Map the actual operation.
- Before comparing platforms, document products, variants, payments, shipping and returns.
- Note any ERP, inventory system or wholesale price list.
- These requirements influence the project far more than a colour choice or visual effect.
Know the main platforms.
- Shopify is a subscription that includes hosting and updates, so you start quickly with little technical upkeep.
- WooCommerce is the open-source shop of WordPress and suits stores where articles and content carry weight.
- Magento handles large catalogues, several storefronts and wholesale, but needs an experienced team and strong hosting.
- BigCommerce is a subscription and suits stores that also sell to businesses or across several channels at once.
- OpenCart is lightweight and open source, for simple catalogues without complex integrations.
Compare total cost and responsibility.
- A proposal should explain what the build includes and what recurs.
- Ask about hosting, subscriptions, extensions, support and integrations.
- Establish who handles updates and what happens when an external service changes.
Review the back office, not just the storefront.
- Everyday use is part of quality.
- Ask to see how a product is added, stock is updated and an order is handled.
- A solution can look impressive while creating unnecessary manual work for the team.
Run a complete test before launch.
- Test search, product selection, basket, payment and confirmation on mobile and desktop.
- Also review failed payments, shipping calculations and the information reaching the back office.
- Good design matters when things do not go as expected too.
Written by the Omnica team.