Here is a list of a few common technical points that you should consider before choosing the right e-commerce platform for your business.

Consider Extensibility

Online stores often need flexibility to add new features like additional payment and shipping methods. Some e-commerce platforms, like Episerver and commerce tools, offer ready-made integrations and plugins for this purpose. Commercetools, with its headless architecture, provides extensive APIs for connecting to any front end, integrates third-party applications, and communicates with smart devices. This allows brands to continuously develop new features, enhance their online shop functionality, and improve the digital shopping experience.

Scalability

Choosing a platform with an extensible architecture and well-documented APIs is crucial for long-term growth. Cloud-hosted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) eCommerce platforms offer scalability and flexibility to adapt to changing demands and traffic volumes in real-time. Be wary of legacy software vendors claiming cloud hosting without true scalability. Prefer a platform that ensures scalability and leveraging cloud capabilities.

Compatibility

Modern eCommerce platforms should function seamlessly across various devices and channels, including web browsers, mobile devices, and point-of-sale systems. Look for platforms like Commercetools that offer Mobile Commerce solutions for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and native iOS apps. Additionally, prioritize platforms with extensive APIs for easy integration into other platforms and solutions. Such platforms ensure your consistent digital shopping experience and are accessible across all channels.

Internationalization

Select an eCommerce platform adaptable to international business if you want to reach global markets. Consider features such as support for multiple languages, currencies, and taxation rules. Ensure the platform supports local time zones for order tracking clarity. Additionally, consider platforms that allow variations in product catalogs based on local availability and legal requirements in the regions or countries you serve.

Management

A product management system simplifies the process of adding and handling product listings for sales teams. Opt for a platform that offers comprehensive features to support all aspects of running an online store and consider how the system manages inventories, orders, and returns. Product management system involves tasks like importing CSV or Excel files, bulk uploading product images, and categorizing products. For larger businesses, it may include automatically syncing data from third-party systems like product information management (PIM) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

Support

Look for a platform offering 24-hour emergency support across multiple channels like email, phone, and web chat. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) options typically involve a fixed monthly fee with transparent costs. Some provide additional support through workshops and training sessions to help teams adapt to the platform. Additionally, carefully select the agency or systems integrator responsible for building and maintaining your online store.

Reporting

E-commerce generates vast amounts of valuable data, but understanding and leveraging this data requires efficient tracking and analytics. So, choose the platform that provides key metrics such as sales channels, orders, and conversion rates. Leading e-commerce platforms offer built-in analytics tools that enable administrators to monitor store performance and identify trends.

 

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