16 Best Ecommerce Platforms & Online Store Builders in 2024

Searching for the best eCommerce platform online?

You’ve probably noticed that most reviews seem a bit... biased.

That’s because almost every platform has an affiliate program. So when Joe Bloggs recommends one, and you sign up? Cha-ching! Joe earns a commission.

Most of the eCommerce giants also publish their own “best of” lists. And - shocker - they run down the competition and magically rank themselves at the top.

It’s hard to find honest reviews.

But here’s a fresh perspective!

This guide isn’t about pushing affiliate links. It’s about real, unbiased recommendations. We’re not affiliated with any of the platforms featured.

We’ll dive deep into the good, the bad, and the hidden details of each platform. Price tags, features, you name it!

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have a clear idea about which platform suits you best.

Let’s dive in.

What is an eCommerce platform?

An eCommerce platform is a business software solution that helps people to set up and manage an online store. It provides tools to handle the different aspects of selling online, like creating product listings, managing inventory, processing payments, and more.

Comparison of eCommerce platforms

There are a lot of eCommerce platforms out there. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these platforms stack up against each other:

Now, this is just a basic comparison. We’ll explore the details and break down the pros and cons of each platform below.

Looking for a quick answer on which platform is right for you? Here are our recommendations for each type of online business:

1. Newbies starting out

What you might need:

Something easy on the pocket and simple to get going. You’ll also want marketing features to spread the word about your store. And if you get stuck, some helpful customer support options.

Have a look at: Shopify

It’s one of the easiest platforms to use. You don’t need any technical skills to get started, and there’s a huge range of apps to add features and functionality to your store.

2. Big stores with big plans

What you might need:

A platform that can handle lots of products, super safe security, and is always available to help if something goes wrong.

Have a look at: Adobe Commerce (Magento)

This is a powerhouse platform built for large stores. There is a free, open-source version, but you’ll need a dedicated development team if you go it alone.

3. When customization is key

What you might need:

The ability to change your store just how you like it. You might want to write custom code to create a unique storefront.

Have a look at: WooCommerce

If you like getting hands-on, WooCommerce is the platform for you. It’s more technical than most platforms, but even beginners can get to grips with it with some practice.

4. Multichannel retailing

What you might need:

A platform that makes it easy to sell on multiple channels, keep track of orders, and a dashboard that’s simple to use.

Have a look at: Ecwid

Ecwid ticks all the boxes for multichannel retailing. From Facebook to physical sales, you can sell when and where you want to.

5. Content Creators

What you might need:

A store that looks great, simple ways to upload your products, and features that help you share your content online.

Have a look at: Sellfy

This is the perfect platform for turning your passion into paychecks. You can easily create a professional-looking store to showcase your creations.

6. Ambitious mid-sized stores

What you might need:

Something that’s not too basic but not too complicated. You’ll also need analytics tools to see how you’re doing and where you’re heading.

Have a look at: Volusion

Volusion is a Goldilocks platform for mid-sized stores. It provides everything a growing business needs but doesn’t sacrifice ease of use.

7. Dropshipping

What you might need:

Easy ways to add products, set prices, and keep everything running smoothly.

Have a look at: Shopify

Shopify is a favorite for dropshippers. With tools like SaleHoo Dropship, you can easily find and add winning products to your eCommerce sites in just a few clicks.

Looking to launch your first dropshipping store? Check out our ultimate dropshipping guide for a complete walkthrough on how to do it.

8. Wholesalers and B2B sellers

What you might need:

A platform that can handle a lot of products, set special prices for buying in bulk, and let customers create accounts.

Have a look at: BigCommerce

It’s a scalable platform that can handle a large inventory and offers the right tools to manage B2B sales.

Need help choosing the right business model? Check out the resources below or take our free eCommerce business model quiz.

16 Best eCommerce platforms for online selling

Ready to dive into the details?

Whether you’re a newbie looking to start a store or an established brand wanting to level up, you’ll find a platform for you.

Here are the best eCommerce platforms:

1. Shopify

Number of sites using Shopify: 4.6 million

Founded in 2006, Shopify is now one of the biggest names in eCommerce. It’s popular with newbies and larger stores. People like Shopify because it’s so easy to use. Even if you have zero experience, you can create a store that looks great and works. And if you’re an expert, there are a ton of apps to add more advanced features.

Key features

Ease of use: You don’t need to be a tech expert.

Secure payments: Safe ways to get paid.

Mobile-friendly: Works well on phones and tablets.

Apps: More than 8,000 apps to add functionality to your store.

Mobile App: Run your store from your phone.

Pricing

Lite: $9/month

Basic: $29/month

Standard: $79/month

Advanced: $299/month

Shopify also charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This fee depends on your Shopify plan.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Easy for beginners

✅ Safe payment methods

✅ Lots of apps and plugins

✅ Always available customer support

✅ Free tools like a business name generator and a QR code maker

Cons:

❌ Monthly costs can be high, and some apps cost extra

❌ Only 11 free designs for your store

❌ You might need third-party apps, which can cost more and slow down your site

❌ You can only have 100 different versions of a product

2. WooCommerce (for WordPress)

Number of sites using WooCommerce: 6.3 million

Started in 2011, WooCommerce is a tool for setting up online shops on WordPress. You can easily turn your blog or website into a store. It has some great features for SEO, accepting payments, and selling on different sales channels. If you want to focus on content marketing and SEO, WooCommerce is a good choice.

Key features

Made for WordPress:strong> Easy way to turn your existing WordPress site into a fully functional eCommerce website.

Flexibility: Complete control over how your store looks and what it does.

Huge number of plugins: More than 980 plugins you can use to improve your store.

Multiple secure payment options: Over 140 region-specific payment gateways

Mobile app: Run your store from anywhere.

Pricing

WooCommerce is free, but you might have to pay for some things:

Hosting: $3.95 to $5,000 per month.

Domain: Usually $8 to $20 every year.

Designs and tools: $0 to more than $300 annually.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Great if you already have a WordPress site

✅ Customize your store the way you want

✅ Huge online community

✅ Excellent value

✅ Good for SEO

Cons:

❌ You need to take care of the web hosting

❌ Not the easiest for beginners

❌ Only for WordPress

❌ Limited direct help and support

3. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) - Open Source & Commerce

Number of sites using Magento: 140,600

Started in 2008, Magento has two versions: Open Source (free) and Commerce (paid). The platform has recently rebranded to Adobe Commerce. Big companies like Nike, HP, and Jack Daniels use Magento for their websites. It’s a robust and scalable platform that can handle a huge product catalog. But, if you’re a beginner, it might be hard to use.

Key features

Flexibility: Customize your store so it looks and works how you want it to.

Scalability: Designed to manage extensive product catalogs.

Integrations: Over 3,600 native tools from the Adobe Marketplace covering everything from marketing to security.

Multichannel functionality: Manage B2B and B2C sales using a unified platform.

Detailed reporting: Deep analysis of your store’s performance.

Pricing

Open Source: Free

Remember that you might need help from a web developer, which can cost more money.

Commerce: Starting at $22,000 for Adobe Commerce (on your own server) and around $40,000 for Adobe Commerce Cloud.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Great for big online stores

✅ It has many features and can grow with you

✅ Lots of marketing features to help you attract customers

✅ Can customize everything from design to order processing

Cons:

❌ Not suitable for beginners

❌ You have to manage security and updates (free version)

❌ The Commerce version is expensive

❌ You need a development team to make the most of the platform

4. BigCommerce

Number of sites using BigCommerce: 44,800

Started in 2009, BigCommerce is a tool that helps businesses of all sizes sell online. It’s a good option for new stores and established businesses. There’s an intuitive interface that makes store management easy, and the platform can handle the most extensive product catalogs. BigCommerce is also one of the best platforms for wholesale and B2B sellers.

Key features

Easy to start: You don’t need any coding knowledge to set up a store.

Sell on different channels: You can sell on places like Facebook and Amazon.

Extensive product catalog: Manage up to 600 variations for each product.

B2B features: Set wholesale prices and easy re-ordering to sell to other businesses.

Sell internationally: Take customer payments in over 100 different currencies.

Pricing

Standard: $29/month

Plus: $79/month

Pro: $299/month

Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Combines ease of use with an extensive feature set

✅ Unified platform for multichannel selling

✅ Good SEO tool kit

✅ Reliable and responsive customer support

Cons:

❌ Costs can quickly increase as you add more features

❌ Limited customization compared to other platforms

❌ Some essential features are only available on higher-paid tiers

5. Wix eCommerce

Number of sites using Wix eCommerce: 2.8 million

Wix started in 2006 as a simple website builder. Over the years, it’s added more tools to help store owners and become a key player in eCommerce. Wix eCommerce is great for beginners and those with a limited product range. It’s one of the easiest tools to use. You can drag items around the page and choose from a huge number of template designs. For businesses with more complex needs, Wix might be a bit limiting.

Key features

Drag and drop builder: Easily move things around and create a unique design

Templates: Choose from 132 free eCommerce store templates

App integrations: Enhance your store with marketing, customer service, and inventory management apps from the Wix marketplace.

Loyalty programs and discounts: Get your customers to buy more and keep coming back to your store

Payment integrations: Supports 40+ providers, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

Multi-currency converter: Sell to a global audience.

Pricing

Core: $27/month

Business: $32/month

Business Elite: $159/month

Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Simple setup and easy to use

✅ Flexibility to design your store exactly how you want

✅ Over 300 apps to add functionality to your store

✅ Modern and stylish templates

Cons:

❌ Advanced users might find the features lacking

❌ Costs can quickly increase as you grow your sales and add more features

❌ Difficult to switch templates after site creation

❌ No automatic stock management alerts

6. Squarespace Commerce

Number of sites using Squarespace Commerce: 383,000

Squarespace started in 2003 as a website builder. In recent years, it has developed its eCommerce capabilities. It’s easy to use and has some of the best-looking templates around. It’s a good option if you want to create a beautiful store and unique design. Online stores that require more advanced features or manage a large inventory might find it limiting.

Key features

Templates: Ready-made modern designs to quickly create a stunning online store.

Easy editing: Customize your store with ease.

Switch templates: You can even switch your template after building your store.

Portfolio display: Ideal for creatives looking to display and sell their work.

Sell subscriptions: Easily add a weekly or monthly subscription service.

Pricing

Business: $23/month

Basic Commerce: $27/month

Advanced Commerce: $49/month

Enterprise pricing options are also available.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ User-friendly

✅ High-quality templates

✅ 24/7 customer support through live chat and email

✅ Subscription and member areas

✅ Unlimited storage and bandwidth

Cons:

❌ Costs can mount up with added features

❌ Limited to Stripe and PayPal for payments

❌ Absence of phone support

❌ Not scalable for large businesses or high order volumes

❌ Missing B2B functionalities

7. Webflow

Number of sites using Webflow: 474,000

Webflow started in 2013 as a web design tool. It’s a favorite platform among web designers and developers. It offers lots of customization and functionality without the need for coding. But it still might be slightly complicated for beginners. If you’ve outgrown a more beginner-friendly platform, a tool like Webflow is a good choice.

Key features

Visual editing: See your design changes in real time.

Templates: A wide range of customizable and mobile-responsive templates.

SEO: Comprehensive built-in tools for search engine optimization.

Integrations: Compatible with popular services like Gmail, HubSpot, and Mailchimp.

Payment options: Accept payments through Stripe, Apple Pay, and PayPal.

Automatic tax calculations: Auto-addition of sales tax and VAT at checkout.

Pricing

Standard: $29/month

Plus: $74/month

Advanced: $212/month

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ High customizability without coding

✅ Extensive template options

✅ No transaction fee on select plans

Cons:

❌ Limited eCommerce integrations

❌ Might be overwhelming for basic site needs

❌ No live chat or phone support

❌ Even the top-tier eCommerce plans limit the number of product listings

8. OpenCart

Number of sites using OpenCart: 300,500

OpenCart launched in 2008 as an open source eCommerce platform. It’s one of the best free tools for creating an online store. OpenCart offers extensive customization and has a rich feature set. You can even manage multiple stores from a unified dashboard. However, you will need web development experience to create and manage your store.

Key features

Extensions and add-ons: Over 13,000 modules and themes to enhance the functionality and design of your store.

Multilingual support: Sell to a global customer base.

Diverse payment gateways: Integrates with all the major payment gateways.

Manage multiple stores: Manage multiple online stores from a single platform.

Scale and growth: Supports business expansion with unlimited product and category uploads.

Pricing

OpenCart’s primary eCommerce software is free. However, you need to account for hosting and extensions. The SEO Pack Pro ($99 one-time fee) and Pro Email Template ($49 one-time fee) are popular extensions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Build an online store for free

✅ Extensive feature set

✅ Suitable for businesses of all sizes

✅ Open source, so it can be highly customized

✅ Over 13,000 modules and themes in the OpenCart Marketplace

Cons:

❌ Setup may require expert assistance

❌ Some extensions come with a price tag

❌ Requires manual updates and hosting

❌ Limited free customer support

9. PrestaShop

Number of sites using PrestaShop: 248,000

PrestaShop is an open source eCommerce solution founded in France in 2007. It now supports thousands of online businesses worldwide and is available in 75 languages. For an open source platform, Prestashop is very user-friendly. You can easily create product listings, manage inventory, and customize your store. While it’s not quite as simple to use as Shopify or Wix, it’s a good option if you want a customizable store without the monthly fees.

Key features

Customization: Over 3,000 customizable templates available with full access to theme codes.

No listing limits: Unlimited product listings on every plan.

Payment and security: Multiple payment gateways supported.

Marketing integrations: Discounts, email marketing, limited-time offers, and more.

Product management: Physical and digital products, bundles, and customizable products.

Pricing

Base Software: Free

Additional costs for modules and themes, hosting, and dedicated support.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Low initial costs

✅ Highly customizable and adaptable

✅ Large selection of add-on modules

✅ Active community for support

✅ Good SEO and international selling capabilities

Cons:

❌ Complex for beginners

❌ Costs can add up with extra features

❌ Requires hands-on maintenance, including security patches

❌ Limited customer support unless purchased separately

10. Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart)

Number of sites using Shift4Shop: 3,600 (including 3dcart)

Shift4Shop is an all-inclusive e-commerce platform. Established in 1997, it’s one of the longest-running platforms in the eCommerce industry. While it may not be as beginner-friendly as platforms like Shopify, Shift4Shop does have some great features. It offers no transaction fees and unlimited storage space. Shift4Shop’s free End-to-End plan is unique in the industry. US eCommerce business owners who sell over $500 of goods per month can use the platform for free and only pay credit card processing fees.

Key features

Website builder: Intuitive builder that makes designing your store easy.

Payment solutions: Over 200 payment gateways, including PayPal, Apple Pay, and Bitcoin.

Product management: Manage an unlimited number of products.

Marketing and SEO: Tools for email campaigns, gift cards, affiliate referrals, and more.

Seamless multichannel sales: Connect with your eBay, Amazon, and Facebook stores.

Pricing

Shift4Shop provides a unique pricing model. The most advanced plan is free for US store owners with a monthly sales volume of over $500. The processing fee is 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction.

Paid plan is $29/month.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Easy store setup

✅ Impressive feature list without additional integrations

✅ Competitive pricing

✅ 24/7 customer support

✅ Unlimited bandwidth

Cons:

❌ The free plan is exclusive to US customers

❌ Some of its design themes feel outdated

❌ Customization is limited

❌ Sales limits on paid plans

11. Ecwid

Number of sites using Ecwid: 940,000

Launched in 2009, Ecwid is an eCommerce platform designed to help sellers set up shop across the internet. The name “Ecwid” is an abbreviation of “e-commerce widget.” It’s the ideal solution to add an eCommerce store to your existing website or grow your sales on social media and online marketplaces.

Key features

Easy setup: Create an eCommerce storefront without needing an entirely new website.

Omnichannel selling: Showcase and sell products on Instagram and Facebook and marketplaces like eBay and Amazon.

Affordable: Free plan and competitive paid tiers compared to Shopify, BigCommerce, and Squarespace.

Versatile: Sell physical goods, digital downloads, and subscription services.

Over 100 payment gateways: Integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay and comes with automatic tax calculations for 16 countries.

Pricing

Free plan: $0/month (limited to ten products)

Venture: $19/month

Business: $39/month

Unlimited: $99/month

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Seamless integration with existing websites

✅ Multichannel selling capabilities

✅ No transaction fees on sales

✅ Fully responsive templates

✅ Real-time shipping quotes on product pages

Cons:

❌ The free plan is limited to just 10 products

❌ The best features are only available on advanced plans

❌ Limited design capabilities

❌ Limited SEO features

12. Weebly eCommerce

Number of sites using Weebly eCommerce: 122,204

Founded in 2007, Weebly is a website builder with a user-friendly interface. The platform offers a drag-and-drop builder, making it one of the top choices for beginners looking to create an online store. While it’s aimed primarily at small businesses, Weebly’s eCommerce plans include a range of useful features and offer great value for money. You can test the platform using the free plan. And if you decide to upgrade, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Key features

Intuitive store design: Drag-and-drop website builder, customizable themes, and mobile optimization.

Range of eCommerce tools: SSL encryption, drag-and-drop media library, and store import previews from platforms like Etsy or Shopify.

Communication: Integrated email platform for inventory alerts and a drag-and-drop campaign creator.

Store management: Automatic tax and shipping calculators, bulk inventory functions, and a coupon builder.

Template flexibility: You can switch themes without rebuilding your store from scratch.

Pricing

Free: $0/month

Personal: $10/month

Professional: $12/month

Performance: $26/month

Note: The free plan restricts users from using their domain and displays Weebly ads.

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ User-friendly for beginners

✅ Lots of templates that are mobile responsive

✅ Includes hosting

✅ Comprehensive eCommerce features

✅ Good value for money

✅ Wide range of payment gateways

Cons:

❌ Limitations on the free plan

❌ Unsuitable for larger businesses needing advanced analytics

❌ Restrictions on theme and checkout page customizations

13. Volusion

Number of sites using Volusion: 6,500

Volusion is an eCommerce tool that has been helping businesses sell online since 1999. It’s one of the pioneering SaaS eCommerce platforms. You’ll find a range of features to create and grow an online store. It offers more advanced in-built SEO tools than most platforms, and it’s easy to integrate third-party tools. New users might experience a learning curve, but there are lots of free resources and 24/7 customer support to guide you through the onboarding process.

Key features

User-friendly design tools: Customize your shop’s appearance using the intuitive builder.

Easy product listing: Creating listings and product categories is simple and fast.

Reporting capabilities: Analytics to track store performance.

24/7 support: Get answers and help when you need it.

Extensive integrations: 1,000+ apps through Zapier integration.

Pricing

Personal: $31.50/month

Professional: $71.10/month

Business: $269.10/month

Prime: Price varies based on gross merchandise value (GMV).

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Comprehensive design tools to customize your store

✅ No transaction fees

✅ 24/7 customer support and streamlined onboarding

✅ Lots of third-party payment integrations

✅ No hidden fees with clear pricing options

Cons:

❌ No free plan available

❌ Costs can increase significantly with add-ons

❌ Limited blogging capabilities

❌ Additional cost for SSL certificate

❌ Can only sell physical products

14. CoreCommerce

Number of sites using CoreCommerce: 200 (often used as an add-on to other platforms)

Founded in 2001 as digiSHOP PRO, it transitioned into CoreCommerce in 2008. Originally a shopping cart tool, CoreCommerce is now a complete SaaS eCommerce platform. It’s used by Tendergrass Farms, Spark Living, and The Poster List. CoreCommerce is a well-rounded platform that’s suitable for businesses of all sizes. Beginners might find it more challenging than Shopify or Wix, but it offers a 15-day free trial to test the platform.

Key features

Lots of themes: Multiple design choices to customize the look of your store.

Sell internationally: List products in 163 currencies, automatic language translation, and international shipping integrations.

Support: Dedicated support to help if you get stuck.

Setup wizard: A guided setup process to help you create your store.

Bulk product import: Populate your store using CSV spreadsheets.

Social media integration: Sell products directly through Facebook.

Pricing

Free: $0/month

Pioneer: $29/month

Pro: $79/month

Pro $299/month

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Lots of customization options

✅ Extensive international selling features

✅ Built-in marketing tools

✅ No transaction fees

✅ Google, Facebook, and Twitter customer account sign up options

Cons:

❌ Best features are restricted to premium tiers

❌ Potential learning curve for new users

❌ Very basic blogging feature

❌ Lack of third-party integrations

15. ShopWired

Number of sites using ShopWired: 2,200

ShopWired is a user-friendly eCommerce platform founded in 2013. While it started in the UK, it now powers eCommerce sites across the world, including big brands like Superdrug, Lloyds Bank, and Marks & Spencer. ShopWired is a well-rounded platform offering full eCommerce functionality, an intuitive interface, many features, and responsive expert support.

Key features

Versatile: Sell physical products, digital content, and services.

Multichannel eCommerce tools: Showcase and sell your products on eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and more.

Marketing and SEO: Solid SEO toolset to help you get found in search results.

Reporting and analytics: Sales reports, visitor breakdowns, and more.

Payment gateway options: Stripe, PayPal, Klarna, etc.

B2B features: Bulk discounts, quotation systems, and trade accounts.

Pricing

Pro: £34.95/month

Advanced: £69.95/month

Premium: £129.95/month

Excel: £249.95/month

Elite: £399.95/month

Platinum: £699.95/month

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ User-friendly, even for newbies

✅ Add features and functionality with 70 third-party extensions

✅ Comprehensive tools for eCommerce management

✅ Excellent UK-based support

✅ Unique B2B tools

Cons:

❌ Premium features come at an additional cost

❌ Some apps require manual coding

❌ Limited theme choices

❌ Customer support is limited to UK business hours

16. Sellfy

Number of sites using Sellfy: 350 (often used as an add-on to other platforms)

Established in 2011, Sellfy began as a platform for creators to sell their digital products. Over time, it evolved into an eCommerce platform suitable for every type of small business. The platform is simple to use and makes it easy to set up shop and start selling. It’s one of the best options for new sellers, but it may be limiting for larger stores.

Key features

Digital and physical sales: You can sell videos, ebooks, digital products, and physical items.

Print on demand: Built-in functionality eliminates the need for third-party tools.

Marketing tools: Includes email marketing, coupons, and other promotional tools.

Mobile App: Manage store analytics, track and manage orders on the go.

Automatic translations: Makes global selling easier.

No transaction fees: Only standard payment processing rates apply.

Pricing

Starter: $22/month

Business: $59/month

Premium: $119/month

Pros and cons

Pros:

✅ Ideal for selling digital products

✅ Quick and efficient setup process

✅ Provides free SSL

✅ Offers a 14-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee

✅ 24/7 support is available through chat and email

Cons:

❌ Fees can add up with increased sales

❌ Limited themes and integration options

❌ Mandatory Sellfy branding on the Starter plan

❌ Limited design customizations and advanced marketing tools

❌ Lacks comprehensive analytics

Factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform

Still not sure which platform is right for you?

It’s much easier to make a decision when you know what you need and what you want from a platform.

Here are some key things to consider when you make your choice:

Scalability

Most eCommerce stores start with just a handful of products. But you’ll likely want to expand your range and grow your store over time. Can the platform handle that change?

Some platforms are great for small shops but struggle to host larger stores. Look at other shops that use the platform. Are there big brands using it? That’s a good sign it can handle growth.

Pricing and transaction fees

Most eCommerce platforms charge a monthly fee. Even free, open source platforms like WooCommerce involve hosting and domain costs.

You’ll also want to make sure you account for any additional fees. For example, you might need third-party apps or plugins to get the features you need.

It’s also important to account for transaction fees. Some platforms take a percentage of every sale you make, while others charge a fixed amount per sale. You can find pricing information in our list above. But make sure you check the transaction and add-on fees before you sign up.

Customization capabilities

How important is it for your store to look and feel unique?

Many platforms offer ready-made templates that you can customize. You can edit the color scheme, layout, and other elements. Other platforms give you complete creative freedom to decide how everything looks and works. However, these platforms often require more technical skills.

Think about what you can do yourself and what you might need help with. If you’re just starting out, it might make sense to sacrifice some customization for ease of use.

Integration with other tools and systems

Integrations allow you to connect your store with third-party tools. For example, you might want your store to connect with an email system to send cart abandonment emails. This is a great way to capture lost sales.

Some platforms have built-in integrations with popular tools. You just turn them on and connect your account. In some cases, you may need to use an API to connect your store with third-party tools - this is a bit more complicated.

Think about what tools you already use or want to use. Does the platform support them? How much do they cost?

Security features

Security is a top consideration for selling online. In a recent survey, 19% of people revealed that they had abandoned a purchase because they didn’t trust the site with their credit card information:

If people don’t feel your store is safe, they won’t buy from you.

Almost all hosted eCommerce platforms come with built-in security features. You’ll usually get a free SSL Certificate, firewall, and anti-malware tools. Hosted solutions also automatically update with the latest security patches.

If you’re using an open source platform, you might have to handle store security and updates yourself.

Mobile responsiveness and optimization

If your online store doesn’t look good and work well on mobile, you’ll lose out on a huge amount of sales. In the US, mobile now accounts for 41.5% of total retail eCommerce sales:

The big thing to look for here is mobile responsive themes and templates. A responsive store changes the layout based on the screen size it’s viewed on. This means it will look good on desktop and mobile.

Most eCommerce platforms have a range of responsive themes to choose from. They also provide demo sites that you can visit to see how templates look on mobile. If you aren't satisfied with those, however, you can use ecommerce development services to get exactly what you want. 

Customer support and community

It’s inevitable that something will go wrong at some point. You might accidentally delete something from your store, find it difficult to connect to a third-party tool, or find yourself locked out of your account. When this happens, you need to be able to get help quickly.

You’ll find that most hosted solutions provide a range of customer support options. It’s a good idea to test the customer service for yourself. How long does it take to get an answer if you send a question? Did the technical support agent give you a detailed answer?

Many platforms also have online forums where users can ask questions and share tips. Check if the community is active. Are people talking, asking questions, and helping each other?

Choosing the right platform for your online store

Picking the right eCommerce platform from the start can save you a lot of headaches later on. We’ve covered the best eCommerce platforms on the market, what they offer, and key factors to consider when making your choice. Many platforms offer free trials, so pick a few you like and give them a test drive.

Once you’ve selected a platform, stocking your store with the right products is the next step. If you’re looking for trusted suppliers, check out the SaleHoo Directory. You’ll find millions of products from over 8,000 vetted manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. It’s the best place to find lucrative eCommerce products.

And if you ever have questions about anything eCommerce, our friendly 24/7 customer support team is here to help.