Let’s say you are on a limited budget and want to create an online store, which means you want to start an e-commerce platform. You look through available options and find some free, open-source software. You purchase a domain name and hosting. You install your free software, add a couple of plugins, and create a fantastic new logo. You now have an online store to populate with products and earn income.
You do your job well, and your small online store takes off. You discover that you need a more scalable solution. You also realize that the first framework you chose probably isn’t the best moving forward. Now, it’s time to move your store, so what do you do?
Look for a more scalable option. WordPress is a popular blogging platform that also has e-commerce options available. People already familiar with WordPress will often choose it as their first software option. Magento is a trendy and scalable e-commerce option. You can learn more about Magento at Bing Digital.
Switching an e-commerce platform can be a lot of work, and it’s not without risk. Before you make the switch, ensure you need to do so. Here are 4 signs that it might be time to make the switch.
Your Current Software Is Missing Features
The lack of features signals that it might be time to update to a more robust solution. Your first free and straightforward software solution may not be capable of keeping up with your ever-growing product and customer demand. This is a sign that it is time to switch to a better solution.
Maintenance Is Keeping You Up at Night
Your once free and straightforward software solution now requires much time and maintenance. If maintaining your store is full-time, it might be time to switch to a better solution. Whether it’s constant upgrades or fixing bugs, you want to use a software solution that will make your job as easy as possible.
Part of the Process Is Manual E-commerce Platforms
The first step to scalability is having automatic processes in place. You want a simple system that automatically communicates with customers. You want them to be able to log into the site, purchase, and pay for their item without you having to get involved manually.
It would also be nice if your software solution helps you automate the inventory process. Whether running automatic reports or changing the inventory value, the more automated your system is, the easier things will be for you.
Not Playing Nice With Other E-commerce Platforms
Integration is a big part of the automation process. You want a software solution that will work well across multiple sales channels. As your business grows, you will also want to be able to integrate it with other systems you use, such as order management or inventory management.
The only way you will be able to automate all of these processes is through software that easily integrates with the other products you use. There is a lot to think about before you upgrade your e-commerce platform. Once you know that you have outgrown your platform, it’s time to upgrade to a more scalable and robust option.
If unsure, you must read this Choosing eCommerce platform for your business.
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Hi Robin,
Finding the right platform can be a confusing job. However for me, I have always been very comfortable with WordPress. With so many plugins easily available, it is the most preferred platform. It gives you lot of option to customize your site according to your need. It is easy to manage for somebody like myself who is not an expert in other platforms.
Thank you for sharing this post. Have a good day. 🙂