Over the last decade, the e-commerce industry saw a boom. The prime reason behind it is the increasing number of startups that have inclined towards this industry for business. When you commence with an e-commerce business, things become easy for you and your clients. An e-commerce platform is nothing else but an application that allows online businesses to manage their sales & operations.
Indeed it sounds good, especially for a person who is all set to commence with the e-commerce business shortly. But most of the people leave unnoticed a crucial fact- Selecting the right e-commerce software platform. And, it isn’t the end because one also requires considering other pillars that will fulfill objectives like business growth, RoI, and customer engagement. So, everything seemed to be facile became the crux of the matter.
Types of E-Commerce Platforms
2 types of e-commerce platforms are widely utilized and operated. Different companies offering e-commerce website solutions make the best use of these platforms for creating the appropriate online store. Let’s understand these e-commerce platforms.
SaaS-based Platforms
E-commerce platforms created using SaaS do not require special coding. These are cloud-based e-commerce platforms that just require signing up to set up the online store effortlessly. Everything is automated in a SaaS-based e-commerce platform and hence, you do not require brainstorming. It is well-suited for all budding entrepreneurs who do not wish to face any sort of tussle regarding website complications. You can easily focus on the sales while the vendor will oversee the technical matters related to the server, hosting, security update, payment processing etc. But, SaaS-based e-commerce platforms have some enlisted limitations:
Ø A hefty fee for the extension period
Ø Complete control on e-business not guaranteed
Ø Total dependence on the vendor for technical requirements
Ø Zero availability of open sources
Ø Limited features & benefits
Open-source Platforms
Setting up a website in a couple of hours, with complete access to open-sources, is made easy by open-source platforms. A source code is provided that helps in setting up the website conveniently. Unlike SaaS-based platforms, an affordable e-commerce website design created on the open-source platform allows complete control over website access. Besides, one can easily focus on the business without worrying about additional payments being made to the server vendor. However, such platforms also have some limitations like:
Ø Technical knowledge for platform management is essential
Ø Additional modules are chargeable
Ø Searching a reliable web host is usually hard
Ø Trickier UI that SaaS-based platforms
Right E-Commerce Platform Selection- Facts to Consider
E-commerce website development companies worldwide focus on a pre-set module. We’ve compiled a list of some essential pillars that support an e-commerce platform being suitable for you.
- Scalable For Measuring Success Rate
The foremost feature of an appropriate platform for e-business is its scalability. If your platform isn’t scalable, you wouldn’t be able to track the success rate of the business. Hence, go for a scalable online business platform.
- Secure For Transactions
Most of the online platforms, whether SaaS-based or Open-source license-based, should possess a security license. Since most online payments are made through third-party gateways, it is essential to obtain a license and keep all transactions safe.
Besides, it is mandatory to understand what URLs are used. Licensed platforms usually work in association with the HTTP and LLP. The payment gateways having these links in their security reflect secured transactions between the buyer & seller.
- Return Management
Keeping a record of return policies of your business is mandatory. Hence, you should never compromise over it. By keeping the record of return policies, it becomes easier for a brand/company to retain its existing clients on a loyalty basis. Companies offering e-commerce website solutions design return management systems that include approval/rejection of a request, return request policies, return charges, products eligible for a return, and more.
A Common Question Being Answered
“How will an e-commerce platform boost my business?”
This common question erupts in every head that brainstorms different ideas and stratagem. All e-commerce platforms allow business owners to modify the details and information related to the product. Not only this, but it also impetrates to fit into the business. It turns beneficial for the business and the specified product alike.
In a Nutshell
This guide described and elaborated the essentials for having the right e-commerce website. All factors shared above become an apprentice for uplifting the website in this competitive market. To choose the right platform, it is a must to avoid any pitfall while selecting software.
Subsequently, several advancements will appear in the near future. Hence, one should take the call appropriately for selecting the right platform for the e-commerce business.
Author Bio
Ankit Gupta is a self-taught digital marketing professional who loves to decode the industry’s jargons for the people entering the vast world of web. Apart from being an avid writer and sharing his thoughtful insights, he passionately follows the top web and digital marketing gurus to expand his knowledge base. He has strategized many successful digital marketing campaigns for WeblinkIndia.Net, a leading web development & designing company in India.
