How to choose the right Eshop platform

1. Shopify

The most popular e-shop platform for beginners is Shopify. It provides a simple setup process, an easy-to-use interface, and comes with everything you need to get started. They also offer a 14-day free trial, so you can test it without any investment upfront. One of the major cons of Shopify is its limited customization options. However, if you’re not a professional web developer, this is not a big issue.

Pros

Cons

• Easy to use and set up
• Offers a range of customizable templates
• Offers a range of payment gateways and shipping options
• Offers a range of third-party integrations
• Offers a range of marketing and SEO tools

• Monthly fees can add up, particularly for larger stores
• Limited customization options for some aspects of the site
• Transaction fees for third-party payment gateways

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is one of the most versatile e-shop platforms available for advanced users. It is an open-source platform that is highly customizable. It integrates with WordPress and gives you control over every aspect of your e-commerce store. The only downside to WooCommerce is that it requires a bit of technical finesse to set up.

Pros

Cons

• Free to use, though some extensions and themes require payment
• Highly customizable and flexible
• Offers a range of payment gateways and shipping options
• Offers a range of third-party integrations

• Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain
• Limited support options
• Hosting costs are separate

3. Magento

Magento is a powerful platform that is great for enterprise-level businesses. It is open-source and customizable, but it requires extensive technical knowledge. The major advantage of Magento is its flexibility. It allows you to customize every aspect of your online store and is highly scalable. However, it is not a beginner-friendly platform.

Pros

Cons

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Offers a range of advanced features, such as multi-store support and advanced inventory management
• Offers a range of payment gateways and shipping options
• Offers a range of third-party integrations

• Complex to set up and maintain
• Requires technical expertise
• Expensive to host and maintain

4. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an all-in-one e-shop platform that is perfect for those who want to scale their business fast. It has a user-friendly interface, flexible integrations, and highly impressive SEO tools. You can start with a basic plan and easily upgrade as your business grows. However, the cost of the platform is significantly higher than other options, and the payment options available with BigCommerce are limited.

Pros

Cons

• Easy to use and set up
• Offers a range of customizable templates
• Offers a range of payment gateways and shipping options
• Offers a range of third-party integrations

• Monthly fees can add up, particularly for larger stores
• Limited customization options for some aspects of the site
• Transaction fees for some payment gateways

5. Wix

Wix is a cloud-based website builder that provides a drag-and-drop interface for creating and customizing websites. It offers a range of customizable templates and design options, making it easy for beginners to create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge. Wix also includes a range of e-commerce features, such as the ability to create an online store, manage inventory, and process payments.

Pros

Cons

• Offers a drag-and-drop interface that is user-friendly and easy to use
• Provides a large selection of free templates
• Has a built-in SEO tool and a mobile-friendly interface
• Integrates with many third-party apps and plugins

• Limited payment options
• Limited customization options for e-commerce features
• Requires a separate app for advanced inventory management

6. Square Online

Square Online is an e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create an online store and sell products online. It provides a range of customizable templates, making it easy for businesses to create a professional-looking website. Square Online integrates with Square's payment processing system, providing a secure and reliable payment option for customers. It also offers tools for managing orders, inventory, and shipping.

Pros

Cons

• Offers a simple and easy-to-use interface
• Provides a range of payment options, including Square's payment processing system
• Offers built-in tools for SEO and social media integration

• Limited customization options for e-commerce features
• Limited payment options outside of Square
• Fewer third-party app integrations compared to other platforms

7. Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that offers a range of customizable templates and design options, making it easy for businesses to create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge. Squarespace also includes a range of e-commerce features, such as the ability to create an online store, manage inventory, and process payments. It also provides tools for managing orders, shipping, and taxes. Squarespace is known for its modern and sleek designs, making it a popular choice for creative professionals and small businesses.

Pros

Cons

• Offers a simple and modern interface
• Provides a large selection of professional and customizable templates
• Offers a range of built-in SEO and marketing tools
• Integrates with numerous third-party apps and plugins

• Limited payment options
• Limited customization options for e-commerce features
• Higher transaction fees compared to other platforms

8. Ecwid

Ecwid is a beginner-friendly e-shop platform that is great for those who want to sell on multiple channels. It easily integrates with social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as WordPress and other CMS. However, it lacks the advanced features that other platforms offer.

Pros

Cons

• Offers a simple and easy-to-use interface
• Provides a range of payment options, including PayPal and Stripe
• Integrates with many third-party apps and platforms

• Limited customization options for e-commerce features
• Limited inventory management tools
• Higher transaction fees compared to other platforms