Any company that expects to compete in business must be online. Since millennials and future generations of buyers and decision-makers expect to buy online in increasing numbers, selecting the best e-commerce platform to meet corporate needs is especially important for future success.
E-commerce platforms offer business leaders a software application that manages the critical functions of online sales and operations. Selecting the best platform based on price and benefits represents an important business decision. Being prepared to manage the increased business typical of Q4 activity levels means implementing an e-commerce platform in time to get trained and up-to-speed prior to the busy holiday buying season.
Shopify
This platform allows a company to launch an e-commerce site without having to find a hosting company or get a domain name. It is one of the leading e-commerce platforms with many high-profile customers like General Electric and Tesla Motors.
Pricing plans start at $29 month and go to $299 month with more features offered for higher-tiered plans. Both small and large companies use Shopify since it offers a variety of different plans. As a versatile option, designers can access HTML and CSS files to use advanced features.
Magento
Magento is one of the most popular e-commerce sites available for businesses seeking a third-party platform. It has won many awards such as the #1 Platform Internet Retailer Top 1000 in 2015 and #1 Platform Internet Retailer in Europe 500 in 2016.
It has a free downloadable option with basic features. Magento’s Commerce Starter Plan is $1,999 per month. Please note that developer skills are required to use this platform and there is no customer support.
BigCommerce
This is a hosted e-commerce solution ideal for fast-growing businesses that is easy to get started on. Anyone can sign up and start immediately with a free trial period. This platform has gained popularity for providing many features necessary to ensure success for small and large organizations alike.
Features that can be accessed with this platform include state-of-the-art security tools, marketing tools, product orders, and management and analytics. Modifying the design and other one-time activities are not so simple unless there is a knowledgeable person with this type of web experience available to help.
Modest pricing starts at $29.95 per month and increases to $249.95 per month, depending on the package.
3dcart
This platform offers a 15-day trial that allows new users to test it out before making a commitment. SEO is included. There are also many themes that are perfect for mobile platforms. This versatile platform offers sellers the ability to sell both digital and physical items for an affordable price, starting at $29.99 per month and increasing to the Pro Store plan for $229 per month.
PC Magazine reports that some of the drawbacks of 3dcart are that the number of staff users are limited based on the plan chosen. There are also a limited number of compatible apps. Another drawback for some users, depending on what features are needed is that many of the advanced tools are only available on more expensive product options.
Volusion
This intuitive shopping platform is easy to navigate. Numerous built-in features save business owners money and the hassle of buying expensive add-on apps. It also provides SEO in an easy-to-understand format. One optional feature is phone order processing from the dashboard.
Affordable at $25 per month and increasing to $135 monthly, Volusion represents an inexpensive e-commerce option.
