A Comparison of Top eCommerce Platforms

Platforms for e-commerce refer to the various technologies used for running an online store to sell consumer products and services. Each platform has its own characteristics, functions, and challenges that set it apart from other platforms. A number of e-commerce website development technologies, for example, afford customers full customization options, scalability, and ease of use. Another purpose is to handle an excessive number of user inquiries, simplify store management, and address security concerns.

The following is a list of a few commonly used e-commerce web development platforms by 2022. Before comparing major platforms, let’s analyze the list of a few common e-commerce platforms in 2022.

You may also like to learn, Effective Tips to Secure Your eCommerce Website in 2022.

1.    Shopify eCommerce Platform

A popular platform for creating e-commerce stores, Shopify was established in 2006. Setting up, managing, and expanding a business online is made possible by the software. The Shopify platform enables anyone to sell their products online and start an e-commerce business. By using the Shopify Point-of-Sale (POS) app, store owners can sell products in physical stores, unlike other platforms.

Shopify’s Built-in Stores Have a Number of Major Disadvantages

1. Due to its paid modules and applications, it is not ideal for small or growing businesses.
2. Several eCommerce features are charged.
3. Plugins and tools important to a website are only available to enterprise and higher-tier plans.
4. Only a few free themes are available.
5. Maintenance and customization are complex.

2.  Magento Ecommerce Platform

A scalable and flexible shopping cart service that is based on open-source software, one of the most popular and powerful platforms available today.

While other e-commerce platforms provide more robust user experiences, Magento stands out due to its business scalability and flexibility. A number of large corporations, such as Nokia, Ford, and Cannon, rely on Magento for e-commerce.

Magento’s Platform Appeals to so Many Merchants for the Following Reasons:

1. Easy to install and manage.
2. Magento is extremely secure.
3. Supports over 50 payment integrations and other advanced features
4. During checkout, offers numerous discount and promotion options.
5. Unlimited customization and scalability are available
6. Promotions, conversions, marketing options.
7. Easy to browse and manage catalogs.
8. Easier to manage checkout procedures and orders.

Magento Platform Has a Number of Drawbacks

1. Due to its complexity, Magento web development requires specialized Magento developers.
2. It is more expensive and requires more capital investment than WooCommerce.

3. BigCommerce

The BigCommerce platform is an e-commerce platform that is based on cloud technology and designed for use in establishing online stores. As opposed to other platforms, big commerce provides more flexible store management tools, online payment gateways, analytics reports, and customer order fulfillment functions through the dashboard.

Additionally, BigCommerce also provides hosting and security services for your online store, making it one of the leading content management systems.

Cons and Pros of BigCommerce

Bigcommerce is perhaps one of the lesser-known platforms among eCommerce platforms. It offers a number of benefits and features that are suitable for businesses of all sizes.

BigCommerce Pros

Setting up your online store is remarkably easy with BigCommerce. The following attributes contribute to the popularity of BigCommerce among e-commerce store owners.

1. Every plan includes unlimited storage
2. Easy to create product listings
3. One-page checkout
4. With over 40 payment methods
5. Uptime guaranteed at 99.99%
6. Certified to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
7. Providing excellent customer service
8. Easy-to-use interface
9. CSS/HTML stylesheets are mobile-friendly and customizable
10. Encrypted checkout built-in
11. Marketing tools built-in
12. 15-day free trial, plus a 30-day free trial after selecting a plan

BigCommerce Cons

BigCommerce is not an exception to the rule that there are no perfect eCommerce platforms or software solutions. The following is a list of the most commonly observed disadvantages associated with using BigCommerce.

1. Newsletters are not available as built-in features
2. A limited number of free design templates
3. The standard plan does not include an abandoned cart feature
4. Templates should be customized with light coding knowledge
5. Weekend customer service is not available
6. The free version is not available
7. Payment methods subject to variable transaction fees

4.  WooCommerce Platform

ECommerce websites powered by WordPress have an advantage over all other substitutes. Based on BuiltWith’s suggestions, WooCommerce currently holds a market share of 29%, indicating the platform’s significance in the global eCommerce market.

It is possible to easily convert a WordPress website into an online store by using the WooCommerce plugin.

The main advantages of WooCommerce

1. Cost-Effectiveness
2. Greater Scalability and Flexibility
3. Limitless Customization
4. Maximum Security
5. Search Engine Friendly
6. Responsive

Cons of WooCommerce Platform

1. WordPress Specific
2. Payment for plugins such as payment gateways and features may incur miscellaneous expenses.