Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups: 6 Options to Consider

Starting an online business can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider – from the products you want to sell to the website design, to the payment processing system. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is which eCommerce platform to use. In this article, we will discuss 6 of the best eCommerce platform for startups. We’ll give you a brief overview of each platform, and help you decide which one is right for you. Let’s get started!

What is an eCommerce Platform?

An eCommerce platform is a software application that enables online shopping. It provides a marketplace for buyers and sellers to connect and transact business. An eCommerce platform typically includes a shopping cart, catalogs, product search, payment gateway, shipping, and checkout functionality.

Most platforms also offer tools for managing inventory, customers, orders, and analytics. The two main types of eCommerce platforms are self-hosted and hosted. A self-hosted platform requires the merchant to set up and manage their own server while the provider manages a hosted platform.

The most popular self-hosted eCommerce platforms are WooCommerce and PrestaShop, while the most popular hosted platforms are Shopify and BigCommerce. 

The Different Types of eCommerce Platforms

The three main different types of eCommerce platforms are SaaS (software-as-a-service) platforms, PaaS (platform-as-a-service) platforms, and on-premises platforms. SaaS and PaaS platforms both deliver eCommerce solutions through the internet. SaaS platforms, like Shopify and Wix, involve software only. Once they add a hardware element to their eCommerce software platform, they become known as PaaS platforms. 

On-premise eCommerce solutions are hosted locally by the retailer and managed by their IT staff rather than being set up by another provider and are managed through the cloud. The main advantage of on-premise eCommerce is that it gives the retailer full control over their data and website security. The downside is that it requires a larger upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. 

SaaS and PaaS eCommerce platforms are best for smaller companies or companies that are just getting started in eCommerce. They offer a professional and easy-to-use setup and support. The downside is that they have less flexibility than on-premise solutions and can be more expensive in the long run. 

The best option for a company depends on its specific needs and budget. All three types of eCommerce platforms have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision.

How to Choose the Right eCommerce Platform for Startups

E-commerce platforms have transformed the way businesses operate. They have made it possible for businesses to reach a larger audience with less overhead costs. In addition, they provide customers with a convenient way to shop from the comfort of their own homes.

Platforms such as Amazon and eBay have become household names thanks to the ease and convenience they offer shoppers. For businesses, an eCommerce platform can provide a competitive edge in today’s market. When choosing an eCommerce platform, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your business. 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choosing a platform that offers the features and functionality you need to grow your business is important.

The Top 6 eCommerce Platforms for Startups

Shopify

Shopify is a web application or eCommerce platform that lets you create your online eCommerce stores to sell a variety of products. It provides you with a wide range of ‘themes’ that can be customized to meet your branding requirements and allows you to build e-commerce websites that sell either physical or digital products.

Shopify is one of the best-known eCommerce platforms available, providing full access to CSS, HTML, and Liquid (Shopify’s templating language).

Shopify is also an excellent choice for those looking for the best eCommerce platforms for dropshipping as it is a SaaS-based eCommerce platform. Overall, Shopify is a versatile and user-friendly platform that is perfect for anyone looking to set up an online store.

Key Features

• Comes in dropshipping-ready features.
• Shopify has experts that you can hire for your online store.
• Shopify comes with 6000+ apps that you can integrate with your eCommerce website.
• Shopify allows you to sell wholesale products through your eCommerce website.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a popular e-commerce solution that enables WordPress users to sell physical and digital products, as well as affiliated products from certain marketplaces.

WooCommerce is open-source and comes bundled with PayPal, BACS, and cash on delivery for accepting payments. In addition, WooCommerce integrates hundreds of solutions, making it a versatile platform for businesses of all sizes.

Whether you’re looking to sell products online or build a sophisticated e-commerce site, WooCommerce has the tools and functionality you need to get started.

Key Features

• Easy to setup with one click installation in WordPress
• It has a Built-in third-party payment system and also allows cash on delivery
• You can Drag and drop features to set up your online store
• It has a built-in feature for Hassle-free product listing
• WooCommerce is Suitable for both small businesses to big companies to build online stores.

LogiCommerce

LogiCommerce is a Headless eCommerce software that provides cutting-edge technology for medium to large companies through a Unified B2B & B2C platform. World renowned brands like VW, GAP, Audi, eseOese, Munich, Nestlé, IMC Toys use LogiCommerce. 

This solution provides a very intuitive and easy-to-use BackOffice to simplify the daily operations of an eCommerce. It is highly customizable thanks to its APIs that allow seamless integrations with ERPs, CRMs or any other application. Moreover, it offers 200+ native B2B & B2C features that will help you to empower the capabilities of your online store.

LogiCommerce is perhaps the most affordable Headless platform in the market. Their pricing policy is very transparent, with no hidden costs or transaction fees and all prices are published in their website.

Key features

• Low TCO 
• SaaS-based eCommerce platform
• Scalability & Performance 
• 24/7 Support Worldwide
• Seamless Updates
• Outstanding BackOffice
• Easy integrations
• Marketing-focused
• Omnichannel ready

Webflow

Webflow is a website-building platform that lets you create your own website or online store. It is a cloud-based, ‘software as a service (SaaS) e-commerce platform that runs in a web browser.

Webflow allows users to create websites without having to code. It also provides templates and hosting so that users can launch their websites with little to no technical knowledge. Webflow is an affordable way to create a professional website without having to hire a web developer.

Key Features

• Customizable Branding for all eCommerce stores
• Customizable Templates for your eCommerce site
• Content Management System
• Activity Dashboard
• Third-Party Integrations for any eCommerce site
• Support for API
• Reporting/Analytics
• Reporting & Statistics

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that offers companies and creators a quick and simple way to launch a website. Squarespace is an easy-to-use content management system (CMS) that provides users with an easy-to-use interface for creating and managing their website and its content.

Squarespace offers a variety of templates and tools that make it easy to create a professional-looking website, without the need for coding or design know-how. In addition, Squarespace offers users the ability to connect their domain name, giving them complete control over their website’s branding and identity.

Squarespace is an ideal platform for businesses or individuals who want to create a high-quality website without the hassle or expense of hiring a web designer or developer.

Key Features

• Ready templates to design a variety of eCommerce stores
• They have regular webinars
• Resourceful support center that is beginner-friendly to use
• Easy to use product listing and product catalogs.

Wix

Wix is a popular website builder that offers a separate service for eCommerce, known as Wix eCommerce. Like the regular builder, the eCommerce builder has an easy drag-and-drop option. The eCommerce feature of Wix works in the SaaS model and is beginner friendly. The basic package usually starts from $17/month.

Using Wix, even a non-tech guy can design a custom eCommerce website, which is a huge money saving for startups. Just choose the plan that best suits your needs and design a mobile-optimized store with all the necessary pages. Wix is a great option for those who want to create a professional eCommerce website without having to spend a lot of money.

Key Features

• Wix has a large library of pre-built media for building eCommerce stores.
• Wix comes with a Built-in payment system 
• It has a Default cart and pre-built checkout pages
• Wix also has a Free currency switcher
• It also features an automated sales tax

Frequently Asked Questions

How do e-commerce platforms work?

In order to understand how an e-commerce platform works, it is first important to understand the basics of setting up an online store. You start by picking a custom design theme from a selection of choices. This acts as the unique layout of your website.

After that, you can populate the theme with your own products, images, and content. You will manage your online store from a dashboard where you can view things like shipping, analytics, invoices, and marketing.

In order to take payments, you will need to connect to a payment processor. Once everything is set up, you will be able to start selling online through your e-commerce site. If you need guidance on optimizing your platform or have any queries, consider reaching out for b2b eCommerce consulting services.

Which Is The Best eCommerce platform to sell products online?

This is a common question that many online entrepreneurs face. There are many well-known e-commerce websites development platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Webflow, and others.

All of these will help you in building the perfect eCommerce website to sell any type of product online. However, every platform has its own pros and cons.

Which is the best platform for your E-commerce startup depends on the size of your business and the specific features and functionalities you are looking for. If you are just starting out, then Shopify would be a good option as it is easy to set up and use.

However, if you are looking for more advanced features and functionality, then WooCommerce or Webflow would be a better option.

Ultimately, it all comes down to what your specific needs are. 

Which is the fastest eCommerce platform?

There are many factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform, but one of the most important is website speed. A fast-loading website is essential for keeping customers engaged, and it can also help to improve search engine ranking.

Shopify is the fastest eCommerce platform, offering a variety of features that are designed to help businesses grow. In addition to a fast loading speed, Shopify also offers better security, personalization options, and a user-friendly interface. The platform also has a dedicated app store, which makes it easy to find and use the tools you need to grow your business.

Perhaps most importantly, Shopify offers quick customer support, so you can get help when you need it. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that Shopify is the fastest eCommerce platform.

Final Thoughts

The above-mentioned platforms are some of the best eCommerce platforms for startups. These platforms offer various features and benefits that can help entrepreneurs in setting up their online stores quickly and easily. Select the platform that best suits your specific needs and get started with selling online.