As an e-tailer, you need a lot of strategic planning and execution to get things right. And choosing the right e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions you will make as an online retailer.
Cleverbridge’s experts believe that the right platform should be comprehensive, customizable, and user-friendly. It should also offer features like scalability, security, and support to help you grow your business.
As one of the best eCommerce platforms for enterprise organizations, Cleverbridge’s e-commerce solution provides all of the features and tools needed to succeed online.
However, since we all have different needs, it’s important to understand what to look for when choosing an eCommerce platform. Here are some factors to consider:
1. The features you need
The first step is to make a list of the features you need for your e-commerce website. Do you need a platform that can handle a large number of products? Does the platform have to offer built-in marketing tools? Do you need a platform that integrates with your accounting software?
2. Hosting and platform ownership
The next step is to decide if you want to use a hosted platform or an on-premise platform. Hosted platforms are easier to set up and don’t require any maintenance. Cloud-hosted platforms are especially a good choice if you want a scalable platform that can handle many products.
On-premise platforms, on the other hand, give you more control over your website but require more technical expertise to set up and maintain.
3. Ease of use
The platform you choose should be easy to use, both for you and for your customers. It should be easy to add and manage products, create categories, and set up shipping and payment options.
The checkout process should be simple and straightforward, and customer support should be readily available if anything goes wrong.
4. The cost of the platform
The price of the platform is, of course, an important consideration. Some platforms are free, while others charge a monthly fee. Make sure to consider all the costs, including set-up fees and any other hidden costs.
Don’t forget the long-term costs associated with the platform, such as hosting fees, transaction fees, and support costs.
5. Security
When you’re dealing with sensitive customer information, security is of the utmost importance. Make sure that the platform you choose has strong security features, such as SSL encryption and fraud detection.
You should also consider whether the platform meets industry-specific compliance standards, such as PCI, for businesses that accept credit card payments.
6. Scalability
As your business grows, you’ll need a platform that can scale along with you. The platform should be able to handle an increase in traffic and transactions without any issues.
It’s also important to choose a platform that offers features that will help you as you grow, such as inventory management and marketing tools.
7. Multiple payment options
Your customers should be able to pay for your products using their preferred payment method. So, you’ll need a platform that supports multiple payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers.
A platform that supports multiple payment gateways is especially important for businesses that plan to scale globally.
8. Technical support
Even if you’re using a hosted platform, technical problems can occur. That’s why it’s important to choose a platform that offers 24/7 technical support.
Ideally, the platform should also offer training resources, such as user guides and tutorials, to help you resolve any issues yourself.
In closing,
The above are some of the key factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose a platform that’s right for your business.
