Having a great product to sell is only one aspect of having a successful E-commerce business. If buyers can’t find your product you will not get any sales, and if you use the wrong platforms it could end up setting you back a small fortune, with very little results. To help guide you through this problem so that you can manage costs and have the maximum return on investment, here’s a short list of some of the best open source e-commerce platforms out there.
Any business, when first starting out, needs to keep their costs to a minimum. E-commerce platforms can be very expensive, which is why you need to carry out research, comparing services and price. Do not go for the cheapest package simply because you are going to save money, as using the wrong one could end up costing you more. There are many great options available that will not cost you much money, and if you are on a tight budget you should consider using free open source e-commerce platforms.
What Are Open Source E-commerce Platforms?
An open source e-commerce platform allows for any developer to create their own apps and add-ons to help improve the platform. They are free, of course, and some of the best platforms have been created this way, such as WordPress. It is the best way for new e-commerce businesses when they are first starting out, as they will save considerable money, which is vital when businesses are first starting out.
Below are the best free open source platforms that you should consider using if you’re setting up an e-commerce business:
#1: OpenCart
If you are self-employed and have very little technological knowledge, OpenCart is an excellent choice. It is very fast and simple to set up and your e-commerce store will be up and running in no time. There is a wide selection of different themes along with a great selection of plugins to further enhance your online store.
#2: ZenCart
ZenCart was one of the pioneers of open source e-commerce platforms, and it continues to grow in popularity. One of the main features that set it apart from the others is its excellent product management facilities. It may not be the best-looking or fastest due to a large number of plugins required, but it is very effective and a great choice when starting out.
#3: WooCommerce
WooCommerce is quickly becoming one of the leading free open source platforms, and is considered the WordPress of the e-commerce segment. It is easy to learn how to use, and it has one of the best choices of theme templates available so you can make your store stand out from the crowd.
Conclusion
There are lots of choices available, and it is important that you take the time when creating an online business so you get it correct from the start to give your e-commerce business the best chance of success. Make sure you take into consideration the cost of additional extensions, along with if you will need to hire a third party to help with the technical work. Compare all of the different features, along with checking out reviews online to find out the company’s level of support.
Acknowledgement: We’d like to thank Floship for providing the source material for the content. For a more comprehensive list of e-commerce platform options, please visit their website at this link.
