Top eCommerce platforms; which one is the right for you

TOP E–COMMERCE PLATFORMS 

Are you planning to open an online store? The prosperity and success of your business are hinged on the performance and flexibility of the shopping cart you select. For this reason, picking the right e-commerce platform is an integral part of the puzzle and a significant aspect of any entrepreneur’s journey.  

E-commerce platforms are evolving and finding one with the definitive features can be a daunting task. In addition, because of the plethora of e-commerce software, it’s really difficult to make a decision on which platform suits your website development needs best. And that is where Aretosystems comes in.  

We have compiled this article to relieve you of the burden of choice. We have consulted experts to write a piece that will impart insightful information and acquaint you with the e-commerce platforms. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced entrepreneur, we got you covered.   

TYPES OF ECOMMERCE PLATFORM 

One critical decision when selecting an e-commerce platform is getting a type that is tailored to serve you best. An e-commerce platform can either be Open source/self-hosted or hosted/cloud, each of this bracket provides a unique set of features and benefits. Do you know the type that suits your business needs best? Here is the lowdown.  

Open source e–commerce platform 

An open source e-commerce platform is a variety that requires a compatible hosting to operate. This type of platforms provides developers with full access to source codes and can be set anywhere (they give you the freedom to choose your ideal hosting provider/service).  

Some of the available options are well documented and allow you to make changes as required. They give you an unprecedented degree of control over the online store that cannot be accorded by the hosted platforms. In case you want advanced functionality you get the option to add extensions and plugins to support them. Besides, you can create them yourself or contract some to create them for you.  

Examples 

  • WooCommerce 
  • Magento 
  • PrestaShop 
  • OpenCart 

Pros 

  • Easy to customize 
  • Great level of ownership and control 
  • Lesser lock-ins 
  • Well-developed ecosystem 

Cons 

  • Difficult to set up 
  • Pricey 

Hosted e–commerce platforms 

The second type of e-commerce platforms is the Hosted option. This type offers an all in one solution that comes with a shopping cart option, hosting, and technical support. A hosted e-commerce platform operates on provider’s servers and doesn’t provide access to codes running your site. Your service provider provides the hosting besides updating the software on your behalf. All you need is pay a fee which depends on the size of the online store, and all the convenience will be provided.  

Examples 

  • Shopify 
  • BigCommerce 

Pros 

  • Ease of use 
  • Frequent software updates 
  • Cheaper 
  • Easy t maintain 
  • scalable 

Cons 

  • not flexible 
  • Saas specific risks 

PRINCIPAL ASPECTS OF E–COMMERCE PLATFORMS 

Once you have settled on the type of e-commerce that suits you best, you need to select the best solution based on some fundamental aspects. Your selection criteria is key in determining the level of success you enjoy in the saturated market. There are incredible perks in the e-commerce industry, but the best only fall to businesses that stand out.  

Do you want to be unique? Just know that irrespective of the controversy surrounding the most important aspects of an e-commerce platform, there is nothing like a one size fits all platform. The needs of each business are unique, and each requires a distinctive solution. If you’re ready to fly high, consider the following factors before settling for any platform. 

#1. SEO friendliness 

How SEO-friendly is your ideal e-commerce platform? A highly SEO friendly platform makes it easier for your store to rank higher in the search results. This allows potential customers to easily find you when they are searching for products similar to yours. This translates to more sales and great profitability for your business.  

An SEO friendly e-commerce platform should; 

  • Allows you to add a blog to your site 
  • Allow your customer to leave product reviews 
  • Allow you to utilize your domain name 

#2. Integrations 

Plugins and integrations add advanced functionality which allows you to run your store more effectively and efficiently. The most important plugins for your business will solely depend on the needs. Before investing in any platform consider the tools you deem paramount and look for a solution with right plugins for each. Some of the most critical plugins include: 

  • Email marketing plugins 
  • Loyalty program 
  • Accounting plugins 
  • Apps for shipping the products 

#3. Pricing and payments 

Your budget is a major consideration when selecting an ideal platform. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced business expert, you need to know the exact price. The price of your preferred platform will be influenced by various factors including; the type (hosted or self-hosted), the size of the business, etc. In addition, you should be aware of the processing fees associated with each platform. However, you should never compromise the basic features for a lower price.  

There are some free e-commerce platforms which include; 

  • Magento 
  • osCommerce 
  • OpenCart 
  • Spree Commerce 
  • PrestaShop 
  • Zeuscart 
  • Zen Cart 
  • RockQuickCart 
  • StoreSprite 

#4. Security 

Many customers are worried by the security of their information. A sketchy website will blow away many business opportunities and strangle your performance. For this reason, you need a platform that can provide robust security, like HTTPS/SSL for secure and safe checkout process for all customers. In addition, a reliable platform should be Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant.  

#5. Mobile responsiveness 

In the modern era, approximately 6 out of 10 customers use their mobile device to conduct online searches. A good number of these searches convert easily via mobile devices. For this reason, it’s always wise to select a platform that will allow potential customers to access your site easily and complete the checkout process on their mobile devices.  

#6.  Is the platform scalable? 

You enter into business with the desire to grow and reach greater heights. If you are ambitious, you should look for a platform that will easily scale with your store. The solution should not make you pay for features that are not vital when starting out but should also be flexible enough to support every step of your growth.  

#7. Customer support 

E-commerce is a unique ballgame that presents numerous benefits but is not devoid of key challenges like server downtimes and software outages. Even as you focus on the benefits, it always wise to think about the type of help you can get from your service provider.  

Can you get the right remedy when the server crash or they leave you to stare at the disaster with no one to help? A good e-commerce platform should avail customer support 24/7. Have a look at the level of support and the cost for each.  

TOP FIVE E–COMMERCE PLATFORMS 

#1 PRESTASHOP 

What is PrestaShop? 

PrestaShop is a French-based open source e-commerce platform that was launched in 2007. The platform is offered for free which means you get a powerful tool to set up an online store without a hassle. Prestashop is also acclaimed for its flexibility, user-friendliness, and reliability. The shopping cart is availed into two versions; self-hosted Prestashop and PrestaShop Cloud. With the self-hosted plan, you get the freedom to download and install on your preferred hosting. However, with the Prestashop cloud, you get a preinstalled Prestashop engine plus the hosting. Currently, there are over 270, 000 online store worldwide that operate on the Prestashop software and the number is growing day by day. 

Benefits 

Prestashop is an incredible e-commerce software that provides a plethora of benefits. One of its noteworthy benefits is the ease of use. Although, this platform provides multiple tools, settings, and features you will marvel at the user-friendly, intuitive interface that make it easy to combine them. Also, its admin panel is highly mobile responsive and can easily be accessed via tablets and smartphones.  

Moreover, Prestashop has a built-in SEO functionality that makes it easy to customize Meta descriptions and Meta titles. The tools also enable you to easily come up with SEO friendly URLs. Besides, it’s easy to manage core features including; payments, inventory, digital products, prices, shipping, and more.  

Other benefits worth mentioning include; multistore functionality, multiple marketing tools, multi-language, and enhanced real-time analytics.  

Key features 

  • Content management 
  • Access control 
  • Customizable branding 
  • Customizable templates 
  • Accounting management 
  • Bulk import/export 
  • SEO features 
  • Inventory features 
  • Unlimited listings 
  • Unlimited shipping carriers 
  • Estimated shipping 
  • Payment options 
  • Gift packaging 
  • Sell intentionally 
  • Customized promotions 
  • Automated follow-up emails 

 

#2. Magento 

What is Magento? 

Magento is the epitome of flexibility for the e-commerce platform. It is the masterpiece of e-commerce platforms’ craftsmanship that helps entrepreneurs to create a customized shopping experience for their users. This platform offers unlimited functionalities for the tech-savvy and is perfect for the needs of small businesses or large enterprises.   

Being a self-hosted or open source e-commerce platform, it makes it extremely easy for entrepreneurs to add ideal features. Magento is more than average e-commerce platform and is designed for the growing companies.  

Benefits 

Magento is an incredible shopping cart that provides a wide range of templates. In particular, the Magento themes feature unique designs which are responsive to any devices. In addition, the themes are highly customizable and user-friendly.  

Although this e-commerce platform doesn’t provide preconfigured functionalities, it’s an absolute winner in terms of SEO optimization. The platform offers a wide range of SEO functionalities which includes; image optimization, meta tags for home page and products, edits of robot.txt files, canonical tags for products and categories, and more. 

Key features 

  • Custom coupon creation 
  • Customer segmentation’ 
  • Loyalty programs and rewards 
  • Targeted promotions 
  • Personalized shopping experiences 
  • Multiple devices friendly 
  • PA-DSS compliant 
  • Gift registry 
  • Multiple payment options 
  • Product review promotion 

 

#3. Bigcommerce 

 

What is Bigcommerce? 

Bigcommerce is a popular e-commerce platform perfect for small to medium businesses. The platform ranks top in the echelon of “top million sites.” It provides a rich set of features for growing sales than what most of the shopping carts can guarantee.   

The platform offers a powerful solution with industry-leading templates. With its simple user interface and the spectrum of integration and features, Bigcommerce allows for advanced customization and easy management of your entire business.  

Benefits 

One notable Bigcommerce benefits its pricing-features advantage. Although its pricing is comparable to Shopify, this platform presents reliable plans with a rich set of features. For instance, its base plan provides noteworthy features including; gift cards, real-time shipping quotes, and 24/7 customer support at $29.95. Besides, if you want more advanced features like the abandoned cart recovery, unlimited bandwidth, products, and storage, you will subscribe to the gold plan at only $79.95.   

Key features 

  • Integration with Google Shopping, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, and eBay 
  • A complete all in one e-commerce offering 
  • Automated fraud detection 
  • Unlimited bandwidth 
  • Entirely cloud-based 
  • Level one PCI compliant hosting 

 

#4. WooCommerce 

What is WooCommerce? 

WooCommerce is a respected shopping cart which is provided as a free plugin for WordPress. This is the perfect platform for any entrepreneur looking to build a website from scratch or start selling products via an existing website or Wordpress blog. WooCommerce is an adaptable, and extendable open source/self-hosted solution. It is highly flexible and gives users the freedom to view and modify its available codes.  

Benefits 

WooCommerce has a wide spectrum of customizations which make it’s highly SEO friendly. The platform provides SEO specific options thanks to its ability to leverage Wordpress Content integration or other options via third-party plugins.  

In addition, this software accords a high-level ease of use and user-friendliness. It’s a reliable plugin which when installed provides a powerful and intuitive user interface with a convenient onboarding wizard.  

Key features 

  • Built on Wordpress 
  • Open development 
  • At least 400 extensions 
  • Multiple themes 
  • Unrestricted customization 
  • Built-in blogging 
  • Product filtering and filtering 
  • Unlimited products 
  • Location customization 

 

#5. Open Cart 

What is OpenCart? 

OpenCart is a reliable open source platform offered for free. It’s a perfect e-commerce software for small to medium businesses. The platform observes a core extension model which means users can install add-ons if they require an advanced level of functionality.  

OpenCart comes with all the foundational functions of an e-commerce solution. Its highlight is the support for multiple currencies and languages. In addition, the software provides an effective multistore function which allows entrepreneurs to monitor and manage web stores from a centralized admin panel.  

Benefits 

One noteworthy benefit is the highly responsive themes. OpenCart provides tons of professionally designed themes which makes it easy to set up an attractive design for your store. The themes are both paid and free, which means they take care of the budget conscious entrepreneurs.  

Key features  

  • Order management 
  • E-commerce management 
  • Ticket management 
  • Quote management 
  • Content filtering 
  • Multi-currency 
  • Electronic payments 
  • Debugging 
  • Social media integration 
  • Online forums 
  • Activity dashboard 

CONCLUSION 

It’s never easy to start a new business, the challenges that come with the whole tasks can be heartbreaking. However, picking the right e-commerce can make the whole process enjoyable and motivating. 

The market provides both premium and free e-commerce platforms. This means it’s easy to find the perfect solution regardless of your level of entrepreneurship. We believe our guide will help you make a choice that will bring prosperity and success to your business.  

 

 

 

Compare OpenCart vs ZenCart; Which eCommerce platform is the right for you

OPENCART VS ZENCART 

INTRODUCTION 

There is no denying; the need to move products and services online is a strategy that has taken the business world by storm. More and more merchants are reacting to this emergent trend with serious effort to satisfy the needs and wants of their customers in the most effective way. The growing need has been met by an influx of e-commerce platforms into the market. The diversity of the e-commerce solutions is huge, and merchants have a plethora of viable selections to choose from.  

Each shopping cart platform is fighting to reign, and this has contributed to the confusion engulfing the business strategies of many entrepreneurs. There is a wide array of beneficial solutions, but today we focus on OpenCart and ZenCart. If you can’t choose between these two popular platforms, keep reading our unbiased analysis for a priceless guidance.  

SIMILARITIES 

Our analysis begins with the similarities between these platforms.  

  • Open source in nature:

OpenCart and ZenCart are open-source e-commerce platforms. They offer incredible flexibility and allow users to add features not included in the default versions or extend and customize the existing ones.  

The open source nature is more of an advantage to Zencart users than OpenCart. This is because ZenCart doesn’t provide visually appealing or professional looking templates. The ability to customize the templates is a welcome relief for any merchant intending to use ZenCart. In addition, you will have the freedom to download and implement templates from the template packages provide for free by the ZenCart community. Whats more; there are buttons & graphics and templates alterations which help you to change the minor aspects of your store design.  

  • Pricing: 

Both Opencart and Zencart are free to download, update and use. However, Zencart has a slight edge over OpenCart because it is entirely free and comes with a GPL2 license. This means the user will have the freedom to upgrade the software as they please without incurring any extra cost. On the other hand, OpenCart is free but has a cloud-based version which has a quote based pricing format.  

“Free” can be a tricky word in the business world. Although these platforms are free, the user is responsible for their hosting and security. Therefore, the most basic expenses one is likely to incur include; a domain name, SSL certificate, and web hosting fee.  Besides, you will incur other expenses in the form of plugins and extensions as your store expand.  

DIFFERENCES 

The difference between OpenCart and ZenCart provide a deeper insight into their pros and cons. These are the things that will most likely influence your decision.  

  • Ease of use:

OpenCart has an advantage over Zencart because it provides a free demo. Although the demo is limited, it allows users to try both the storefront and admin end before downloading the full software version. The free trial gives users a glimpse of what to expect and contribute immensely to the ease of setup and use.  

On the other hand, ZenCart doesn’t provide a free trial, and this is because the product is completely free. Setting up ZenCart can be difficult especially if you are not tech savvy. It requires a lot of effort and sometimes without the help of an experienced developer, it can be a daunting task.  

  • Server requirements: 

Both OpenCart and ZenCart differ slightly in terms of their server requirements. OpenCart requires you to strictly meet all its server requirements for your store to operate properly. When installing this platform, a web server like Apache must be created to successfully avail the OpenCart store publicly. You must also select a hosting provider with PHP5.2, Curl, and MySQL. In addition, this software requires a fully functional online/hosted operation system.  

On the other hand, ZenCart requires a fully functional Windows OS to operate optimally. Besides, running this platform requires Apache 1.3.38 or above, PHP4.3 or higher, Curl, and MySQL 3.2.X or higher. Although ZenCart works properly on the Windows /IIS server, it delivers the best results when operating on the Apache/Linux servers. 

  • Features: 

Zencart is the perfect solution for the now tech savvy. It brings increased flexibility and simplified installation which enables users to easily handle multiple product features including; Optimized URLs, WYSISYG editor, drag and drop design, breadcrumb navigation, and dedicated IP address.  

In addition, the platform provides powerful marketing and promotion tools which include; email list management, affiliate program support, newsletter, gift cards, and coupons. Unfortunately, English is the only language version supported by ZenCart. Although the platform has a plethora of features, the lack of innovative plugins is a major drawback. Also, the available extensions and plugins are complicated, and it may take time to introduce an upgrade.  

On the other hand, OpenCart provides all the basic features required to run a successful online store. It also gives users the freedom to customize the features to suit their requirements and personal preferences. The platform offers a superb array of features which include; bulk image support, unlimited products & categories, multistore support, digital goods, and daily backup. Managing business on OpenCart is pretty easy thanks to the built-in SEO which is designed to impact the traffic rates positively. In addition, OpenCart provides loads of modules and extensions which help to expand the functionalities of your online store.   

  • Security 

Security is paramount for every successful online store. If your store observes stringent security measures, it will easily win the trust of the potential customers. It encourages customers to complete transactions without the fear of losing personal or card information.  

OpenCart takes the lead in terms of security. The platform offers additional security features including; dedicated SSL, FTP access database caching, daily backup, data encryption, and PCI compliance. The functionalities enable your online store to provide a secure environment for your customers. Its compatibility with the different SSL certificates assures customers of their security. Besides, OpenCart has a proper access authority that allows you to protect the shopping cart and administration panel with passwords.  

On the other hand, ZenCart security is not completely rigid since it only offers Daily backup, FTP access, and PCI compliance only.  

  • Payment gateways

In terms of the pricing features, OpenCart has a richer set which includes; cash on demand payments, live shipping quotes, money orders, discount management, multicurrency, and pricing per customer group.  

Besides, the software supports up to 36 inbuilt payment gateways which include; PayPal, Skrill, Authorize.net, and others. However, the support for credit card payments and other payment gateways goes well beyond that. Even though not inbuilt into OpenCart, several providers offer OpenCart plugins for payments, some of which are free, like for example Areto Systems. A quick download from github with a 4-step instructions text file is more than ample to get you going. 

ZenCart’s set of pricing features is limited to discount management and multicurrency which can be a major inconvenience to some customers. Furthermore, its payment gateways include; Skrill, Authorize.net, PayPal and others. Same for ZenCart – although not inbuilt, one can easily enough download any ZenCart payment gateway plugin. Areto Systems offers ready plugin which you can easily just download and use on your site, on the top of that Areto Systems provide you with low rates, premium payment gateway, and free marketing tools for your business.

  • Shipping: 

Shipping is a very important feature of any e-commerce business. For your store to run successfully, you must give your customers a number of shipping modules to choose from. The broader the options, the better. 

OpenCart provides shipping options which are integrated with shipping prices, USPS price lookup, weight calculator, and tax by state/country. It supports shipping options including; drop shipping, Flat rate shipping, weight-based shipping, and product-specific tax rules. In addition, it has integration with world-renowned postage methods including; Australian Post, Citylink, Royal Mail, Parcelforce, FedEx, and more.  

ZenCart provides limited shipping features which include international postage fee lookup and FedEx price lookup. However, the platform allows users to add their own options and integrate with the major international carriers. In addition, it has a shipping estimator designed to give customers an estimate of the shipping cost before they check out.  

  • Customer service and support: 

Good customer service is an invaluable pillar to the success of e-commerce merchant. The level of support you get from the platform means a lot especially when you are starting out. If you are a beginner with no experience in online selling, you should pay close attention to this feature.  

OpenCart provides a host of options that allow users to seek help. The options include; phone, email, user manual, knowledge base, blogs, videos, online self-serve, and request form.  

On the other hand, ZenCart support is sustained by the community of developers who have invested in the platform. New users can get help via forums, user manual, facebook, Zen Cart Wiki, tutorials, and FAQs. The lack of phone, email, and online support is one of its major drawbacks.  

CONCLUSION 

From our analysis, it’s evident that each platform has its pros and cons. Your best choice will depend on the personal preference and your business needs. ZenCart is an ideal solution for any merchant looking to open and manage an online store for customers in English speaking regions. If you have the technical skill and knowledge to customize the site, go for ZenCart. The platform is also surrounded by an outstanding community of developers and is an excellent choice for medium-sized businesses.  

However, if you are not tech savvy and are looking for a platform to help you manage your store easily, Opencart is an invaluable choice. It offers superb customer services and will hold your hand with incredible technical support. OpenCart makes it easier to set up a unique online store and is perfect for small to medium businesses.  

OpenCart vs Oscommerce Comparison; which eCommerce Platform is the Best for You

The modern e-commerce platform market is saturated with a plethora of options. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced e-commerce entrepreneur you have a critical decision to make the software that suits your needs. Buying the best e-commerce platform can be confusing and intimidating especially if you are dipping your toe into the arena for the first time. Unless you arm yourself with the right information, you will not get a solution with the right functionality to meet your initial needs.  

Among the numerous options rests OpenCart and OsCommerce. These platforms are accepted and acknowledged by many webmasters, and for this reason, they are high on demand. The comparison between these solutions is one debatable topic that shows no signs of ending any soon. If you have narrowed down your options to these two platforms and can’t make a concrete choice, worry not. We have compiled this insightful comparison to help you make the right decision.   

SIMILARITIES 

OsCommerce is a German-based open source e-commerce solution acclaimed as one of the pioneers PHP based carts. Since its launch 13 years ago, the platform has been used by thousands of entrepreneurs across the globe to build online stores. OsCommerce offers unprecedented perks including an active online developer forum and over 7000 free integrations. However, this software is not free from controversy as it has been hacked severally. The platform has managed to patch those holes, but it would be wise to invest in extra security features if you settle for osCommerce. 

On the other hand, OpenCart is reliable Hong Kong-based opensource platform that utilizes add-ons to perform advanced functions. The software is also based on PHP which makes it perfect for anyone with a background in PHP programming. Like its competitor, this platform has its own drawback which must be taken into account before investing in it. OpenCart support is limited, and it requires a lot of effort to maintain a high technical online store on your own.  

  • Open source in nature 

As aforementioned, both OpenCart and osCommerce are open source platforms which means they are free to download, own, use, and upgrade. This is a big plus in terms of the price since no upfront fee is required to start using them.  

However, before you jump into the excitement mode, just know “free” is a complex word in the e-commerce arena. You will be required to fork out a good amount of money before your online store is up and running. For instance, if you are not well versed in programming you will be required to hire a professional developer. In addition, you will have to pay for your site security, hosting services, and acquire a merchant account for credit card order processing.  

DIFFERENCES 

  • Ease of use 

While it’s free to download and use the OpenCart platform, it can be daunting to try it out. However, the platform has taken care of the trouble by providing a demo that gives you a glimpse of the storefront and the admin panel. Accessing the demo is incredibly easy, and no information is required. This makes it easy to install and use OpenCart, especially if you have a background in PHP software development language. 

Oscommerce is not as easy to install and use as OpenCart. Some users find it pretty easy but other developers report to have struggled with a number of its aspects. A chunk of professional developers experience some peculiar hurdles along the way.  

Although OsCommerce admin panel is not as intuitive and elegant as that of its competitor, it is superbly light. It offers helpful, basic features without getting cluttered. On the downside, most of osCommerce tools are dated, and its different versions are not compatible. This means upgrading your platform is pretty hard and in some cases, you will be required to build from scratch.  

  • Web design 

Both OpenCart and osCommerce doesn’t provide specific design template. However, when you install each platform, you get a basic store design. OpenCart has the edge over osCommerce since its basic design is modern looking, mobile responsive, and quite nice. If you require anything, custom made you will have to design it yourself or hire a professional website designer. Alternatively, you can buy a theme from a renowned site like ThemeForest and Template Monster. 

OsCommerce provides a very basic store template that offers nothing out of the norm. This standard design is quite dated, and merchants rarely use it. If you want a better-looking store design you will have to either;  

  1. Buy a premium theme from sites like ThemeForest, or 
  1. Get one for free from osCommerce community add-ons section 

  • Product features

OpenCart doesn’t provide a wide array of features, but there are enough tools to help you to get your store running. In case you need an advanced functionality you will obtain it from customizations, applications, and developments. Some of the features that are provided out the box include; multi-language, multi-currency, multi-store, reports, SEO, modules, backup & restore tools, discount coupon system, shipping calculations, downloadable products, product reviews & ratings, filters, guest checkout, and recurring payments.  

OsCommerce is a bare skeleton that requires a lot of customization before you start running the store. You will have to add plenty of plugins and extensions through sweat and tears for your store to operate smoothly. Some of its basic features include; special offers, product management catalog, customer management, tax handling, order processing, and other advanced tools like cache control, security checks, banner control, database backups and more. It’s difficult to support thousands of products and managing inventory can also be unfriendly. Also, osCommerce makes optimization complex because it generates uber long URLs and doesn’t produce unique Meta titles. However, the platform gives you the freedom to add any feature to your online store which is a big plus.  

  • System requirements 

The configuration of OpenCart common settings is essentially easy to understand and handle. However, some basic system requirements must be met for your store to run successfully. Its installation necessitates a minimum of MySQL 5, PHP 5.2, and Apache web server.  

On the other osCommerce offer two online merchant versions; v2.3.x and v3.0.x. Both versions require a minimum of MySQL 4.1.13 or 5.0.7, PHP 4+, PHP 5.3, or MySQL 3. The first online merchant version is highly recommended for online stores because the new version is still not very refined.  

  • Payment processing

OpenCart provides 35 built-in payment methods which include; PayPal, Skrill, FirstData, etc. In addition, OpenCart integrates with many other payments gateways, but most of the integrations are paid for. Areto Systems provides a downloadable free payment gateway plugin for OpenCart when you sign up and also for Oscommerce. Sign up with Areto Systems and we will provide you with the best processing rate and free marketing tools.

On the other hand, osCommerce supports a number of payment processors which include PayPal and SagePay. Besides, there are plenty of payment gateways integrations which include Checkout and Dwolla.  

  • Integration and add-ons

OpenCart provides an abundance of integrations which are supplied by third-party developers. You will easily find extensions for language, currency, payment processing, marketing, and site-building. The list of its plugins is endless, and with over 14000 extensions available, it’s correct to say OpenCart has virtually any extension you need.  

On the other hand, osCommerce provides over 7000 extensions for payment, reporting, and shipping modules. 

  • Customer service and support 

OpenCart provides limited support which is a norm with many open source platform. OpenCart users get help from documentation and forums. Fortunately, the forums are active, and it’s easy to find a developer who will address all your concern promptly. In addition, OpenCart promotes third-party developer on their website. By checking the listing by country, you will easily find a developer to help you. Besides, users can submit a web ticket or make a call to get technical support. Other forms of support include; Video tutorials, Bug tracker, and blog. Besides, OpenCart has a premium support plans that offer two options; a one-time fee (with varying pricing) and a premium monthly plan (for $99). The premium plan provides support to resolve issues like installations and bug fixes. However, the support is limited to 5 installation issues and 3 bug fixes in a month.  

OsCommerce offers access to live chat and support ticket on business days from 9 AM to 6 PM CET. However, these methods of support are only available if you subscribe to the Community Sponsorship which goes for $65 per year. Alternatively, you can get help from documentation and osCommerce forum. The platform also provides help on Twitter and Facebook, although they are not very active on these social media platforms.  

CONCLUSION 

Based on our analysis, it’s vivid that both shopping cart software is richly featured hence favorable for online businesses. Although the platforms have some similarities, they provide a unique set of benefits and downsides. OpenCart exhibit superior capabilities and barring its limited support, it is an incredible eCommerce platform. However, OpenCart is not built with small business in mind and is only perfect for enterprise-level business.  

On the other hand, osCommerce provides plenty of benefits, but there is one major disadvantage. Adding advanced features and new security measures on osCommerce is difficult. This makes it too complex for small business owner or an average web designer to create a fully optimized option.  

Compare WOOCOMMERCE vs MAGENTO: Find the Best eCommerce Platform for Your Online Shop

Both WooCommerce and Magento are well-known e-commerce platforms that pack a punch in terms of features. These shopping cart software are reliable and helpful, and for this reasons, they drive an unending debate on which of the two is the winner.
In addition, WooCommerce backing by WordPress and Magento support by eBay has made thing pretty hard for newbies. Together, these solutions command more than 50% of the market share, with magneto enjoying a slightly bigger share than WooCommerce. With each platform forging a strong community of advocates it is easy to see how hard it can be to select one and not the other.
If you are at a crossroad, its time you quashed all the confusion. This article will help you to make a decision that you will live to treasure. We have spent a lot of resources, both time and money to compile this insightful comparison. Let’s get started.

SIMILARITIES

Both WooCommerce and Magento platforms feature some near identical functionalities and aspects. Some of their key similarities include;

Open source nature:

These e-commerce platforms are open source products. This means they provide access to the original code and accord the freedom to build your site on it or modify it to suit your preferences. They offer unprecedented ability to customize and flexibility to build a properly designed online store.

Powerful developer community:

The platforms avail a large community of developers which offers superb help to all users. You can get direct remedies from other users by asking questions on their respective forums. Woocommerce has a large group of WordPress users while Magento is backed by a dedicated group of developers.
If you want a functionality that is not provided as a default, you will most likely get an appropriate extension developed for the feature by the community. Both communities constantly check and develop codes that provide new solutions and improve the e-commerce software. In addition, they extend the existing provisions to create thriving opportunities within the framework.

Product management and communication:

Both WooCommerce and Magento have compelling similarities in their mode of communication and product management. The platforms allow you to have unlimited products in a centralized place, which is paramount when creating an online store. In addition, they feature an effective blogging functionality which allows you to run a blog. Operating your own blog adds a friendly voice to your store and bring a significant influence on the SERP visibility.

Freemium business model:

Both WooCommerce and Magento practice a freemium business model where they make money via extras bought by users over time. They drive revenue by selling extensions and plugins that users require as their business continues to expand. For instance, since these are open source platforms they give users the ability to customize their website branding. However, this ability can be unlocked via a proprietary plugin which you pay for to use.

Other similarities include;

Intuitive interface, responsive design, free download versions, and numerous extensions and plugins
Taking a closer look at the similarities cannot help you spot the strong and weak points for each platform. Let’s now dig deeper into the differences between these platforms to put in a position to make a concrete decision.

DIFFERENCES

Here are the key differences;

Ease of use:

When it comes to ease of use the crown belongs to WooCommerce, but we cannot hand over the prize without a proper explanation. As aforementioned, opening a business comes with plenty of hurdles, and things can get really complicated if the e-commerce platform is one of them.
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, and this is the reason it conquers. WordPress is an easy-to-use platform that is perfect for beginners. Customizing your website via WordPress is pretty easy thanks to the numerous plugin available. Being a plugin to this platform, WooCommerce follows the lead to provide a welcoming solution for all users. It also provides informative tutorial videos to help users to set up their stores.
On the other hand, Magento is a reliable CMS and is quite user-friendly. This platform comes with an installation wizard and provides tutorial documentation and videos. However, its complexity sets in when you begin adding extensions to your online store. The task is not friendly, and you will be forgiven to hire a specialist developer.
Wordpress aside, WooCommerce is a beginner friendly platform even for the nontech savvy. The plugin makes it easy to wade through the setup process with ease and is a safe bet if you hate complexity.

Features:

The features provided by an e-commerce platform means a lot. It’s obvious that both WooCommerce and Magento offer near identical, basic features. However, any ambitious entrepreneur should cast the eyes beyond these basic features. So which of the two give you the freedom to further customize your store and supply extra facilities to your customers?
Magento is the winner. This platform gives you the freedom to; compare products, add discount codes, cross- & up-sell products, and utilize an advanced filter for easier store navigation. In addition, Magneto allows you to customize complex store to suit all your needs and wants. Furthermore, the software makes it easier to manage multiple stores from a single account.
On the other hand, WooCommerce is simpler, which is a good thing for newbies. However, creating any extra functionality requires an add-on. It is a bare spine shopping cart software, and it’s up to the user to add the extra functionalities via plugins and extensions.
Generally, this platform is more effective as a WordPress plugin that brings e-commerce functionality. In Contrast, Magento is a fully fledged dedicated client management system for e-commerce stores. If you are not a WordPress user it’s advisable you base your store on the Magento platform.

Security

There is no denying hackers are getting smarter by day. According to one study (2015), approximately 30,000 websites are hacked in a day. For this reason, it’s becoming increasingly important to observe stringent security measures for your website. Optimum security is paramount irrespective of the nature of your website. Remember, your e-commerce store will host vital personal information and customer details, a lapse in security could cost you a fortune.
WooCommerce and Magento are superb in terms of their security measures. Although both implement advanced security techniques, one aspect sets them apart. Magento allows you to do everything from your end and at the same time addresses all the security concerns sufficiently.
Neither of the platforms can guarantee 100% secure operation, but Magento offers great comfort thanks to its frequent release of security patches. The patches help users to secure their online stores but can be a bit complex for newbies.

Performance and speed

The performance of the platform is a vital factor and one that influences the decision of many users. Let’s get it right here; if your online store performs poorly or takes ages for pages to load, customers will run away. This can be a detriment to your business, and the only way out is getting your facts right.
The speed and performance of your store are not solely hinged on that of the software. The way you optimize the store and the backend matters a lot. It also depends on the number of extensions and plugins used, other developments made, and the web host.
Taking a closer look at both WooCommerce and Magento, no one is a clear winner. If properly optimized these platforms are capable of delivering the desired results. In some cases, WooCommerce will leave Magento in the dust and vice-versa.

Cost

When starting an online store, it’s pretty great to accomplish your goal without spending a huge part of your investments. Both WooCommerce and Magento are free of charge which is a huge benefit to all users. You get the freedom to download them and set up your store straight away.

     Woocommerce

However, the crux of the matter is the nitty gritty features you add as your business grows. WooCommerce is limited on things like default payment options and in case you find a spectrum of payment options beyond the basic plans, you will have to purchase extensions and plugins to add them. In some cases, you will also find free extensions to WooCommerce, but you really need to look around! Areto Systems offer a free WooCommerce credit card payment gateway extension.

      Magento

On the other hand, the free version provided by Magento offers a host of basic features that can help you to grow your store without much struggle. However, adding extension is a necessity if you want to offer superior shopping experience. At this point, you will have to fork out money to purchase the plugins. Besides, you will have to consider the cost of hiring a Magento developer to install the extensions for you.
The hosting cost is another factor worth your consideration. WooCommerce runs perfectly on WordPress’ hosting which is a great thing in terms of cost and flexibility. On the other hand, Magento is a bit complicated and require dedicated servers for greater performance. Moreover, Magento offers an enterprise plan (at $1800 per month) which is very expensive hence not suitable for startups and medium business.
In conclusion, Magento has a slight edge over WooCommerce in term of the cost thanks to its greater flexibility and plenty of features.

CONCLUSION

The showdown between WooCommerce and Magento is a battle of the Titans. Both e-commerce platforms have unique bragging rights, and only a narrow gap separates them in terms of superiority. The option that works best for you depends hugely on your business needs and requirements.
However, sitting on the fence, it’s clear to see Magento is an excellent choice. This platform is more popular with businesses that idolize scalability and have ambitions to run a massive online store in future. In additions, the platform offers more basic functionality and brilliant extensions. If you have a plan to build an empire of online stores with tightened security. One that can challenge Amazon or eBay. Magento is the perfect partner.

Credit card processing option

To accept credit cards and process payments on any of these eCommerce platforms sign up for us or contact us with any questions.

All You Need To Know About Woocommerce

E-commerce is one of the most profitable online business opportunities on the Internet today. In comparison to traditional brick and mortar businesses, e-commerce site requires minimal start-up cost and is relatively low-risk. However, that does not imply creating an e-commerce business is a simple process. To produce a successful online storefront there are so many platforms and options out in the market, most of which exist to facilitate your life. If you have a WordPress based website and want to boost its web presence with the least possible stress, WooCommerce can help you!

WooCommerce, is a WordPress based plugin and is one the most loved and used of all WordPress plugins in e-commerce. Pumped with powerful features, this plugin allows you to transform your WordPress into an extensive e-commerce machine. You can nip and cut and make your online store as good as you might have imagined in your wildest dreams. From free features to amazing features for which you might have to shell a few bucks, WooCommerce gives everything and more that might be required to erect a brilliant platform and is used by a popular programming language, PHP.

Benefits of WooCommerce

1. Extensions

Do you want to make your online store more interesting with various nifty features like reviews, coupons, product management and so on? If yes, you have got about 800 plugins for WordPress available!

2. Integrated Marketing & SEO

Marketing takes a vital role in any business and WooCommerce core is bundled with features that will help you reach people, including SEO, coupons, product reviews and more. Plus there are extensions for when you’re ready to take things up a notch, like intelligent product recommendations.

3. Easy Analytics

The built-in analytics system in WooCommerce provides you thorough insight into the daily analytics, traffic, user behaviour and more. Fіgurеѕ lіkе tоtаl ѕаlеѕ, аvеrаgе оrdеr ѕаlеѕ, іndіvіduаl сuѕtоmеr ѕtаtіѕtісѕ, аll оf thеѕе are nеаtlу рrеѕеntеd vіа grарhѕ, without the users ever having to leave their admin panel.

4. Amazing design features

One among many important factors which decide your success in the eCommerce domain is the front end design. If you fail to provide good user experience, there are good chances that your shopping cart might get abandoned. Since there are a lot of themes available on WooCommerce, you could design a customer friendly, beautiful e-store in a very short time. If you could spend some more money, you could also hire a developer from WooCommerce to make a few customizations for you.

5. Professional and simple

Although it’s a free and user-friendly platform, do not think for a second that it is not professional enough. Inbuіlt wіth thе platform іѕ a detailed оrdеr-trасkіng facility wіth сuѕtоmеr engagement tools thаt аllоw buуеrѕ tо view раѕt аnd ореn orders.

6. Share option,

Another remarkable feature and benefits of installing WooCommerce is that it offers components like Share This, Share Daddy and Share Your Cart, which allows customers to share their purchases with acquaintances and avail coupons.

Thing to consider when Opening a WooCommerce Stores

1. Implement a Shopping Cart

If a ѕаlе іѕ the dеѕtіnаtіоn, thе саrt іѕ the checkout ԛuеuе where сuѕtоmеrѕ can either bail on уоu and аbаndоn things іn thе аіѕlеѕ, or аdd mоrе tо thеіr саrtѕ аnd finish ѕtrоng.

An е-соmmеrсе site іѕ nеvеr complete without a secure shopping саrt. Thе bеѕt option уоu саn соnѕіdеr іѕ a rеmоtеlу hosted ѕhорріng саrt whісh tаkеѕ the burdеn оf mаіntаіnіng ѕесurіtу аnd сrеdіt card numbers off your ѕhоuldеr.

2. Payment gateway

Payment gateways are very useful when customers need to pay you for their purchases. A gateway serves as a channel that can bring a thing from one place to another. When running an eCommerce business, a gateway plays an integral role in making verifications and allowing credit card transactions to come through. A payment gateway is an essential component of any online business. For businesses to be able to accept credit card payments, they need to have a merchant account. Business owners can open a merchant account in the bank where they do their banking transactions. This type of account is where revenue derived from credit card transactions will be transferred after verification by the gateway.

Online payments with WooCommerce

The best WооCоmmеrсе рауmеnt gаtеwауѕ аrе thе оnеѕ thаt wоrk for уоu and your buѕіnеѕѕ. When choosing and setting up a Payment Gateway, it’s vital to consider:

* Cost

* Ease of use (whether they are connected to WordPress and WooCommerce)

* Security

Rеdіrесtіоn іѕ the bеѕt рауmеnt gateways орtіоn іf уоu dоn’t wаnt to be rеѕроnѕіblе for bееfіng uр уоur ѕіtе’ѕ security since getting hасkеd соuld mеаn аll your сlіеntѕ’ сrеdіt саrd and реrѕоnаl іnfоrmаtіоn gets ѕtоlеn. That is where Areto Systems come to help

“Areto Systems” is a fast-growing payment gateway that covers over 140 different countries. Areto Systems able to handle recurring payments with through a PCI compliant payment gateway system that ensures maximum safety for you and your customers. It accepts all major types of payments including the likes of MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Discover, PayD, Visa Electron..etc.

Benefits of “Areto Systems” Payment Gateway

“Areto Systems” is capable of handling payment processes in real-time. It does not require additional administrative help for it to work. This means less business expense, and more time for you to focus on more important business matters.

“Areto Systems” also allows your customer to pay anytime and anywhere. It also provides customers different payment methods. This makes it convenient for your customers and ensures customer satisfaction.

And finally, a plugin for WooCommerce is freely available, which means, within 2 minutes your website can be connected with Areto Systems’ payment gateway!

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Areto Payment Processing Services AG is a licensed Financial Intermediary and member of the VQF, a self-regulatory body approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) for the supervision of the financial intermediaries.