eCommerce Platforms – Bloggingtips.com https://bloggingtips.com Start, Grow, and Monetize a Blog Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:21:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 JROX https://bloggingtips.com/listing/jrox/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jrox https://bloggingtips.com/listing/jrox/#respond Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:08:49 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95952 Read more]]> Having a small business that is strictly a brick-and-mortar operation isn’t enough these days.

In the new age of the internet, expanding your operations to include an eCommerce option is almost necessary to stay relevant in the industry.

Companies like JROX are helpful in that they provide the eCommerce platform as well as other premium features.

These options help you move in the right direction and increase your profit margins while expanding into new territories.

What are the top features associated with JROX?

Continue reading below to find out, as well as pricing structure and reviews.

What is JROX?

As a company, JROX offers an easy-to-use eCommerce platform for those looking to get an online store up and running.

With step-by-step instructions and simple infrastructure, you can enter all necessary information and have your business up and going in no time.

Additionally, JROX helps companies integrate affiliate programs into their business structure.

These programs provide a commission to those who refer new customers and secure the purchase of a sale.

While there is a slight out-of-pocket cost to compensate the affiliates, the long-term profits typically outweigh any financial concerns.

Other top features associated with JROX include customer and content management as well as content design.

All of these amenities lend to the professional appearance each company has on their eCommerce site when partnering with JROX.

What is JROX Used For?

The primary function of the JROX platform is to help companies transition from strictly being an in-person shopping model to both that and an online storefront.

However, the company also provides services to help enact affiliate programs for such businesses and create and manage customer information and content.

How JROX Works

To get a clear visual representation of how JROX works, you can take part in an on-site demo the company provides on its website.

This demonstration shows everything that can be done in conjunction with JROX and outlines the customizations that can be made.

The company offers a specific username and password for those who wish to participate.

It is essential to note that this information is reset every three hours.

Therefore, if you decide to participate in a later opportunity, you will require a new set of login information.

JROX at a Glance

Many vital elements make JROX and the services it provides to users.

Below are some of the features that make the product what it is and why it’s so valuable to customers.

Market Segment: Business Owners

Best For: Those who currently operate an in-store business and are looking to expand to eCommerce

Plans & Pricing:

  • Free Plan: 50 affiliate limit and self-hosted
  • Ecommerce: Hosted by JROX with unlimited affiliates for $47 per month or $30 per month with an annual plan
  • Owned License: Unlimited affiliates and self-hosted for a $297 one-time fee

Notable Features of JROX

As a premier eCommerce and affiliate service provider for business owners of all industries, JROX has many top features that users appreciate.

Some of them include the following:

1. One-time purchase option

Instead of paying a monthly fee for the duration of your business, you can opt to self-host and pay a one-time payment to have unlimited affiliates.

Many business owners appreciate being able to utilize the technology portion while having the option to shop around for hosting services.

2. Ecommerce platform

Web design can be complicated for some people, and it takes time to learn how to integrate all the appropriate codes and elements.

Having an easy-to-use platform like JROX that allows you to get an eCommerce store up and running in no time at all can be a huge weight off a business owner’s shoulders.

3. Customer management

Keeping your customer’s information organized and in one location can be cumbersome.

Finding a system that works and sticking to it can be challenging to implement.

JROX offers solutions to this issue on its platform, and many customers have responded positively to its functionality.

4. Content design

Templates and layouts are continually becoming more detailed and complex.

Creating a storefront that rivals those most profitable can be overwhelming when done on your own.

Using JROX allows you to easily create professional designs for your content due to the tools that JROX provides its users.

5. Free version

For those who are just starting and want to explore the options that eCommerce provides, JROX provides a free version.

While this is self-hosted, meaning you have to take on the expense of making the store live on the internet, you can use the tools available and have up to 50 affiliates in your program.

Are There Any Minimum Requirements Necessary to Use JROX?

There are no minimum requirements for using JROX.

The company’s program is web-based and has no technological stipulations.

Additionally, there are no age restrictions for using the program.

With that being said, you need a functional debit or credit card to pay for any monthly, annual, or one-time fees that are part of your package choice.

For the self-hosted plans, you will need to identify a company to house your online store once completed and ensure that everything is set up accordingly to avoid service delays.

If you implement an affiliate program, there are certain legal obligations that you will have to incorporate.

Ultimately, be sure to include an affiliate disclosure on your site and have others do so too.

How Much Does JROX Cost?

There are three plans available for JROX users.

However, if more hosting or custom alterations to a plan are necessary, you can reach out to customer service for a quote.

  • Free Plan: 50 affiliate limit and self-hosted
  • Ecommerce: Hosted by JROX with unlimited affiliates for $47 per month or $30 per month with an annual plan
  • Owned License: Unlimited affiliates and self-hosted – $297 one-time fee

Does JROX Have an Enterprise Version Available?

JROX does not have an enterprise version available for purchase.

However, if your business needs are more significant than what the listed plans offer, you can reach out to customer service to receive a custom quote for services.

JROX Promotions & Savings

If the thought of using JROX for your eCommerce and affiliate program intrigues you but the cost doesn’t, you can rest assured that there are opportunities for a reduced price.

Some of the promotions routinely available are listed below.

Does JROX Have a Free Trial?

If you want to try out the JROX platform for your eCommerce and affiliate program needs, you can enter into a free trial for 30 days.

During that time, JROX will host your site for you and charge your payment method the monthly rate at the end of the trial unless you cancel ahead of time.

Does JROX Offer Coupon Codes?

From time to time, JROX will offer coupon codes to new customers.

These codes will permit users to obtain services for a price reduction.

Most commonly, these are available on the company website or through email communication.

However, at times they will be listed on third-party coupon sites.

Does JROX Have a Lifetime Deal?

While JROX does not offer a lifetime deal with plans that include hosting, they do offer a one-time rate for those looking to use the platform while self-hosting.

This deal is associated with the unlimited affiliate members plan.

However, users can also secure a lifetime deal if they only utilize the free option for the duration of their business.

Does JROX Usually Offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday Discounts?

Although JROX has not offered Black Friday or Cyber Monday discounts in previous years, there is a possibility that the company will provide such promotions in the future.

Who are JROX’s Main Alternatives?

If you like what JROX offers but want to explore a bit to see what other options are available for eCommerce and affiliate services, there are a few alternatives that offer similar products and features as JROX.

1. AffiliateWP

If you are primarily looking to integrate an affiliate program into your business operations, AffiliateWP is an option that may work well for your needs.

While the pricing structure is a bit higher than what you see with JROX, significant savings opportunities occur throughout the year to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Affiliate

While Affiliate doesn’t offer a specific platform to create eCommerce operations, they provide a unique twist of affiliate marketing that is visually appealing and creative.

The company uses custom product boxes and comparison charts that lure customers in and reduce the number of plugins that those operating affiliate sites need to purchase and download.

How Does JROX Differentiate Itself From Competitors?

JROX is a platform that caters to those looking to expand from in-person operations to both that and eCommerce.

They also aim to assist users in starting their affiliate programs.

With direct competition, you will more readily see individual options.

Some may offer an eCommerce platform, while others help you build an affiliate program.

It’s rare to see both in one outside of JROX.

You will also have competitors that offer solutions for individuals that operate affiliate websites.

These users don’t have a business of their own; their sole purpose is to market other companies products and services.

Who is JROX Best For?

When it comes down to it, JROX is best for those who currently operate a brick-and-mortar business but are looking to expand and include eCommerce in their structure.

Additionally, those who are interested in affiliate marketing will be able to integrate reasonably priced solutions into their website.

Why is JROX Best For Ecommerce?

JROX does its best to offer affordable solutions to businesses looking to expand in their industry and market without breaking the bank.

The company also seeks to help increase profit potential through the addition of affiliate marketing.

Is JROX Easy to Use?

While JROX may not have the efficient and streamlined portal that a company like Shopify offers, its website is intuitive and allows individuals to create their online presence in a quick and streamlined way.

What Features Do Some Users Love?

With all the premium features that JROX offers, there are a few that users find incredibly valuable.

The top-rated comes in the form of the free plan option.

While users have to obtain their hosting, many find that being able to create their eCommerce store for no cost has been highly beneficial to their bottom line.

Additionally, users appreciate being able to implement creative marketing approaches through affiliate integration.

You don’t often see a company that blends the two, and the perk doesn’t go unnoticed with JROX’s customers.

What Features Do Some Users Find Frustrating?

While users find that the price is right for what JROX offers, they have a few points of contention regarding some of the features.

Primarily users express frustration at the lack of customer service options for non-clients.

In the early days, being able to speak to a representative is challenging, and help is restricted to support communities and email.

Additionally, the interface needs a refresh.

While customers understand that JROX’s program won’t be at the same level as high-end platforms, certain areas of the portal can be challenging to use in the design process.

Wrapping Up

Business owners must remain vigilant in their marketing efforts.

With the increase of the internet, creating an online presence is vital to stay relevant and increase profits.

JROX helps business owners to expand their in-store operations to include eCommerce opportunities.

In addition to embracing the online world for product and service sales, JROX takes the extra step of helping companies implement long-term solutions through affiliate marketing programs.

Including these avenues in e-commerce allows business owners to gain additional revenue through customer referrals and increase profit margins over time.

Overall, JROX keenly attempts to help users expand their operations while on a tight budget.

Their trial offer, free plan, and one-time fee option provide ample opportunities to increase profit on a budget.

Are you a current or past customer of JROX?

If so, what are your opinions on the company and the services they offer?

Let us know in the comments section below.

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BigCommerce https://bloggingtips.com/listing/bigcommerce/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bigcommerce https://bloggingtips.com/listing/bigcommerce/#respond Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:54:53 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95857 Read more]]> The aptly named BigCommerce has been delivering intuitive and high-powered eCommerce tools to businesses of all sizes since 2009.

They’re carved out a space as one of the leading eCommerce platforms, and all companies, whether you’re an army of one or a multinational corporation, can benefit from the powerful tools that BigCommerce offers.

BigCommerce at a Glance

Unsure if BigCommerce is the right choice for you? This high-level overview should help you decide.

  • Market Segment: B2B and B2C eCommerce
  • Best For: SMBs and Enterprise operations
  • Plans & Pricing: 
    • Plan 1: Standard – $29.95/month
    • Plan 2: Plus – $79.95/month
    • Plan 3: Pro – $299.95/month

What Is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is a SaaS eCommerce platform that offers a suite of features and integrations with many of the most prominent players in the eCommerce world.

While the company was launched to cater to small businesses, it has also become a well-regarded tool for enterprise-level operations.

What Is BigCommerce Used For?

The platform is used to sell goods or services online.

BigCommerce offers a hosted eCommerce solution delivering web hosting, software, and all the tools needed to launch an eCommerce store.

How BigCommerce Works

BigCommerce allows users to create a professional-looking website for their products while streamlining all the backend processes necessary for the store to run smoothly.

Through the dashboard, store owners can add products, create collections and categories, and manage orders and returns from one location.

There’s also detailed analytics information and tools for managing your SEO, sales channels, and marketing efforts.

In other words, you never have to leave BigCommerce to handle any aspects of your store.

Notable Features of BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers users a powerful suite of tools and features that make it easier than ever to manage your eCommerce operations.

Let’s take a closer look at the five most critical elements of the platform.

1. Unlimited Bandwidth, Storage, and Product Uploads

BigCommerce’s most note-worthy feature is its lack of limits on any of its plans.

You can add as many products to your store as you want, supported by unlimited storage and bandwidth.

2. Conversion Tools

The platform has several tools designed to boost conversions.

Every BigCommerce plan includes a single-page checkout to reduce customer friction when it’s time to make a purchase.

Administrators can also add product videos and reviews to product pages, making it easier for customers to see the product in action and read what other users have to say about their experience.

Users can also create discount and coupon codes for store products, and the bulk pricing feature allows you to give customers a volume-based discount to incentivize larger purchases.

Abandoned cart recovery and persistent cart features are available with the Plus and Pro plans, which deliver additional conversion tools.

None of these features are new in the eCommerce space, but what separates BigCommerce is that they’re included in the base price of your subscription.

3. Excellent Uptime

Site uptime is one of the most critical aspects of running an eCommerce store.

Nothing deals a more significant blow to customer confidence than your site being down or loading slowly.

BigCommerce utilizes Amazon Web Services to deliver a fast and consistent experience to all users, with a 99.99% uptime guarantee.

4. Integrations

BigCommerce offers an industry-leading slate of software integrations, including Quickbooks, Hubspot, Salesforce, NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics.

Altogether, there are 49 different integrations currently available for BigCommerce sites.

5. Cross Channel Sales

Customers are making purchases across more platforms than ever before.

Today, customers are just as likely to purchase something they see on Instagram or Facebook or on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay as they are to buy from a dedicated eCommerce retailer.

BigCommerce lets you list your products for sale on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Google Merchant Center, and Instagram without any additional hoops to go through.

Are There Any Minimum Requirements Necessary To Use BigCommerce?

Everything you’ll need to run your store is contained within the BigCommerce platform, so there are no minimum requirements for using their service.

How Much Does BigCommerce Cost?

BigCommerce offers three different pricing plans catered to small and midsize businesses.

They also provide custom enterprise solutions for larger companies which you can discuss with the company.

Each plan comes with unlimited bandwidth, storage, and products.

The Plus and Pro tiers also feature support for Google customer reviews and product filters.

In addition, Pro accommodates unlimited API calls and multi-storefronts.

Its three price tiers are:

  • Standard: $29.95/month
  • Plus: $79.95/month
  • Pro: 299.95/month
screenshot of the bigcommerce pricing table

Does BigCommerce Have an Enterprise Version Available?

Yes, BigCommerce offers custom solutions for enterprise-level companies, and you can contact them directly for more information on what the enterprise packages include.

While BigCommerce was launched as a tool for SMBs, its platform has become popular with larger businesses because of its depth and selection of tools.

Some of BigCommerce’s Enterprise clients include Ben & Jerry’s, Skullcandy headphones, and Gibson Guitars UK.

BigCommerce Promotions & Savings

If you’re looking to make savings or work within a budget, you might be wondering if BigCommerce runs promotions, lifetime deals, or free trials.

Here’s what you can expect as far as savings and promotions are concerned.

Does BigCommerce Have a Free Trial?

While many competitors require you to lock into a plan before trying out the service, a BigCommerce free trial is available to all users for 15 days.

Does BigCommerce Offer Coupon Codes?

BigCommerce doesn’t have any standing discounts or coupon codes available.

They offer a 10% discount when you purchase an annual plan instead of paying month-to-month, but it’s only available on their Plus and Pro plans.

Does BigCommerce Have a Lifetime Deal?

Unfortunately, BigCommerce doesn’t offer a lifetime plan.

However, that is to be expected considering BigCommerce is one of the largest and most popular eCommerce platforms for all businesses.

Does BigCommerce Usually Offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday Discounts?

In past years, BigCommerce has offered excellent Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that provide new customers with a sizable discount.

These deals change every year, so if you’re shopping for an eCommerce platform around the holidays, it might be wise to wait and see what kind of savings BigCommerce will offer.

Who are BigCommerce’s Main Alternatives?

BigCommerce is far from the only competitor in this space.

Indeed, there are a few viable options you’ll want to consider before making your final decision.

1. Etsy

Etsy is one of the largest marketplaces in the world for small businesses.

screenshot of the etsy.com homepage

There’s a wide range of goods for sale on the site, but this marketplace is a bit more specialized than most.

In particular, Etsy focuses on handmade goods, vintage pieces, art, crafts, and craft supplies.

Sellers can list their items on Etsy for $.20 per item, while the company assesses a fee of 3-5% depending on the payment processor you choose when the item sells.

You can also advertise your products on the site in exchange for a larger fee being assessed when your item sells.

Etsy is an excellent marketplace for small businesses with a clearly-defined specialist focus.

If you’re in the business of vintage, artsy pieces, clothing, or jewelry, Etsy is a compelling choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses getting their start.

Overall, Etsy is a versatile option, and an excellent platform to consider if you’re looking for different types of niche products to sell.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is one of the largest competitors to BigCommerce, with a few critical differentiators.

screenshot of the woocommerce homepage

Most importantly, WooCommerce is an open-source plug-in that works exclusively with sites that use WordPress as their CMS.

It’s free to use WooCommerce for your site.

However, many of the plug-ins and integrations, as well as almost all of the premium themes, are sold a la carte.

While it looks like the most affordable option on paper, the costs of creating a beautiful and functional WooCommerce site add up.

Moreover, BigCommerce has less of a learning curve, and you can get your site running faster than if you’re building out a WooCommerce site from scratch.

But if you have a background in web development, WooCommerce is an effective option to execute your vision.

3. Shopify

One of the closest competitors to BigCommerce is Shopify, which has a near-identical business model.

screenshot of the shopify homepage

Shopify allows store owners to build out an excellent eCommerce site quickly, and it’s loaded with integrations, free plug-ins, and other tools that make it easy to bring visitors to your site and convert them to customers.

Shopify’s pricing is virtually identical to BigCommerce, but the two differ significantly in plan features.

Its basic plan doesn’t offer nearly as many features as BigCommerce, but its higher tiers provide an excellent feature assortment that some users may find superior.

The Shopify platform is often a better fit for stores with a brick-and-mortar location, as they offer adaptable POS tools that allow you to integrate your online and physical businesses seamlessly.

BigCommerce doesn’t offer a POS system with their plans, but there is a free integration with Square you can use to run your physical store.

Check out our other review of Shopify!

How Does BigCommerce Differentiate Itself From Competitors?

BigCommerce has plenty of competitors, so how does the tool stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, it provides a broad selection of native tools and plug-ins, meaning you don’t have to spend to get the functionality you’re looking for.

Moreover, BigCommerce has an impressive theme selection from top developers.

While there aren’t many free options, what are available are easy to navigate and designed with conversion in mind.

Who Is BigCommerce Best For?

BigCommerce is the best choice for growing small and midsize to enterprise businesses that need top-quality eCommerce tools and don’t have brick-and-mortar locations.

The Plus and Pro tiers, not to mention the Enterprise plan, offer flexible scalability.

Why Is BigCommerce Best for Growing Businesses?

While smaller businesses and entrepreneurs can benefit, BigCommerce is more suited to companies that expect growth.

BigCommerce delivers an extensive suite of tools, giving you everything you need to sustain continued growth.

Is BigCommerce Easy To Use?

There may be an eCommerce platform or two that’s more user-friendly than BigCommerce, but it couldn’t be by much of a margin.

BigCommerce is incredibly easy to use, with an intuitive dashboard that allows store owners to manage their entire eCommerce business in one place.

What Features Do Some Users Love?

BigCommerce users love how they’re able to add unlimited products, variations, and media to support product pages.

There are tons of native conversion tools available on every plan, making it easy to design a store that users will love.

BigCommerce also comes with excellent marketing tools to help you identify and target the type of customer your store needs to grow.

What Features Do Some Users Find Frustrating?

One aspect that’s bothersome to some users is the sales cap on each plan.

Once your store amasses a certain amount of annual sales, you’ll need to bump up to the next plan level, even if you don’t feel you need to switch.

BigCommerce also doesn’t win much favor with their customer service department.

While their support staff is cordial and responsive, many are unequipped to assist with higher-level issues.

The result is that it often takes a few days to get a resolution for your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions people have when researching BigCommerce.

What’s the Difference Between BigCommerce and Shopify?

BigCommerce and Shopify are SaaS eCommerce platforms allowing you to run an excellent online store.

These two companies are similar, with many comparable features.

BigCommerce offers more native tools, and it’s the better choice for large businesses that only sell online.

Who uses BigCommerce?

BigCommerce has a lengthy list of top companies they can count as clients, including Uplift standing desks, GE Appliances, Sony, and Ubisoft.

Wrapping Up

BigCommerce is a powerful eCommerce platform with many native tools and plug-ins that make it easier to operate and grow your online store.

Their three-tiered plans offer flexibility, ensuring BigCommerce remains one of the best options on the market for eCommerce stores.

Are you a BigCommerce user?

Please sound off in the review section below, and let us know how you feel.

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Shopify: Features, Pricing and User Reviews https://bloggingtips.com/listing/shopify/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shopify https://bloggingtips.com/listing/shopify/#respond Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:07:31 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95805 Read more]]> Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms on the market.

Businesses of all sizes use Shopify to create and manage their online stores.

Many people– including myself– know Shopify for its user-friendly interface, numerous features, and competitive pricing plans.

The company remains at the top of the industry for its adaptation and dedication to helping businesses thrive.

In this Shopify review, we will look at what Shopify offers you as a business owner and how you can use it to grow your online business.

Shopify at a Glance

Let’s explain who Shopify is ideal for and how its pricing works.

  • Market Segment: E-commerce businesses.
  • Best For: Online stores.
  • Plans & Pricing:
    • Starter: $5 per month
    • Basic: $29 per month
    • Shopify: $79 per month
    • Advanced: $299 per month
    • Shopify Plus: $2,000 per month

What Is Shopify?

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that enables businesses to create and operate online stores.

Shopify offers users a customizable platform, an easy-to-use checkout process, and a wide range of features.

What Is Shopify Used For?

You can use Shopify for any online business, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Businesses in various industries use Shopify as their online e-commerce platform to sell anything under the sun, including apparel, cosmetics, furniture, and food & beverage.

How Shopify Works

Shopify works by providing you with a platform to build your online store and manage your inventory.

Shopify also gives you the ability to accept payments and track orders.

You can use Shopify to sell online, in-person, and on social media.

Notable Features of Shopify

Here are the most important advantages you’ll get from using Shopify.

1. Easily Build an Online Store

The builder inside your Shopify account offers one of the most user-friendly dashboards.

After logging into the dashboard, you can select from templates to give your website a distinct look and feel.

Shopify also offers an extensive app store, which provides access to plenty of tools to help you run your business more efficiently.

2. Themes

Shopify offers a selection of free and paid Shopify themes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

The e-commerce platform makes it easy to customize your themes.

Use the builder to adjust colors and fonts.

As well, add your logo to any theme. You can also hire Shopify experts to help you create a completely custom look for your store.

3. Accept Payments

With Shopify, you can accept payments from customers worldwide.

The platform integrates with popular payment processors like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Stripe.

You can start accepting payments as soon as you create your account.

You can also set up automatic tax calculations so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with the latest tax laws.

4. Track Orders

Shopify gives you the ability to track your orders from the warehouse to their final destination.

The platform allows you to see which orders already shipped out, which orders need to go out, and which deliveries have completed their process.

You can also view customer information and contact information so you can keep in touch with your customers.

5. Multiple Sales Channels

You don’t just get the ability to sell online with Shopify.

The platform also helps with in-person sales and selling through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Use email marketing, marketing automation, and various paid ad channels to market your online store’s products to customers.

Are There Any Minimum Requirements Necessary To Use Shopify?

Shopify is easy to use and doesn’t come with many requirements. It’s a web-based platform that you log into.

As long as you have an updated browser and a strong Internet connection, you can satisfactorily use Shopify.

How Much Does Shopify Cost?

Shopify offers several different subscription plans.

The following information summarizes the most important features accessible with each plan.

Each plan you use on Shopify includes transaction fees on top of the monthly plan fees laid out below.

Learn everything you need to know about fees for using Shopify.

Starter Plan

With the Starter Shopify plan, you will receive the following features.

  • Sell without a website
  • Share on social media networks, such as Facebook or Instagram
  • Linkpop page to monetize social media
  • Analytics
  • Order management tools
  • Customer support
  • SMS text messaging

Cost: $5 per month

Basic Plan

The Basic plan gives you the following features.

  • Online store
  • Unlimited products
  • Basic reports
  • Up to four inventory locations
  • Two staff accounts
  • Up to 77% shipping discounts
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Manual order creation
  • Sales channels
  • Discount codes
  • Abandoned cart recovery
  • Free SSL certificate
  • Customer segmentation
  • Gift cards
  • Unlimited contacts
  • Marketing automation
  • Shipping labels
  • Fraud analysis
  • International domains
  • International market management
  • Currency conversion
  • Language Translation
  • Local payments

Cost: $29 per month ($14.44 per month when paid annually)

Shopify Plan

The Shopify plan includes features from the Basic plan and the following additional features.

  • Standard reports
  • Up to five inventory locations
  • Five staff accounts
  • Up to 88% shipping discounts
  • 24/7 customer support
  • eCommerce automations
  • USPS parcel select Cubic pricing
  • USPS priority mail Cubic pricing
  • Shipping insurance

Cost: $79 per month ($39.44 per month when paid annually)

Advanced Plan

You can add the following features to the Shopify plan by purchasing the Advanced plan.

  • Advanced reports
  • Up to eight inventory locations
  • 15 staff accounts
  • Custom pricing by market
  • Duties and import taxes

Cost: $299 per month ($147.78 per month when paid annually)

Shopify Plus Plan

The Shopify Plus plan eliminates the need to pay for third-party hosting and infrastructure.

It will also make sure your website’s performance is the best in the industry at all times.

The plan helps large businesses migrate their online shops over to Shopify.

Cost: $2,000 per month

Does Shopify Have an Enterprise Version Available?

Shopify doesn’t offer an enterprise plan.

The most advanced plan aimed at enterprise businesses is the above-mentioned Shopify Plus plan.

Shopify Promotions & Savings

Here’s a list of any Shopify-specific discounts.

Does Shopify Have a Free Trial?

Yes, the company offers a Shopify free trial. You can try Shopify for 14 days before paying any monthly fees.

Does Shopify Offer Coupon Codes?

You cannot use special coupon codes with Shopify. You must choose one of the pricing plans we previously mentioned.

Does Shopify Have a Lifetime Deal?

Shopify does not offer a lifetime deal.

Does Shopify Usually Offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday Discounts?

Shopify regularly offers a Black Friday deal. In past deals, you could save up to $35 on the Basic plan, $95 on the Shopify plan, and $360 on the Advanced plan.

Who Are Shopify’s Main Alternatives?

When comparing Shopify to the following three most popular alternatives, you’ll have a better idea of which one is best for your needs.

1. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an eCommerce platform that is similar to Shopify.

It also offers various features and tools, as well as a user-friendly interface.

Like Shopify, BigCommerce is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

It offers plans that come in at the exact pricing as that offered by Shopify.

You can buy the BigCommerce Standard plan for $29.95 per month, the Plus plan at $79.95 per month, and $299.95 per month for the Pro plan.

The main features offered by BigCommerce include abandoned cart recovery, coupons and discounts, Google customer reviews, product filtering, real-time shipping quotes, secure checkout, SSL certificates, and website templates.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is an eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It is a popular Shopify alternative as it offers plenty of features that help you build your online store.

While Shopify is a complete eCommerce platform, WooCommerce only provides the plugin that you need to turn your WordPress site into an online store.

It means that you will need to find a suitable WordPress theme and hosting for your website before you can start using WooCommerce.

WooCommerce offers features like automatic tax calculations, built-in payment processing, email marketing integrations, and secure checkout.

You can download the WooCommerce plugin for free. You will often need to pay extra to purchase WooCommerce add-ons to achieve optimal functionality.

3. Wix

Wix works differently from Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce in that it is a website builder first and foremost.

It means that you can use Wix to create any type of website, including an online store.

Wix offers two main ways to build your site: the Wix Editor and Wix ADI (artificial design intelligence).

The former is a traditional drag-and-drop editor while the latter is a more automated approach that builds your site for you.

Wix gives you 500+ templates.

The company designs its templates for specific types of websites such as online stores, restaurants, and businesses.

You can use Wix for free, but this only gives you access to the builder and limited features.

To get full access to everything Wix has to offer, you will need to sign up for a paid plan.

Wix pricing ranges from $16 per month to $45 per month across four plan options.

How Does Shopify Differentiate Itself From Competitors?

Three ways that Shopify differentiates itself from competitors include the following.

Shopify is user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Some competitors require more coding knowledge.

The company gives you the features required for successful online selling, including a built-in blogging platform and numerous integrations with other apps and platforms.

As well, Shopify provides a large and active user community, which can be a valuable resource for your business journey.

Who Is Shopify Best For?

Shopify is best for businesses looking to create an online store.

Why Is Shopify Best for Online Store Builders?

Shopify makes it easy to create and manage your online store, without needing any coding knowledge.

Shopify is also a good choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution, as it includes features such as hosting, marketing, and payments.

Is Shopify Easy To Use?

Yes, Shopify is one of the easiest e-commerce platforms to use.

You don’t need any coding skills or experience to create an online store.

Shopify’s drag-and-drop platform allows you to quickly add products, upload photos, and customize your store.

What Features Do Some Users Love?

Two features that Shopify users like most are Shopify Payments and Shopify POS.

Shopify Payments allows you to accept credit cards and other payment methods directly in your store.

You won’t need to worry about setting up a third-party payment processor.

Shopify POS is a point-of-sale app that lets you sell in person with Shopify.

You can track inventory, manage orders, and accept payments on the go. Use this feature when you’re attending trade shows, pop-up shops, or fairs.

What Features Do Some Users Find Frustrating?

Two features that Shopify users find frustrating are Shopify themes and Shopify apps.

Shopify themes allow you to change the look and feel of your store.

Some users find the themes limiting and not customizable enough.

Shopify apps are third-party apps that you can add to your store to improve its functionality.

However, some users find that there are too many apps available.

They will struggle to decide on which ones to use without becoming overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

You could still have concerns about using Shopify.

Let’s answer two of the most frequently asked questions regarding the online store builder.

What is the difference between Etsy and Shopify?

Etsy is an online marketplace where you can sell handmade or vintage items and supplies.

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows you to create an online store to sell products.

Etsy is better for selling unique items, while Shopify is better for selling products in larger quantities.

Can I sell anything on Shopify?

Yes, Shopify is a versatile platform. You can use it to sell physical or digital products.

You can also use Shopify to sell services, such as consultations or custom-made products.

If you can dream it, chances are you can sell it on Shopify.

Wrapping Up

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that you can use to grow your online business.

Its cost is affordable enough to allow any size business to use it.

Shopify is perfect when you want to start selling online and need help getting started.

Are you ready to begin using Shopify inside your business? Learn more in our review of Shopify.

After you use Shopify, we’d love for you to return to leave a review in the comments below.

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https://bloggingtips.com/listing/shopify/feed/ 0 What is Shopify and How Does it Work [Shopify Explained] nonadult
WooCommerce Review https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/woocommerce/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=woocommerce https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/woocommerce/#respond Fri, 26 Aug 2022 20:53:50 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=94461 Read more]]> Let’s look at a few facts about WooCommerce before we provide our complete WooCommerce review of the platform.

WooCommerce is free and open-source software.

It is a plugin for WordPress, which means you need a WordPress site to use the software solution.

WooCommerce is a solid option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable eCommerce platform.

Price: Free

Discounts Available: WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin, so discounts aren’t required.

Lifetime Plan: No

WooCommerce Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Excellent flexibility
  • Easily customizable

WooCommerce Cons

  • The abundance of additional plugins can overwhelm some
  • Users must pay for some extensions

Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and affordable eCommerce platform, WooCommerce may be the right solution for you.

WooCommerce is a plugin installed on WordPress websites.

It allows business owners to start and run their online stores.

The platform is one of the most popular eCommerce options available.

It offers a large user base and community.

In this WooCommerce review, we will discuss the pros and cons of using WooCommerce, as well as how you can benefit from using it.

Overview of WooCommerce

To give you a complete understanding of our WooCommerce review, let’s explain what WooCommerce is and how it came into existence.

What Is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is an eCommerce platform that enables you to set up an online store and sell products or services.

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, which is a content management system (CMS).

WooCommerce History

Three founders, Adii Pienaar, Mark Forrester, and Magnus Jepson, started the company in 2008.

The business began as WooThemes.

By 2017, the founders decided to put all their focus on eCommerce.

Today, almost four million websites use the platform.

Pros and Cons of WooCommerce

There are benefits and drawbacks to using WooCommerce as your eCommerce platform.

Let’s have a look at some of them.

Pros of WooCommerce

  • A large community of contributors
  • Regularly updated for security
  • Easy to install and set up

Cons of WooCommerce

  • It includes some outdated themes
  • Some of its add-ons can slow down sites

How Much Does WooCommerce Cost?

As an open-source WordPress plugin, it doesn’t cost anything to download and use WooCommerce.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can build your eCommerce store for free.

To use WooCommerce, you’ll need to buy website hosting and possibly other paid plugins.

You can pick up hosting for anywhere between $3 and $30 per month.

For example, you might use a Bluehost promotion for hosting.

Or, you might decide to go with a host like SiteGround and pay closer to $30 per month.

With that in mind, let’s review what you can do after downloading the WooCommerce plugin.

  • Set up an online store
  • Manage online orders
  • Offer secure payments
  • Add functionality via WooCommerce extensions
  • Get help via documentation
  • Obtain marketing help via Google Shopping and more
  • Use Jetpack to increase speed and more
  • Sell in multiple languages

Cost: Free

Is WooCommerce Worth the Cost?

Being a free plugin, yes, it’s worth it to use WooCommerce.

Why WooCommerce Is Worth the Cost

Although other ancillary costs go into building an online store, you’ll never pay to download and use WooCommerce.

Moving beyond WooCommerce, it’s worth investing in website hosting, paid plugins that increase website speed, or customized shopping carts.

Overall, the costs associated with running an online store typically come in far less than the potential for earnings.

The Problem WooCommerce Solves

WooCommerce solves the problem of how to start and run an online store.

The plugin allows you to set up a store quickly and easily and start earning without overspending on unnecessary services.

Why Would Somebody Want To Use WooCommerce?

You’ll want to use WooCommerce if you’re looking for a simple way to start selling online.

WooCommerce offers an eCommerce store with years of history behind it.

It’s a plugin trusted by millions of other website owners around the world.

You’re in good company when using it.

Who Is WooCommerce Best For?

WooCommerce is a solid solution for small businesses, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and anyone else who wants to start an online store.

Why WooCommerce Is Best for Online Store Owners

The WooCommerce plugin is best for online store owners because it’s free, easy to use, and comes with a wide range of features.

WooCommerce is also scalable, which means it can grow with your business.

Who Should NOT Use WooCommerce?

Content marketers shouldn’t use WooCommerce.

Why Content Marketers Should Not Use WooCommerce

If you’re a content marketer, you’re typically more interested in using ads, affiliate marketing, courses, or coaching as monetization methods.

There’s no need to use WooCommerce if you aren’t interested in setting up a traditional online store.

What To Think About Before Buying WooCommerce

Here are five major factors to consider before using WooCommerce or any of its paid extensions.

The Cost of Setting up and Running an Online Store

Although you can use WooCommerce for free, there are costs associated with running an online store.

You’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any paid WooCommerce extensions you might want to use.

Other costs might include hiring someone to help you set up your store.

The Time Commitment Needed To Maintain an Online Store

Running an online store takes time.

You’ll need to invest time creating products, setting up your WooCommerce store, writing descriptions, processing orders, shipping products, and responding to customer inquiries.

WooCommerce can help automate some of these tasks, but you’ll still need to commit time to run your store.

If you don’t have the time to commit, WooCommerce might not be the right platform for you.

WooCommerce’s Scalability – Can It Grow With My Business?

Your online store software must include the ability to scale and can grow with your business.

WooCommerce is a flexible platform that allows you to add more features and functionality as your business grows.

The Amount of Support (and Training) Available for WooCommerce

There’s plenty of WooCommerce documentation and support available.

WooCommerce also has a large community of users willing to help answer questions.

However, if you need more hands-on support and hand-holding, you might want to consider another platform.

Free plugins like WooCommerce can’t provide the same level of support as paid solutions.

If WooCommerce Is the Appropriate Solution for Your Specific Needs

Not all businesses have the same needs.

You’ll need to evaluate your specific needs and decide if WooCommerce is the best solution for you.

Use the information from our complete WooCommerce review to make a solid decision.

Features and Benefits of WooCommerce

Here are the most notable features and benefits of utilizing WooCommerce.

Everything Needed To Set up a Store

The main feature of WooCommerce includes everything you need to set up a store.

You get what you need to turn a WordPress site into an online store.

The plugin guides you through the important first decisions that all new online store owners must make.

  • Store look and feel
  • Homepage design
  • Site structure
  • Menus
  • Payment options
  • Shipping options

Secure and Flexible Payments

WooCommerce offers a variety of secure payment options.

You can use WooCommerce to process credit card payments, PayPal, bank transfers, and more.

The plugin is also flexible enough to allow you to add custom payment methods.

Specific “out of the box” payment options include the following.

  • Stripe
  • WooCommerce Payments
  • Amazon Pay
  • Square
  • Google Pay

Dashboard to Update and Fulfill Orders

With WooCommerce, you get an easy-to-use dashboard that lets you keep track of all your orders in one place.

You can use the WooCommerce order management system to perform the following actions.

  • Update customers on their order status
  • Process refunds
  • Manage customer queries
  • Fulfill orders
  • Track shipping information

The WooCommerce dashboard makes it easy to stay on top of everything that’s happening with your online store.

Don’t fear items such as live shipping rates, automated tax calculations, or printing shipping labels.

The dashboard helps you do it all.

Sell Multiple Types of Products

WooCommerce gives you the ability to sell physical, digital, and even subscription-based products.

You can use WooCommerce to sell anything from T-shirts to eBooks.

The plugin makes it easy to add products and manage your inventory.

Documentation and the Support Forum

One of the nice things about WooCommerce is the vast library of documentation provided to its users.

You’ll discover tutorials that cover topics such as settings and options, installation, updating, setting up product pages, shipping options, managing orders, selling products, mobile apps, and APIs.

The WooCommerce support forum is also a place to check out if you have questions about using WooCommerce.

The WooCommerce team and other WooCommerce users are typically quick to answer any questions you may have.

If you need customization built for your store, you can hire a WooCommerce developer to do it for you.

Marketing Help

WooCommerce comes with integrated marketing features that help you drive traffic to your store and convert visitors into customers.

You can use the built-in SEO features to optimize your site for Google.

You’ll discover WooCommerce integrations with Google Analytics, Facebook, and Twitter.

To communicate with customers, you can integrate with email service providers like Mailchimp.

Sell Internationally

The plugin makes it easy to sell products to customers around the world.

It comes with built-in support for multiple currencies and tax options.

You can use WooCommerce to ship products internationally.

WooCommerce also translates into 24 languages.

Add Jetpack

Jetpack is a plugin that provides WooCommerce users with a vast array of features.

It gives you the ability to do the following.

  • Automatically share products on social media.
  • Create product pages
  • Get backups
  • Obtain tax and shipping services
  • See downtime alerts

With Jetpack, you can also increase website speed, prevent brute force attacks and spam, and secure your store via authenticated customer logins.

Start Small and Scale

WooCommerce will grow with your business.

Start free with the basic WooCommerce plugin.

Begin making sales.

You won’t see transaction fees except those charged by your chosen payment service provider.

As you realize business growth, you can scale into more significant profits by paying for WooCommerce extensions as needed.

The Open Source Aspect

Open source means you have complete ownership and control of your online store.

WooCommerce doesn’t have any hidden agendas.

You’re free to do whatever you want with your store.

You can use the REST API feature to integrate your store with almost any third-party service.

Use the open source aspect of the plugin to create a completely scalable and flexible online business.

Content Features

Use WooCommerce Blocks to choose and display your products in a modular fashion.

For example, you can add the following to your store.

  • Hand-picked products
  • On-sale products
  • New products
  • Top-rated products
  • Bestsellers

Beyond content selections for your product sales, you can also take advantage of blogging with WooCommerce.

Many online store owners fail to use blogging to their advantage.

Stand out from the crowd by blogging about tips that relate to what you sell in your store.

For example, blog about tips for living a healthier lifestyle if you sell health supplements.

Your helpful blog posts will start ranking in Google and other search engines.

As you get search engine traffic and attract people interested in your tips, offer a lead magnet to get them on your email subscriber list.

From there, you can market your products to them by providing discounts, coupons, and other special offers.

Enhance via Extensions

When you’re ready, you can enhance your online store within the official WooCommerce marketplace.

You’ll discover hundreds of free and paid WooCommerce extensions.

Use these extensions for additional functionality or to place more features into your store.

For example, you can add the following extensions.

  • Yoast
  • Google Analytics
  • TaxJar
  • Mailchimp
  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • Fulfillment by Amazon
  • WooCommerce Payments
  • Sell “in person.”
  • Subscription recurring payments
  • Dropshipping
  • USPS shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • MailPoet
  • Pinterest for WooCommerce

Themes

WooCommerce uses what it calls its Storefront theme as its official theme.

You can use it without any bells and whistles to get started.

Later, Storefront allows you to start customizing it with special features.

Or, you can pick from dozens of other online store templates inside the WooCommerce plugin.

Tags and Categories

Use the WooCommerce tags and categories feature to make it easier for customers to find the products they’re searching for.

Or, you can use attributes.

For instance, you might use the size attribute to help customers discover the best clothing options for their needs.

Product Filtering and Sorting

The product filter and sorting features make online shopping easier for customers.

It allows customers to narrow down the products they see by different criteria.

For example, they might only use it to view women’s clothing in sizes currently on sale.

Product Reviews

Encourage product reviews from your customers.

It’s a type of user-generated content that can help you close more sales and boost your conversion rates.

You can offer a discount for customers that leave a review.

Or, you can use a WooCommerce extension to automate the process and send out emails to customers after they make a purchase.

Images and Galleries

Use WooCommerce to upload high-quality product images.

WooCommerce makes it easy to display multiple images for each product.

You can also try the WooCommerce gallery feature to create image galleries for products and blog posts.

Variations

If you sell physical goods, WooCommerce allows you to offer variations of those products.

For example, if you sell t-shirts, you can offer different colors and sizes.

WooCommerce makes it easy for customers to find the right product variation for their needs.

Shipping Methods

WooCommerce offers a variety of shipping options.

Use flat rate shipping, free shipping, or real-time shipping rates from UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL.

WooCommerce Customer Service

As with all online marketing options, you may sometimes get stuck as you build your online store with WooCommerce.

Does WooCommerce Offer Customer Service?

WooCommerce only offers customer support for its extensions that you add to the main plugin.

It also provides help for Jetpack customers.

What Types of Customer Service Does WooCommerce Offer?

The primary customer support offered by WooCommerce is the “self-help” documentation and WooCommerce Support Forum.

If you’re an extension or Jetpack customer, you can get in touch via the WooCommerce help desk.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We’re receptive to your worries regarding our WooCommerce guidance.

However, we’ve done a substantial amount of research on the plugin.

For example, we delved into what users have to say following their experience with the service.

What WooCommerce Users Are Saying

  • “I like what WooCommerce has to offer because it is simple to set up and use, and in a few clicks, you can use it as an online sales platform without third parties. With WooCommerce, everything is possible. Reach out to more people, make money the way you choose with a variety of currencies and payment options, and choose the shipping method.” – Enrique S.
  • “This eCommerce plugin provides you with everything you need to build an online store, and it has never been easier to use. Even the free version offers more than enough features for most users.” – Sudhakar R.
  • “With WooCommerce, you can create and design your eCommerce website to sell any products or services with ease. You don’t have to pay extra money for a middleman since the plugin cuts out that unnecessary step. After installation and setting up some basic information, connect your Payment Gateway and you’re set!” – Ajay R.

WooCommerce Alternatives

Consider the following three rivals while thinking about utilizing WooCommerce for your online store.

Shopify

Shopify is a hosted platform WooCommerce alternative, and you can use Shopify to create an online store.

It offers many features, such as product variations, inventory management, and abandoned cart recovery.

There’s no need to worry about hosting or security, it’s simple to use, and you’ll experience excellent customer support.

How Does Shopify Differ From WooCommerce?

Shopify is a turnkey eCommerce platform that isn’t exclusive to WordPress.

WooCommerce, on the other hand, is a WordPress plugin that can turn only WordPress websites into eCommerce stores.

Who Is Shopify Best For?

Shopify is best for entrepreneurs and businesses who want to set up their eCommerce store quickly and efficiently without necessarily using WordPress.

BigCommerce

With BigCommerce, you get all Shopify’s features and functionality, plus a few more.

BigCommerce caters more to larger businesses with bigger budgets.

Its main features include the following.

  • No transaction fees
  • Abandoned cart saver
  • Advanced product filtering
  • Product reviews and ratings
  • 24/7 support

How Does BigCommerce Differ From WooCommerce?

The main difference between BigCommerce and WooCommerce is that WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin.

BigCommerce is its proprietary platform.

Who Is BigCommerce Best For?

BigCommerce is best for B2B businesses that want features and functionality to grow into larger enterprises.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that will help you build a website from scratch.

It doesn’t market only to people who want to build online stores.

It also helps bloggers, affiliate marketers, and other online marketers build content websites.

Its main benefits include the following.

  • User-friendly interface
  • No need to install anything
  • Free SSL certificate and hosting included

How Does Squarespace Differ From WooCommerce?

The main difference between Squarespace and WooCommerce is that WooCommerce is an eCommerce platform.

Squarespace is a website builder.

However, Squarespace does include the ability to build an online store.

Who Is Squarespace Best For?

Squarespace is best for any entrepreneur interested in building an online store, content-based blog, or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about WooCommerce?

Here are the answers to two of the most frequently asked questions about the eCommerce platform.

How many items can WooCommerce handle?

WooCommerce doesn’t have a limit on the number of items you can sell in your online store.

You can also sell variants of products.

For example, you can sell items in different colors and sizes.

Does WooCommerce have a review shortcode?

Yes, WooCommerce has a shortcode for product reviews.

You can use this shortcode to display WooCommerce product reviews on any post or page on your WordPress website.

Here’s how to use the shortcode.

Wrapping Up

It can feel intimidating when starting to build an online store.

Many moving parts exist during the process, such as creating the storefront, listing products, making sales, and making deliveries to customers.

WooCommerce makes everything involved easy to accomplish.

Use the plugin to get everything set up and begin earning money online.

Are you ready to try WooCommerce?

Install it for free.

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BigCommerce https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/bigcommerce/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bigcommerce https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/bigcommerce/#respond Sat, 20 Aug 2022 21:40:07 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=94048 Read more]]> Overview: BigCommerce is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms.

They help people run thousands of businesses, generating over $9 billion in online sales throughout the company’s existence.

This BigCommerce review will tell you everything the company offers for your online storefront.

Price: Plans include Standard at $29.95 a month, Plus for $79.95 a month, and Pro for $299.95 a month.

Corporations needing more can call for custom pricing of the Enterprise plans.

Discounts Available: You can pay for a year in advance to lower the monthly cost.

There’s no change to the Standard plan, but you save $8 a month with Plus and $30 monthly with Pro.

Lifetime Plan: No

BigCommerce Pros:

  • Strong SEO optimization for your storefront
  • Flexible and scalable shops to grow with your business
  • No commissions or fees taken

BigCommerce Cons:

  • No one-click selling options
  • Must pay more if you sell over a certain amount
  • Involved setup can be difficult for many users

Introduction

BigCommerce is an eCommerce platform that empowers users to create stores and start making profits from what they sell.

It’s the best choice for businesses that plan to grow over time because the BigCommerce plans will scale with you.

Using this service takes away a lot of the work that goes into the backend of creating and managing a shop.

This BigCommerce review will give you information about the company, its history, and who will get the most out of this service.

Overview of BigCommerce

There are so many online storefronts that users struggle to decide what host to use.

Learning about BigCommerce gives you an idea of what the right eCommerce host can provide.

What Is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce gives merchants a simple way to create an online store.

You don’t need a website or template because BigCommerce provides it all with subscription plans.

You log in through their client portal and build your store using their tools, with no need for coding experience or technical knowledge.

You don’t even need special software on your computer.

The program is ideal for users who don’t have much web design experience and those who don’t want to invest too much time in their store’s online design.

Subscribing to BigCommerce frees you up to focus on the products and the business itself without needing to keep a close eye on the selling side.

BigCommerce History

Since its founding in 2009, BigCommerce has helped users create and run stores.

As you’ll read in this BigCommerce review, the platform empowers thousands of merchants to generate significant profits from selling their goods online.

The company has a global reach with offices in Texas, California, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

Pros of BigCommerce

  • Countless free features give you everything you need to run your store without paying extra
  • No commission fees on your use of the platform—you only pay for the subscription
  • SEO optimization ensures your target audience will find their way to your store
  • Multichannel integration allows you to link various storefronts and tools

Cons of BigCommerce

  • Setup takes a lot of work, so having technical knowledge helps get your shop up and running
  • Not ideal for smaller stores that won’t hit a particular profit margin each month
  • Cost-prohibitive for larger businesses because there’s a ceiling cap on profits

How Much Does BigCommerce Cost?

BigCommerce has three different plans:

  • Standard for $29.95 a month
  • Plus for $79.95 a month
  • Pro for $299.95 a month

The Standard plan is ideal for beginning businesses or those who have reached their perfect size and aren’t looking to expand.

You can sell up to $50,000 a year on this plan.

The Plus plan is for rapidly growing businesses and more prominent merchants who will sell up to $180,000 a year.

Other perks over the Standard plan include storing credit cards and reminding customers when they leave goods in their carts.

The Pro account serves businesses that sell $400,000 a year.

As these businesses are more established, some perks include product filtering and a more involved SSL certification on the site.

Is BigCommerce Worth the Cost?

Yes, BigCommerce is worth the cost.

The flexible plans give you a lot of leeway regarding how much profit your storefront brings in.

Since there’s a 15-day free trial, you can try out the platform and see how you like it before you spend a penny.

Why BigCommerce Is Worth the Cost

Paying about $30 a month for a shop that generates $50,000 a year in profits is a small price to pay.

As your business grows, you’ll pay more for a plan, but the benefits you get are worth it.

If you find that your company starts selling close to $400,000 a year, you can contact BigCommerce about their Enterprise plans, so you don’t have to move to another host.

The Problem BigCommerce Solves

BigCommerce solves the problem of getting your store off the ground.

It doesn’t matter how much you hope to expand or even what products you sell.

Any plan from the company gives you 12 templates to create your shop.

You then stock an unlimited number of items and accept payments through Paypal and other popular payment portals, so your customers pay easily.

With BigCommerce, everything’s in one place.

Your employees can all access the platform without needing to pay for extra user accounts, as many services require.

You can blog from the storefront, offer special discounts, and review detailed reports.

Why Would Somebody Want To Use BigCommerce?

Lots of major brands use BigCommerce, including Ben and Jerry’s, Sony, and Toyota.

If these corporations appreciate what BigCommerce offers, their structure will certainly be strong enough for your storefront, too.

A platform that can handle that type of traffic will have impressive uptimes, so you won’t miss a sale.

Who Is BigCommerce Best For?

As this BigCommerce review shows, anyone earning income from an online store can benefit from using the service.

With a low monthly rate for smaller stores, you’re not going to sign over a large portion of your profits to the store host.

The cost is low, and there are no hidden fees, so you’re able to estimate your income and profits accordingly.

Why BigCommerce Is Best for Businesses

With the assorted plans offered, BigCommerce can handle your business whether you’re just starting out or blew up overnight.

You can easily upgrade your account to handle your sales without needing to learn the ins and outs of a brand-new platform.

If you reach the Pro account cap, contact the company for a custom Enterprise plan.

BigCommerce can handle it all.

Who Should NOT Use BigCommerce?

BigCommerce’s Standard plan has a cap of $50,000, which makes it seem ideal for small businesses.

However, solo sellers shouldn’t use BigCommerce.

Why Solo Sellers Should Not Use BigCommerce

BigCommerce is easy for anyone to learn how to use, but a single seller will spend a lot of time managing the site to sell just a few items.

Since all plans offer space for unlimited items, there’s really no need for a solo seller to pay for an account.

You can get a smaller plan at a lower price from a provider like Wix.

What To Think About Before Buying BigCommerce

This BigCommerce review provides a lot of information about the company and what its plans offer.

But you also need to look at your own business and consider key factors that will impact your decision to use BigCommerce.

Business Size

Consider your business size before paying for an eCommerce host.

Some free sites can handle a few sales a month with ease.

You won’t have to spend your profit on maintenance.

However, BigCommerce offers an affordable option for any business that hopes to expand.

Each plan has a clear income cap that you can use to mark your store’s progress.

One of the biggest perks of choosing BigCommerce is that you won’t have to recreate your shop as it grows.

If you’re a small business starting on Wix, you might find that you need something more reliable as your sales grow.

If you subscribe to BigCommerce at that point, you’ll have to redo your store and redirect your customers.

It’s best to start with BigCommerce right away.

Sales Cap

As previously mentioned, each BigCommerce plan has a sales cap.

With the Standard plan, you know your store can bring in up to $50,000 a year.

At that point, you’ll upgrade to the Plus account, with a cap of $180,000 a year.

These caps are a great way to mark your business’s progress.

You can even use them as goals to push yourself to grow your company.

Each sales cap comes with a different pay tier, of course.

But you’ll never need to put a huge percentage of your profits back into your BigCommerce host.

The monthly fees remain affordable because BigCommerce doesn’t gouge its customers.

Customization

You should have a general idea of how you want your store to look, but any BigCommerce plan provides 12 free themes to choose from.

On top of that, there are hundreds of paid templates you can use to create a unique shop that conveys your brand aesthetic.

There’s no need to know how to code or hire a graphic designer to manage this aspect of your business.

Free Trial

Though BigCommerce offers flexible plans, you don’t even have to think about them while you’re shopping around.

Take advantage of the 15-day free trial to see what the dashboard is like. Learn how you can create your storefront.

Populate it with your merchandise and see how it looks and how the sales come through.

Make sure you like the product before committing.

Payment Processing Options

Taking multiple forms of payment ensures customers buy from you instead of shopping around for someone who takes Paypal.

In fact, Paypal is the default option for all BigCommerce stores. However, you can also choose to activate other options, such as:

  • Amazon Pay
  • Apple Pay
  • Ayden
  • Bolt
  • Google Pay
  • Klarna

Features and Benefits of BigCommerce

You’ve figured out what you might need from an eCommerce provider.

Read on to see what features and benefits BigCommerce offers to ensure the platform meets your needs.

Tiered Plans

As previously mentioned, the tiered plans BigCommerce offers make them ideal for businesses of any size.

You can start small and stay small, knowing you have a reliable host supporting your store.

Or you can come in as a new seller and find your business growing exponentially without needing to find a more secure host.

No Transaction Fees

Anytime users open a store, they earmark a certain amount of the profit for transaction fees and commissions.

However, when you use BigCommerce, you don’t have to worry about the company taking any of your money.

Just as they don’t price-gouge you with their plan costs, they don’t take cuts of your income.

While you have to pay credit card processing fees to your chosen payment processing company, that’s all.

Many eCommerce platforms take a percentage beyond those processing fees, so they’re making money from your business, but BigCommerce doesn’t do that in any plan.

Multichannel Selling

While a BigCommerce subscription allows you to build your own storefront, you can also take advantage of multichannel selling.

List your products on Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets to reach your customers as they’re scrolling.

You can also activate partnerships with eBay, Google, and Walmart to expand your reach.

SEO Optimization

You don’t need to know a thing about SEO optimization to drive organic traffic to your store.

BigCommerce automatically embeds HTML tags into your store’s code, so your shop ranks highly in search engine results.

Detailed analytics give you more information about your site performance and customers so you can focus your marketing campaigns.

Secure Sites

BigCommerce is a trusted provider, and you can check out all their guidelines on the Platform Trust Center.

They use firewalls to prevent hackers from getting into your store or customer data.

The company constantly updates its security measures to ensure they stay on top of the current threats.

BigCommerce Customer Service

Before trusting a company with your livelihood, you want to know how much they’re willing to help you.

Understanding what customer service options they have can help you feel confident in the plan you choose.

Does BigCommerce Offer Customer Service?

Yes, BigCommerce offers customer service.

They’re available 24/7, but you’ll find out from customer reviews that not everyone appreciates what they offer.

What Types of Customer Service Does BigCommerce Offer?

BigCommerce offers 24/7 phone and email customer service.

Before you’re patched through, you’ll have a chance to look at articles that might contain the answer you need.

You can also interact with the chatbot on their homepage.

You can also take advantage of BigCommerce’s help outlets to find a solution to your problem, such as the BigCommerce Community.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We strive to be honest in all our feedback, which is why you see both the good and the bad in this BigCommerce review.

With years of experience in the blogging and eCommerce industry, we have a good idea of what simplifies your work and is worth the investment.

What BigCommerce Users Are Saying

BigCommerce has a four-star rating across the internet.

That’s a great vote of confidence, but it’s worth reading reviews to understand what a customer actually experiences.

You’ll frequently see a user mention customer service in their BigCommerce review.

Most people say they’re very dissatisfied with it.

One user says, “I’d rate BigCommerce zero stars if I could.

I was having a problem with my site and called customer service.

Several reps transferred me back and forth. When I tried to explain my problem, one representative just hung up on me.”

Another person wrote, “The volume limit is ridiculously low for BigCommerce.

You pay for a Pro plan, but the ceiling is $400,000.

I did the math and found that it’s better to use a separate card processor for my eCommerce site.

It’s an extra fee and additional setup, but worth the hassle compared to BigCommerce prices and fees.”

A business owner expressed frustration with the platform, saying, “I told customer service my problem, and they said they couldn’t fix it but recommended a developer who could—if I paid him.

It made me wonder why I’m even paying for this service. I’ve been looking into switching to Shopify.”

BigCommerce Alternatives

Though this is a focused BigCommerce review, we want to provide some alternative solutions.

BigCommerce isn’t the right tool for everyone, so you should consider these highly-rated competitors.

Shopify

Shopify is an online eCommerce platform that allows users to sell products, courses, and services.

The site accepts payments and integrates with third-party shippers to simplify the work behind running a business.

How Does Shopify Differ From BigCommerce?

Shopify’s pricing is very affordable, but the platform takes a commission, while BigCommerce doesn’t.

These fees add up over time, so you end up paying more to Shopify than you would just for a subscription.

Larger businesses will appreciate the option of Shopify Plus.

Who Is Shopify Best For?

Shopify is best for businesses that sell across multiple platforms.

Online businesses can use the platform easily, but you can also use Shopify when you sell from a pop-up shop, crafts fair, or farmers market.

You can find plenty of Shopify themes to make your storefront reflect your brand identity, too.

WooCommerce

Like BigCommerce and Shopify, WooCommerce is an online store host that grows with your business.

You can start using it as a beginner and upgrade your plans as customers find your shop and become repeat buyers.

How Does WooCommerce Differ From BigCommerce?

BigCommerce hosts the store for you and also gives you an outlet for blogs or a landing page to round out your business.

WooCommerce, on the other hand, is a WordPress plugin.

You build your WordPress site, and when you’re ready to launch your store, install the WooCommerce plugin to craft your shop and start selling.

Because of WordPress’s open-source software, WooCommerce pricing is much better than BigCommerce—it’s completely free.

If you want a specific theme, you’ll have to pay extra for it, but you can get a basic shop online with no extra fees on top of your domain name and website hosting.

Who Is WooCommerce Best For?

WooCommerce is best for new sellers.

There’s no learning curve to this platform, so users opening their first store will appreciate how simple it is to build a storefront and start processing sales.

Users who already have a WordPress site also appreciate how simple it is to install the WooCommerce plugin and start selling.

Magento Commerce

Adobe owns Magento Commerce, so you’re getting a lot of cool features you’ve come to appreciate from Adobe’s other offerings.

The storefront can handle unlimited products, just like BigCommerce, but that’s where the similarities end.

How Does Magento Commerce Differ From BigCommerce?

The original form of Magento Commerce was free, open-source software.

After Adobe took over, they bundled the program with their Commerce Cloud.

To get everything you need from this eCommerce host, you have to first contact them for pricing.

Who Is Magento Commerce Best For?

Magento Commerce is best for users who want a hand in creating their eCommerce site.

You need to have a bit of design and technical knowledge to use the Commerce Cloud and set up your store.

Sometimes updating inventory is even too difficult for the average user.

Wrapping Up

This BigCommerce review presented a lot of information to empower you to make a decision about your online store.

While the reviews say customer support is less than stellar, you can’t beat the monthly price and income potential BigCommerce offers.

With the option of the 15-day trial, there’s no reason you shouldn’t see what BigCommerce can do for your business.

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WooCommerce https://bloggingtips.com/listing/woocommerce/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=woocommerce https://bloggingtips.com/listing/woocommerce/#respond Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:28:34 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=93872 Read more]]> There’s no shortage of tools for entrepreneurs and small business owners to help you get your eCommerce operations off the ground.

Many of these tools are surprisingly rigid and offer little control over your site’s look, feel, or personality.

With WooCommerce, users have near complete control over the aspects of their online store.

If you can dream it, chances are you can build it with WooCommerce.

Today, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you’ll need to know to decide if WooCommerce is the ideal platform to host your online store.

WooCommerce at a Glance

Market Segment: eCommerce retailers

Best For: Entrepreneurs, small and midsize businesses

Plans & Pricing: Both the WordPress platform and WooCommerce plugin are free, but users incur costs for things like domain registration, web hosting, and payment processing.

What Is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that provides eCommerce tools for websites built on the WordPress platform, which powers over 40% of the websites on the internet.

What Is WooCommerce Used For?

WooCommerce provides websites with the tools and functionality to sell goods and services online.

Beyond the core functionality of WooCommerce, there are over 1,000 plugins and tons of extensions that allow users to customize each aspect of their eCommerce operations.

How WooCommerce Works

WooCommerce works as a plugin that you can add to your WordPress website.

Once the plugin is installed, WooCommerce walks you through a step-by-step process to get your store up and running directly from your WordPress dashboard.

Once the basic framework is in place, users can use plugins and extensions to customize their store and provide their customers with all the necessary functionality.

Notable Features

As the leading eCommerce solution, WooCommerce has plenty of beneficial features that allow shop owners to bring their vision to life.

Here are the most notable features available on WooCommerce.

1. Inventory Management

WooCommerce’s native inventory management tool is one of the best in the business, allowing complete control over infinite inventory items and variations.

This tool will enable you to easily create products, manage inventory, handle reporting, and group like products together for on-page upselling opportunities.

2. Sales Integrations

Meeting customers on their terms is critical to maximizing sales in today’s marketplace.

Whether your customers are purchasing products through social media, marketplaces like Etsy, Pinterest, or Google, WooCommerce makes it easy to maximize your sales points and reach your customers anywhere they’re shopping.

3. WooCommerce Shipping & Tax

WooCommerce offers native support to make shipping and calculating tax a breeze, regardless of where your customers are.

With WooCommerce Shipping, you can set up flat rate shipping zones, set thresholds for free shipping, and allow for local pickup.

WooCommerce Tax enables users to charge tax depending on billing or shipping address or your store location.

4. Marketing

With so many sources vying for your customer’s attention, it’s critical to have the tools to rise above the noise and reach your customers.

WooCommerce offers hundreds of plugins for onsite and offsite marketing, including automated email marketing, coupon, discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, and content marketing.

5. Integrated Blog

WooCommerce has built-in blogging functionality that gives your site a critical tool for improving SEO and driving site traffic and sales.

Tell your brand’s story, keep your customers updated about new products and releases, and increase your store visibility in search through native blogging tools you can manage from your WooCommerce dashboard.

Are There Any Minimum Requirements Necessary To Use WooCommerce?

The only requirement for using WooCommerce is having WordPress as your content management system.

How Much Does WooCommerce Cost?

Since the WooCommerce plugin is technically free, figuring out your costs is a bit challenging.

Competitors that use a monthly subscription model typically include costs such as web hosting or domain registration as part of their monthly fees.

With WooCommerce, you’re on your own for that.

You’ll need to budget for the costs below to get your site up and running.

  • Web hosting: $7-15 per month, depending on the size of your operations and the number of sites you’re hosting.
  • Domain registration: $10-20 per year (many hosting providers offer the first year of domain registration for free).
  • SSL and security: Up to $150 per year.

When you add up the cost of all these necessary items, you’re looking at up to $300 in yearly costs to run your store using WooCommerce, which breaks out to about $25 per month or less.

You’ll also pay a transaction fee of around 3% to the payment processor, which is standard regardless of the platform you choose for your eCommerce operations.

Any additional costs associated with WooCommerce are at your discretion.

For example, you may choose to add a paid theme to your site or add paid extensions and plugins to streamline operations on the backend.

In this way, WooCommerce becomes more similar to its competitors, offering paid add-ons to customize the site’s appearance and functionality.

Does WooCommerce Have an Enterprise Version Available?

The WooCommerce plugin is exceptionally agile and capable of supporting eCommerce operations whether you’re a small business with one employee or a large company that does millions in annual sales.

Enterprises will want to look towards WordPress VIP hosting, which provides Enterprise-level web hosting capable of serving millions of monthly visitors.

WordPress VIP hosting starts at $5,000 per month.

WooCommerce Promotions & Savings

Here’s everything you need to know about saving money on WooCommerce.

Does WooCommerce Have a Free Trial?

The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is free, and many of the plugins offered by WooCommerce are free or provide a free trial period.

Since third parties develop the plugins, the trial period duration is often set by the developer and may vary from seven days to a month.

Does WooCommerce Offer Coupon Codes?

WooCommerce is a free plugin, so there are no coupons for this platform.

Depending on who you choose for the necessary site infrastructures, such as domain registration, hosting, or security, coupon codes may be available.

Does WooCommerce Have a Lifetime Deal?

No, WooCommerce doesn’t offer a lifetime deal.

Does WooCommerce Usually Offer Black Friday or Cyber Monday Discounts?

Like most companies, WooCommerce rolls out plenty of limited-time offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Since WooCommerce itself is free, any special pricing refers to paid plugins and extensions you can add to your WooCommerce-powered website.

WooCommerce Vs. Others

Considering the competition?

Let’s see how WooCommerce stacks up against other companies in the eCommerce space.

Who Are WooCommerce’s Main Alternatives?

WooCommerce’s main alternatives are Magento, BigCommerce, and Shopify.

1. Magento

Magento is the closest comparable to WooCommerce because it’s also an open-source platform that allows you to build your web store from the ground up.

Like WooCommerce, there are hundreds of plugins and extensions to customize the site’s functionality, and a free version is available.

Magento is geared towards enterprise-level businesses, and the implementation costs for larger companies can run as high as $40,000 or more.

The learning curve is also a bit higher with Magento than WooCommerce, which makes it less attractive for beginners and small businesses.

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers eCommerce solutions geared towards small and midsize businesses, and it provides an all-in-one solution for getting your store up and running.

Hosting, domain registration, and site security are all included in the monthly cost of the service, along with plenty of extras that improve the look and functionality of the store.

BigCommerce is one of the easiest eCommerce platforms to use, and it’s especially friendly to beginners.

While it’s more user-friendly, it doesn’t provide users with the level of control or customization that WooCommerce does.

Monthly subscription costs for BigCommerce range from $30-300 per month.

3. Shopify

Shopify is another eCommerce solution for small and midsize businesses, and it’s pretty similar to BigCommerce.

Shopify provides hosting, registration, and security along with a slew of features and extras to help customize the look and functionality of your store.

The Shopify platform is easy to use but not nearly as customizable as WooCommerce.

How Does WooCommerce Differentiate Itself From Competitors?

What separates WooCommerce from the competition is users’ level of control over their eCommerce operations.

Most competitors offer a managed solution marketed to beginners with little to no experience building or maintaining a website.

While WooCommerce may have a steeper learning curve than the competition, they’re the clear choice for users who want control over each aspect of their website, from hosting and security to the design and functionality of the store.

Who Is WooCommerce Best For?

WooCommerce is an excellent choice for users looking for flexibility and control over each aspect of their website’s eCommerce experience.

Experienced users will find virtually endless opportunities for customization.

While beginners will see a slightly steeper learning curve than most competitors, the payoff is a complete eCommerce platform that offers unrivaled customization and control.

Why Is WooCommerce Best For Online Stores?

WooCommerce is an open-source platform written in one of the world’s most popular coding languages.

The platform offers the most comprehensive array of add-ons to improve every aspect of the store, from sales to marketing to shipping and returns, and much more backend control than other eCommerce solutions.

Is WooCommerce Easy To Use?

WooCommerce is relatively easy to use, but there’s a slightly steeper learning curve than what you’d get with a fully-managed solution like Shopify or BigCommerce.

Assuming you have some 101-level knowledge about hosting and web development, you should find WooCommerce intuitive and easy to use.

What Features Do Some Users Love?

With so much room to customize and grow your eCommerce operations, WooCommerce offers a lot to love.

Two features, in particular, stand out.

WooCommerce provides a class-leading array of plugins and extensions that cover every aspect of managing your store, from marketing to payments to shipping and returns.

Many of the top plugins are free, and it’s possible to run an excellent WooCommerce store without investing much into paid add-ons.

WooCommerce also offers an excellent selection of themes, including plenty of beautifully designed free options.

Unlike most other eCommerce solutions, WooCommerce also allows users to make coding modifications as needed to change the look or function of different store elements.

What Features Do Some Users Find Frustrating?

While WooCommerce is an excellent solution for most stores, it isn’t without its frustrations.

While WooCommerce is easy for beginners to learn and use, it’s a bit more intimidating than competitors like Shopify or BigCommerce.

If you have no experience with WordPress or basic web development, it will take some time to get your shop up and running on your own.

Customer service is another area that can prove frustrating for eCommerce users.

While competitors usually offer a central hub for support, each plugin, extension, or theme you use will require you to contact the developer for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the top questions that other people considering WooCommerce have about the platform.

How does WooCommerce make money?

Instead of charging users a subscription fee, WooCommerce relies on its extensive selection of paid plugins and extensions to make money.

Each time a paid extension is sold, WooCommerce receives a portion of that sale from the developer.

Sites that use WooCommerce payments also pay a $.30 fee on each transaction.

What language is WooCommerce written in?

WooCommerce uses the PHP language.

PHP is an open-source scripting language that’s one of the most widely implemented on the web.

This language is popular with developers but still simple enough for beginners to make changes.

Wrapping Up

WooCommerce is perhaps the most scalable, customizable, and effective eCommerce solution available today, and it’s a no-brainer for sites that already run WordPress as a content management system.

The platform offers tons of beautiful themes, a vast library of extensions and plugins, and the backend control you’ll need to execute your vision at scale.

Overall, WooCommerce is a fantastic platform.

If you’re already a WooCommerce user, be sure to leave your comments in the review section below and let us know your experience.

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Shopify https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/shopify/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shopify https://bloggingtips.com/staff-review/shopify/#respond Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:15:31 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=93407 Read more]]> E-commerce is rapidly taking the place of traditional brick-and-mortar locations.

Running an e-commerce store allows you to save money on the operational costs of a business while reaching a massive audience on the internet.

If you’re looking for an e-commerce platform to help you run your store, Shopify is a great option.

This Shopify review will look at the features, prices, and pros and cons of using Shopify to help you decide if it’s the right platform.

What Is Shopify?

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that helps people sell products online.

The company specializes in online stores and online sales systems.

Shopify offers users everything they need to set up and operate their online store, including a customizable platform, payment processing, shipping, and customer management tools.

Shopify’s platform is easy to use, even if you don’t have any technical skills.

The company offers a wide range of themes and templates, so you can create a store that looks professional and matches your brand.

Shopify also has an App store with over 2,000 apps that can help you add extra features to your stores, such as live chat, email marketing, and social media integration.

Shopify History

Shopify was founded in 2004 by Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake.

The three entrepreneurs were trying to sell snowboarding equipment online and were frustrated by the limitations of existing e-commerce platforms.

They decided to build their platform, and Shopify was born.

Today, Shopify is a publicly-traded company with over 1,000 employees.

The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices in Toronto, Montreal, San Francisco, New York, and Tallinn, Estonia.

Pros and Cons of Shopify

Shopify is one of the world’s most popular e-commerce platforms and has many great features.

However, it is not perfect for everyone.

Pros of Shopify
  • It is easy and intuitive to use
  • Great for dropshipping
  • Automatically calculates taxes
  • Allows for sales in multiple currencies
Cons of Shopify
  • It can be challenging to customize certain aspects of your website
  • It pushes you to buy the more expensive plans
  • Email marketing is basic and lacks advanced options

How Much Does Shopify Cost?  

Shopify offers three different plans: Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify, and Shopify Plus.

  • Basic Shopify: $19/month
  • Shopify: $49/month
  • Advanced Shopify: $299/month
  • Shopify Plus: $2,000/month

Discounts are available, and Shopify offers a 14-day free trial.

There is no lifetime plan available.

Is Shopify Worth the Cost?

Shopify costs are worth it if you are serious about running an online store.

The platform is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, themes, and apps.

However, if you are just starting, you may want to consider a less expensive platform.

Shopify offers great features that all online businesses can use.

The platform is easy to use, so you can quickly and easily build your website.

All the Shopify plans include access to an excellent app store that you can use to customize your website.

Shopify also has outstanding customer service.

The customer service team is available 24/7, so you can reach them anytime.

The team can help you with any questions you might have about building your website and help you solve any problems that come up.

The marketing tools are one of the most significant value adds that Shopify gives you.

Many other e-commerce websites that are cheaper than Shopify lack these marketing tools.

Shopify’s marketing tools can help you take your online business to the next level.

Shopify is a great e-commerce platform for businesses of all sizes.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with plenty of features and options, Shopify is worth the cost.

The Problem Shopify Solves

The biggest problem that Shopify solves is that it gives you everything you need to run a successful online store in one place.

Shopify is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for e-commerce businesses.

In short, Shopify gives you everything you need to create a website in one place.

With Shopify, you don’t need to worry about finding a separate hosting company, website builder, payment processor, and all the other tools necessary for running an online store.

Shopify takes care of all of that for you.

Shopify also efficiently manages your inventory, orders, and customers.

You can access all of this information from one central dashboard, making it much easier to run your business and keep track of everything going on.

Shopify also offers a wide range of features, including a built-in blog, abandoned cart recovery, and support for multiple languages.

You can also use Shopify to create a subscription service, an online marketplace, or a wholesale store.

Why Would Somebody Want to Use Shopify?

Somebody would want to use Shopify because it is an excellent online business platform.

It is easy to use and has a wide range of features.

Shopify is also a good choice if you are looking for a platform that can grow with your business.

The platform offers three different plans, so you can start with the basic plan and upgrade as your business grows.

Who Is Shopify Best For?

Shopify is best for business owners who want to specialize in running an e-commerce store.

Why Shopify Is Best for E-Commerce Businesses

Shopify is an excellent platform for e-commerce businesses because it is easy to use and has everything you need to run a successful online store.

The software is designed specifically for running e-commerce stores.

As a result, it has features that many other providers lack.

For example, Shopify offers a built-in blog, abandoned cart recovery, and support for multiple languages.

Shopify is also a good choice for businesses looking for a platform to grow with them.

Who Should NOT Use Shopify?

You should not use Shopify if you are interested in running a blog or an online business that is not focused on e-commerce.

Why Bloggers Should Not Use Shopify

Bloggers should not use Shopify because the software is not designed to build a blog.

While you can use Shopify to create a blog, it lacks many essential features for bloggers.

For example, Shopify does not offer a built-in blogging platform.

You need to use a different blogging platform, such as WordPress, and then integrate it with Shopify.

Using a separate service for your blog can be time-consuming and complicated.

Additionally, Shopify’s themes are not designed for blogs.

Your blog would not have the same professional look and feel as a Shopify store.

What to Think About Before Buying Shopify

Before you buy Shopify, there are a few things you should think about.

Are You Going to Start a Dropshipping Business?

If you are interested in starting a dropshipping business, Shopify is a good choice.

The platform has built-in tools to help you source products, manage inventory, and fulfill orders.

What Shopify Plan Is Suitable for Your Needs?

Shopify offers three plans: Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify.

You should avoid spending money on the more expensive Shopify plans if you do not need the features included in the bigger plans.

Do You Already Have an Existing Business, or Are You Starting From Scratch?

If you already have an existing business, a platform like Shopify might be more accessible because Shopify can help you with tasks like setting up your payment gateway and shipping rates.

What Is Your Budget, and How Much Can You Invest in an E-Commerce Store?

Shopify is a good choice for businesses of all budgets.

You can start with the Basic Shopify plan and take advantage of the 14-day free trial.

However, you should carefully consider how much money you will invest because running an e-commerce store is a serious commitment.

Are You Planning on Using a Free or Paid Shopify Theme?

Shopify offers both free and paid themes.

If you want a professional-looking store, you should consider spending money on a paid theme.

Paid themes cost around $140-180, but they are worth the investment because they can help you make a good impression on your customers.

Look at Your Competitors; What Are They Using to Run Their E-Commerce Stores?

Before committing to Shopify, you should look at what your competitors use.

Your niche might need specific features that Shopify may or may not have.

It is best to be sure of this before committing to anything long-term.

Features and Benefits of Shopify

There is a lot to love about Shopify.

I’ve broken down some of the best features and benefits of Shopify.

1. SEO Optimization

Shopify is built with SEO in mind.

The platform includes features to help you optimize your website and product pages for search engines.

Additionally, Shopify’s themes are SEO-friendly.

For example, you can customize your website’s title and meta tags to maximize your exposure to search engines.

Additionally, Shopify allows you to design custom landing pages for your marketing campaigns.

This feature is one that few of Shopify’s competitors offer.

2. High-Quality E-Commerce Features

One of the ways that Shopify separates itself from its competition is the high-quality e-commerce features it provides its users.

Other website building services don’t offer these because they target a general audience.

For example, Shopify offers an abandoned cart recovery feature to help you recover lost sales.

This feature sends automatic reminders to customers who have items in their shopping cart but have not completed the purchase.

Shopify’s abandoned cart feature functions similarly to the ones that huge online stores like Amazon use.

This feature is an advanced feature that can dramatically improve your sales.

3. Appealing Themes for Your Online Store

Shopify prides itself on providing its users with beautiful and functional themes for its online stores.

Shopify’s themes allow you to design and build a gorgeous online store quickly.

Shopify’s themes are responsive and will adjust to fit any screen size.

Mobile-friendly themes are important because more and more people are using mobile devices to shop online.

Additionally, Shopify’s themes have several built-in features to help you run your e-commerce business.

For example, many Shopify themes include features like social media integration and support for multiple languages.

4. Safe and Secure

If you are running an e-commerce store, security must be in your mind.

Not only do you have to handle your customer’s banking information, but your information is also at risk.

Fortunately, Shopify is a very safe and secure platform.

The company takes security seriously and has implemented several features to protect both your information and your customers’ information.

For example, Shopify uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt your customer’s credit card information.

This feature is crucial because it protects your customers’ information from being intercepted by hackers.

Additionally, Shopify stores all of your data on a secure server, which means your data will be safe.

5. Uptime and Loading Speed

Your online store is only valuable if it is accessible and can be opened quickly.

Studies show that users will click away within three seconds if a website isn’t loading.

You don’t have to worry about this with Shopify.

The company promises that its servers will be up and running 99.9% of the time.

Additionally, Shopify’s servers are some of the fastest in the industry.

Fast servers are critical because your website’s loading speed directly impacts your conversion rate.

A fast website will result in more sales, while a slow website will result in lost sales.

6. Ease of Payment

The payment gateway is one of the most critical aspects of an e-commerce store.

You can have a beautiful website and excellent products, but if your customers can’t safely and securely make payments, your store will not run.

Shopify makes it easy for you to accept payments from your customers.

The platform integrates with many payment processors, allowing you to find the perfect payment gateway for your business.

Additionally, Shopify offers its payment gateway, Shopify Payments.

This gateway is integrated with Shopify’s platform, which makes it easy to set up and use.

Shopify Payments is available in many countries, which makes it an excellent option for businesses that sell internationally.

Finally, you can accept payments in multiple currencies, a feature that few services provide.

7. Mobile Friendly

Web browsing and online shopping are rapidly moving towards mobile devices.

Over 50% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices.

This trend will only continue, which is why it is so essential for your online store to be mobile-friendly.

Fortunately, Shopify’s themes are all designed to be responsive and look great on mobile devices.

8. App Store

Depending on the type of products you are selling and the website you want to build, you may need 3rd party apps to make your dream website a reality.

App integration is another area in that Shopify shines.

Shopify has an app store with over 2,000 apps.

The app store size means you can find an app for almost anything you want to add to your website.

Some of the most popular app categories include:

  • accounting
  • marketing
  • shipping
  • social media

The app store is a great way to add powerful features to your website without hiring a developer.

It will allow you to customize your website based on your desires and customer needs.

Shopify Customer Service

Lastly, we have to talk about Shopify’s customer service.

When running an online business, you will inevitably need customer service.

Whether it’s a technical issue or a billing question, you will need to be able to get in touch with someone who can help.

Shopify’s customer service is excellent.

The company has a team of knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives who are always willing to help.

Shopify’s customer service is available to its users 24/7.

You can contact Shopify’s customer service team via phone, email, or live chat.

Additionally, the company has an extensive knowledge base that you can use to find answers to your questions.

Overall, Shopify is an excellent platform for running an e-commerce store.

The company offers a wide range of features, excellent customer service, and a user-friendly interface.

Why Should You Trust Us?

This Shopify review is based on hours of research.

We looked at Shopify’s features, pricing, and customer service to see if it is a good platform for running an online store and spent a great deal of time comparing Shopify’s services with its competitors.

Additionally, we took advantage of Shopify’s 14-day free trial to familiarize ourselves with the platform.

We created a shop and explored the various features that Shopify offers its users.

We believe this comprehensive Shopify review will give you the information you need to decide if Shopify is the right platform for your business.

What Shopify Users are Saying

I’ve been using the Shopify platform for my and my client’s businesses for seven years. I’ve seen a lot of improvements since then. I had my own amazing support experience.

JJ – 6/23/22

I’ve created multiple stores for people and my shop and have had no problems. They have been updating the company for all the years I’ve been present.

Dave R. – 5/23/20

I have been using it for a while. I have made outstanding projects, and the whole thing is good.

Eva W. – 1/25/22

Shopify Alternatives

Shopify is not the only service providing e-commerce solutions for businesses.

There are a wide variety of competitors that offer similar services.

You may find one of these alternatives more suitable based on your specific needs.

1. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another e-commerce platform offering a wide range of business features.

One of the main advantages of BigCommerce is the built-in sales features that don’t require a 3rd party app.

BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees on any of its plans, allowing users to keep more money from each sale.

BigCommerce is best for established or fast-growing businesses focused on sales features and not as interested in built-in themes.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is another e-commerce solution that built a wide following.

WooCommerce is an open-source platform that is much more customizable than Shopify.

The WooCommerce app store has over 55,000 apps you integrate into your website.

WooCommerce is best for a business that values customization over everything else.

You can create a one-of-a-kind online store using WooCommerce.

3. Magento

Magneto takes a different approach to e-commerce solutions.

Instead of offering monthly plans, Magneto is open-source.

So you are responsible for your hosting and themes.

Magneto provides e-commerce software, but you have to do everything else.

Magneto is best for businesses that want to customize every aspect of their e-commerce website and are comfortable with coding and web hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some frequently asked questions about using Shopify.

Can Shopify be trusted?

Yes, Shopify is a trusted platform for e-commerce stores.

The company has been in business since 2006, and thousands of enterprises rely on Shopify to run their e-commerce stores.

Has Shopify ever been hacked?

No, Shopify has never been hacked.

The platform is built with security in mind, and the company takes data security very seriously.

Does Shopify sell fakes?

No, Shopify does not sell fakes.

The platform is designed for businesses to sell products and services online.

Wrapping Up

Shopify is a great e-commerce platform offering users everything they need to set up and operate online stores.

The platform is easy to use, has a wide range of features, and is secure.

Some key features that separate Shopify from its competitors are the built-in app store, payment gateway available in multiple currencies, and beautiful themes.

Users can utilize these features to create a beautiful and responsible website for their online store.

Additionally, Shopify offers users SEO optimization and excellent customer support.

Shopify is a great choice for businesses setting up an online store.

You can check out their website here if you want to use Shopify to build your online store.

Don’t forget that new users get a 14-day free trial.

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