How to choose an Ecommerce platform?
One of the questions that every retailer always asks is what is the best way to choose an ecommerce platform. This all depends on a number of factors. In this article, we'll break down everything you should consider when choosing your ecommerce platform.
What product will you sell?
When it comes to products, we come to a point where the platform matters a lot. If you're selling complex products with many attributes (product features), it's crucial to check whether the ecommerce platform has a product grid, which allows you to vary product prices regardless of whether they're similar products with only distinguishing features like color and size. This will facilitate user interaction with the product and maximize your sales.
What size will you get?
We always have to consider scale when planning to open an ecommerce business. Consider whether you want to be a small local store or a national website. Whether you'll invest heavily in online media or just a small initial investment will affect the hosting infrastructure required for your ecommerce platform. Keep in mind that inexpensive cloud stores don't offer robust hosting; if you need this, you should opt for larger platforms like VTEX or Magento hosted on an individual Amazon account.
Are you an Ecommerce or a MarketPlace?
To help you choose your ecommerce platform, understand the difference between simple ecommerce and marketplace. Marketplaces have many other features that allow you to have suppliers deliver the product directly and pay you a commission on the sale. This format includes a dropshipping logistics model that eliminates the need for retailers to maintain inventory. If you choose this platform model, ask your supplier about these features.
Do you want to open a B2B or B2C?
Another key question to ask when choosing your ecommerce platform is whether your sales are to end customers or businesses. Besides all the tax issues that arise, the purchasing process is completely different. In B2B, buyers are businesses and require personalized price lists and differentiated payment methods, such as the post-invoicing model. There's often interaction between seller and buyer in the order and approval model. Ask your supplier if the platform supports B2B transactions and how these features work within it.
