One of these questions is whether our online store will be created with the help of a dedicated solution, open source implementation or SaaS platform. We will only make a good decision when we know the features of each solution and decide on the one that will best fit our business and development vision.
It is rightly believed that every solution is good, as long as we match it to our company, its size, development vision, offered products and the budget it currently has. We have done everything to gather the features in one place and compare individual solutions, types of online stores. Thanks to this, choosing the best one in one specific situation will not be a problem. However, if after reading the comparison, additional questions arise, we will be happy to consult each of them during the conversation.
Choosing an online store is not an easy process
Choosing an online store technology is a complex process
Costs and necessary investments over time
When creating an online store, some people think about cost optimization, while others easily invest because they know that the investment will pay off over time. The large number of solutions on the market can mean that, not knowing which contractor to choose, we choose the one who teacher phone number list sends the offer first or, worse still, the one who offers the cheapest. This is not a good method, as many entrepreneurs have already learned. We put the needs of the business first, and only then do we adjust the solution. However, what is worth considering when analyzing the valuations of companies implementing online stores? How do we know which solution is right for us? What types of online stores should we consider?
Open source software - One of the most popular decisions among entrepreneurs is to create an online store with open source implementation. Examples of such solutions are WooCommerce and PrestaShop . Often chosen by experienced sellers. It is associated with relatively low implementation costs when only basic functions are needed. Unfortunately, if we decide on advanced functionalities or additional options that will have to be created from scratch, we must count on additional expenses. The solution is usually preferred with possible, large financial outlays and an even greater vision of development.
SaaS subscription store - The SaaS platform allows you to start selling in a moment, with minimal entry costs. Throughout the entire period of running the store, we pay a low monthly subscription, and we don't have to worry about technical support. We only pay extra for additional, advanced, individual functionalities that are not included in the platform by default. It is assumed that the aforementioned improvements are often not necessary in the case of selling standard products, but it is better to be safe than sorry. This means that we should look for a platform from the very beginning that has good customer service and complementary products available. If we decide on a subscription-based, ready-made online store without paying attention to this, we may have a huge problem with making the desired changes later. Transferring the store, products and other elements of it involves additional costs that we will not incur if we take care of the right supplier from the very beginning.
See also: Webflow - is it worth it? Learn about the pros and cons of this unique solution
Dedicated online store - A dedicated solution is the most expensive option to implement, but less expensive to maintain. A dedicated online store often requires the service of one interactive agency, most often the software manufacturer. Costs may increase with additional solutions and changing the agency, where programmers will have to familiarize themselves with someone else's code. It usually turns out that in the case of the SME sector, this solution is unavailable and unprofitable. On the other hand, companies that value having their own software as an added value in the company, aim only for this solution. However, the range of possible prices is so high that each case should be considered individually, according to the indicated needs and goals. The fact is, however, that a dedicated store is one of the most expensive types of online stores that we can choose.
Online store flexibility and service
Costs are not everything when we think about developing a business in the e-commerce industry. Other factors are also important. The flexibility of the online store and service cannot be ignored. Their level, if ignored at the very beginning, can later cause high costs related to encountered blockages on the way to your business goals.
