Businesses that want to sell their services or products on a large scale can take their sales online with the help of e-commerce platforms. These software systems enable buying and selling over the Internet. E-commerce websites and apps don’t just help businesses reach more people but also help them make quick purchases. That said, choosing the right platform after careful consideration is important, as this decision can affect sales and customer experience.
1. Cost
The price businesses pay for e-commerce software can differ based on the size of the platform and the features it offers. Small businesses may require an affordable platform in the early stages of setting up an online store. So, assessing needs and setting a budget beforehand is important to ensure one does not overspend on features they do not need. One must also check the upfront cost and all other charges associated with using e-commerce platforms, such as monthly and processing fees, to avoid unwanted surprises.
2. Ease of use
An e-commerce platform may have all the bells and whistles, but it would not be worth considering if its interface is complicated or cluttered. So, one must try using the platform before signing up for it and check if the interface is easy to use and navigate. There should be no lags and errors. Businesses will have to assign teams to use the platform and drive customers to the platform regularly, so the platform interface has to be user-friendly to avoid delays and inconvenience.
3. Design and customization
While signing up for e-commerce software, one should check if the developer has made it easy for users to build and manage the website. Here, one must check the availability of prebuilt themes and templates, built-in features, and the ability to customize a theme or template. This can help one design their online store the way they want with minimal effort.
4. Scalability
If running a business with high growth potential, it is important to avoid going for e-commerce platforms that offer limited scalability and features. Even if the business does not require certain features like certain integrations and plug-ins, it might need them in the future. So, going with a platform that can grow with the business is the right move.
5. After-sales support
After a business has signed up for an e-commerce platform, many things can go wrong. For instance, problems in the integration process, system crashes, customization issues, and more could arise that halt sales and cause the business to lose money. To address these issues and restore operations, the business should have easy access to the platform’s customer support. So, it is crucial to choose a platform known for its responsive and helpful customer support services.
6. Must-have features
Most e-commerce platforms offer standard features like online carts, wishlists, customer review sections, and basic order management. That said, it is important to assess the quality and ease of use of all features.
Payment options: An e-commerce platform must be able to accept different types of online payments. Businesses using the platform may require their own payment processors or merchant accounts for this feature to work.
Analytics: In addition to buying and selling products or services, a business needs to track its performance to predict future sales. This is where e-commerce platforms with analytical tools come in handy, as they can track things such as conversion rates, customer lifetime value, and average order values, giving businesses comprehensive insight into their performance.
Inventory management: An e-commerce platform should offer features like low-stock and out-of-stock alerts. This enables businesses to keep their customers informed and avoid any order fulfillment issues.
Customer management tools: Reputable e-commerce platforms accurately maintain customer accounts, wishlists, order histories, and rewards/points. Such features help promote better customer experiences.
Flexible shipping methods: The platform should accommodate shipping needs. For instance, a business that sells large items may require freight shipping and will require a platform that can be integrated with freight carriers. The platform should also be supported by a good distribution and logistics company.
Device optimization: Buyers constantly look for the fastest way to purchase products. So, a business must ensure the e-commerce platform offers features like device optimization. This will ensure the platform works on most devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Security: E-commerce platforms should be secure enough to protect customer data and keep them safe from malicious users. They typically offer standard security features like an SSL certificate, password protection, and PCI compliance.
Finally, to choose the best platform, one should compare different platforms based on their value for money, i.e., whether their features justify the cost.
