Shopify and other platforms are a great place to start when looking for an ecommerce solution. Shopify is a widely used SaaS ecommerce platform with a strong presence in the market, hosting over a million stores globally.
One of the reasons Shopify stands out is its user-friendly interface that anyone can navigate, making it especially appealing for small businesses and hobbyists looking to launch a basic online store. It offers more than 8,000 integrated apps to help you add additional features and functionality to your ecommerce store.
However, Shopify's push toward using its own tools can create friction, and businesses that opt out of Shopify Payments face additional transaction fees. For mid-market and enterprise businesses, Shopify presents scalability challenges, lacking multi-storefront capabilities and offering only basic features for B2B sellers.
Shopify's pricing options include Basic ($39 per month), Grow ($105 per month), Advanced ($399 per month), and Plus (starts at $2,300 per month).
Wix is another popular platform that's great for startups and small businesses looking to get their feet off the ground. It offers a user-friendly interface, basic omnichannel selling features, and dropshipping capabilities.
However, Wix operates as a website builder first and an ecommerce solution second, leaving customers with restrictions on storage and API call limits. It's also not adaptable and requires users to rebuild from scratch if they want to switch themes.
Here's a comparison of Shopify and Wix's pricing options:
Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Wix depends on your business needs and goals. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and it's essential to consider these factors before making a decision.
Volusion and Other Platforms
Volusion is a great option for businesses that want to create an online presence without getting bogged down in complicated features. It was founded in 1999 and has been a trailblazer in the ecommerce industry.
Volusion's user-friendly interface is one of its standout features, making it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online store.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best platform for ecommerce?
The best ecommerce platform for you depends on your business needs, but popular options include Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce, each offering unique features and scalability. To find the perfect fit, consider factors like customization, integrations, and cost when choosing an ecommerce platform.
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