Setting up an online store requires making many important decisions. One of the first - and significantly affecting the entire implementation process - is the choice of eCommerce platform. What are the advantages of popular platforms and which of them is the best?
Magento - the eCommerce platform without limits
Magento is the platform of choice for medium to large sized brands. This is due to the wide range of possibilities it creates. The system is famous for its numerous functionalities that can be adapted to your needs. Magento itself has a huge potential: from basic capabilities that every online store should have, through extensive analysis, reporting, product management, to adaptation for mobile devices or implementation of modern payment systems, as well as dedicated modules. Magento is also an eCommerce platform which has virtually no limitations - with the help of an experienced agency, obtaining almost any, even very complex functionality, is possible.
What is an advantage of Magento, for a company just starting in eCommerce may prove to be a barrier. Due to the complexity of the system all custom solutions require knowledge and help of a developer.
What are some examples of functionalities that Magento provides?
- rule-based promotion and discount coupon mechanisms,
- low stock notifications,
- elastic filters,
- customer groups and user functions,
- clipboard (wish list),
- layered navigation,
- product reviews,
- editable product attributes,
- integration with many external systems (e.g. PayPal, DHL, UPS, FedEx).
PrestaShop - eCommerce for everyone
PrestaShop is a very popular solution. Open source eCommerce code enabled to create a thriving community, and thus - significantly expand the entire platform. Thanks to that, many solutions were created, which you can also implement at your place. PrestaShop is a scalable system that can be successfully introduced in a start-up business and be expanded as it grows. It also copes with smaller resources and budgets. A well-optimized store will run smoothly even on weaker hosting options. Its user-friendly interface is also an important asset.
The administration panel is relatively easy and intuitive. However, the open code makes it necessary to take care of security and regular installation of updates, which appear very often. Many features that are standard on other platforms, in the case of PrestaShop are additionally paid.
However, it is worth taking into account that for a large eCommerce site PrestaShop, may turn out to be a software unsuitable for its scale.
WooCommerce - online store on WordPress
WordPress is now the dominant content management system, so a plugin that allows you to put an online store on it has received a warm welcome. For many people, it is a natural choice as an extension to an already existing site. There is no need to learn how to use a new system, and WooCommerce itself is easy to use. However, its functionality is limited, and extending it requires installing additional plugins. Simplicity can be both a disadvantage and an advantage - much depends on individual expectations. WooCommerce is lightweight, flexible and intuitive. It also allows you to make simple changes to your store on your own. Numerous plugins allow you to create such a store as you need. However, limited functionality forces you to reach for plugins, which often have a rather high price. This system is also not the most scalable.
Shopware - great opportunities for eCommerce
Shopware is one of the most popular systems. What makes it different? Shopware is an open source solution, which enables its dynamic development by the community around it. At the same time, it is based on PHP, which allows users to customize it for their specific business. Shopware has a modular design and high scalability. What is important for businesses using automation tools, Shopware was created as an eCommerce platform for SalesManago and this combination gives a wide range of possibilities. However, it has some limitations. The first is the lack of support for many essential tools. As a PHP-based system, it also has high requirements in terms of hosting facilities. Despite its popularity in Poland, Shopware is inferior to other eCommerce platforms in this respect, which translates into limited support.
Which platform to choose?
Which eCommerce platform you should choose depends on many factors. First of all, you should carefully look at your needs, expectations and capabilities. With a limited budget and smaller assortment WooCommerce will work well. PrestaShop is a fairly universal solution, but at the same time has quite a few limitations. Shopware gives great opportunities, but in the case of this platform, integration with various tools is difficult, and its lack of popularity in Poland translates into problems with support. However, if we are looking for a comprehensive tool that can be adjusted in every aspect, it is worth getting familiar with Magento. Magento is used by the biggest brands: Coca-Cola, Nike or G2A. Smaller businesses, however, can also benefit from it. But to enjoy all the possibilities that Magento offers, it is good to trust proven, experienced programmers.
