8 Best eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Ecommerce platforms are online platforms that enable businesses to sell their products and services over the internet.

They provide a range of features such as product listings, shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management tools. For small businesses, choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for success.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

In this article, we’ll outline the 15 best ecommerce platforms for small businesses.

We’ll cover hosted platforms such as

• Shopify
• BigCommerce
• Squarespace
• Wix

as well as self-hosted platforms such as

• WooCommerce
• Magento
• OpenCart
• PrestaShop.

We’ll also include niche platforms such as

• Etsy
• Storenvy
• Ecwid
• Gumroad.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key features, pricing, and pros and cons of each platform, and be able to make an informed decision about which platform is right for your small business.

What is eCommerce Platforms?

Ecommerce platforms are software applications that allow businesses to create and manage online stores where they can sell their products or services to customers. These platforms provide a wide range of features that enable businesses to showcase their products, manage their inventory, process payments, and handle shipping and other fulfillment operations.

Ecommerce platforms typically include a content management system (CMS) that allows businesses to create and manage their online store’s website and product pages, and a shopping cart system that enables customers to browse and purchase products. They also integrate with various payment gateways to process online transactions securely and provide tools for managing customer accounts, tracking orders, and managing shipping and delivery.

Many ecommerce platforms offer additional features such as marketing and SEO tools, mobile responsiveness, and integrations with third-party applications for accounting, analytics, and other business operations. The goal of an ecommerce platform is to provide businesses with an all-in-one solution for managing their online store and simplifying the process of selling products and services online.

Importance of Choosing the right eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is critical for the success of a small business. Here are some reasons why:

1. Cost: Ecommerce platforms come with different pricing plans and fees, which can significantly impact a small business’s budget. Choosing the right platform with affordable pricing plans can help small businesses save money and allocate their resources to other business operations.
2. Functionality: Ecommerce platforms have different features and functionalities, and selecting the right one that meets a small business’s specific needs is crucial. The platform should provide an intuitive interface, inventory management, secure payment gateways, and customer support to help businesses manage their online store effectively.
3. Customizability: Small businesses have unique branding requirements, and choosing an ecommerce platform that allows customization of the store’s appearance and functionality is important. A platform that allows for customization can help small businesses stand out from competitors and offer a unique shopping experience to their customers.
4. Scalability: As a small business grows, its ecommerce platform should grow with it. Choosing a scalable platform that can handle a growing volume of products, customers, and transactions can help small businesses avoid the hassle of switching to a new platform in the future.

Hosted eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Hosted ecommerce platforms for small business are ecommerce platforms that are hosted on a third-party server, and businesses pay a monthly fee to use the platform’s services. These platforms offer businesses an all-in-one solution for building and managing their online store without having to worry about technical aspects such as server maintenance and security.

1. Shopify – eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Shopify is a cloud-based ecommerce platforms for small businesses that allows to build and manage their online store. It offers a range of features, including a content management system, inventory management, secure payment gateways, and shipping and fulfillment management. Shopify has become one of the most popular ecommerce platforms for small business due to its ease of use and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for small businesses.

Key features of Shopify eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. User-friendly interface: Shopify has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online store without requiring technical skills.
2. Customizable design: Shopify offers a wide range of templates and themes that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are customizable, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
3. Secure payment gateways: Shopify provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Shopify also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net.
4. Inventory management: Shopify offers robust inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
5. Shipping and fulfillment management: Shopify provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and USPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
6. SEO and marketing tools: Shopify offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.

Pricing

Shopify offers various pricing plans, including a basic plan starting at $29/month, which includes all the essential features needed to set up an online store. Shopify also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the platform before committing to a plan.

Pros

1. Easy to use: Shopify has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online store without requiring technical skills.
2. Customizable design: Shopify offers a wide range of templates and themes that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are customizable, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
3. Secure payment gateways: Shopify provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Shopify also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net.
4. Robust inventory management: Shopify offers inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
5. Shipping and fulfillment management: Shopify provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and USPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
6. SEO and marketing tools: Shopify offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.

Cons:

1. Monthly fees: Shopify charges a monthly fee for using its platform, which may be a disadvantage for small businesses with limited budgets.
2. Transaction fees: Shopify charges transaction fees on top of the payment processing fees, which can increase the cost of using the platform.
3. Limited customization options: While Shopify offers a range of templates and themes, customization options may be limited compared to other platforms.
4. App costs: Shopify has an extensive app store that provides additional features and functionality, but many of these apps require a monthly fee, which can add up.
5. Limited control: As a hosted platform, Shopify has limited control over server settings, which may limit customization options for advanced users.

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another popular ecommerce platforms for small business that provides businesses with an all-in-one solution for building and managing their online store. It offers a range of features, including a content management system, inventory management, secure payment gateways, and shipping and fulfillment management.

Key features of BigCommerce eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. User-friendly interface: BigCommerce has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online store without requiring technical skills.
2. Customizable design: BigCommerce offers a range of templates and themes that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are customizable, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
3. Secure payment gateways: Bigcommerce provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Bigcommerce also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net.
4. Inventory management: Bigcommerce offers robust inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
5. Shipping and fulfillment management: Bigcommerce provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and USPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
6. SEO and marketing tools: Bigcommerce offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.

Pricing

BigCommerce offers various pricing plans, including a standard plan starting at $29.95/month, which includes all the essential features needed to set up an online store. BigCommerce also offers a 15-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the platform before committing to a plan.

Pros:

1. Customizable design: Bigcommerce offers a range of templates and themes that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are customizable, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
2. Secure payment gateways: Bigcommerce provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Bigcommerce also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net.
3. Robust inventory management: Bigcommerce offers inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
4. Shipping and fulfillment management: Bigcommerce provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and USPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
5. SEO and marketing tools: Bigcommerce offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.
6. Scalability: Bigcommerce is a scalable platform that can accommodate businesses of different sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Cons:

1. Monthly fees: Bigcommerce charges a monthly fee for using its platform, which may be a disadvantage for small businesses with limited budgets.
2. Transaction fees: Bigcommerce charges transaction fees on top of the payment processing fees, which can increase the cost of using the platform.
3. Limited customization options: While Bigcommerce offers a range of templates and themes, customization options may be limited compared to other platforms.
4. App costs: Bigcommerce has an app store that provides additional features and functionality, but many of these apps require a monthly fee, which can add up.
5. Limited control: Bigcommerce is a hosted platform, which means businesses have limited control over server settings, which may limit customization options for advanced users.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that offers a range of tools for creating and managing an ecommerce store. While it is primarily a website builder, it has a robust ecommerce platform that allows businesses to sell products online.

Key features of Squarespace’s ecommerce platforms for small business include:

1. Customizable design: Squarespace offers a range of templates and themes that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are customizable, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
2. Secure payment gateways: Squarespace provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Squarespace also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay.
3. Inventory management: Squarespace offers inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
4. Shipping and fulfillment management: Squarespace provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and UPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
5. SEO and marketing tools: Squarespace offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.

Pricing

Squarespace’s eCommerce Platform is available on its Business plan, which costs $18/month when billed annually. This plan includes all the essential features needed to set up an online store, as well as a range of other tools for creating and managing a website. Squarespace also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the platform before committing to a plan.

Pros:

1. Beautiful design: Squarespace is known for its beautiful and modern templates, which can be easily customized to create a professional-looking online store.
2. All-in-one solution: Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that includes everything you need to build and manage your online store, including hosting, domain registration, and SSL certificates.
3. User-friendly: Squarespace is easy to use, even for those without technical skills. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create and customize your online store without the need for coding.
4. Good SEO: Squarespace is designed to be SEO-friendly, with built-in tools to optimize your online store for search engines.
5. Good customer support: Squarespace provides excellent customer support through email, chat, and phone. Its help center is also comprehensive and well-organized.

Cons:

1. Limited customization: While Squarespace’s templates are beautiful, they can be limiting in terms of customization options compared to other platforms.
2. Limited payment options: Squarespace only integrates with a few payment gateways, including Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
3. Limited third-party integrations: Squarespace has a limited number of third-party integrations compared to other ecommerce platforms, which can limit its functionality.
4. Expensive: Squarespace is more expensive than some other ecommerce platforms, with plans starting at $18/month for the Business plan.
5. Limited features: Squarespace’s ecommerce capabilities are not as advanced as some other platforms, which can be a disadvantage for businesses with more complex needs.

4. Wix

Wix is a popular website builder that offers an ecommerce platforms for small businesses. With Wix, businesses can create an online store and sell their products or services online.

Key Features of Wix’s eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. Customizable design: Wix offers a range of customizable templates that businesses can use to create a visually appealing online store. These templates are easy to customize, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout to match their brand identity.
2. Secure payment gateways: Wix provides secure payment gateways that allow businesses to process online transactions safely and efficiently. Wix also allows businesses to integrate with various payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
3. Inventory management: Wix offers inventory management tools that allow businesses to track their stock levels, set up alerts for low inventory, and manage their product listings.
4. Shipping and fulfillment management: Wix provides a range of shipping and fulfillment options, including integrations with popular shipping carriers such as FedEx and UPS, as well as the ability to print shipping labels and packing slips.
5. SEO and marketing tools: Wix offers various SEO and marketing tools, including the ability to optimize product listings for search engines, create discount codes and coupons, and integrate with email marketing services.

Pricing

Wix’s ecommerce platform is available on its Business Basic plan, which costs $23/month when billed annually. This plan includes all the essential features needed to set up an online store, as well as a range of other tools for creating and managing a website. Wix also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to test the platform before committing to a plan.

Pros:

1. Easy to use: Wix is known for its ease of use, with a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to create and customize your online store.
2. Customizable design: Wix offers a range of customizable templates and design options, allowing businesses to create a unique online store that matches their brand identity.
3. Affordable: Wix is more affordable than some other ecommerce platforms, with plans starting at $23/month for the Business Basic plan.
4. Good customer support: Wix provides excellent customer support through email, chat, and phone. Its help center is also comprehensive and well-organized.
5. Mobile-friendly: Wix’s templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring that your online store looks great on any device.

Cons:

1. Limited features: While Wix offers many features, its ecommerce capabilities are not as advanced as some other platforms, which can be a disadvantage for businesses with more complex needs.
2. Limited payment options: Wix only integrates with a few payment gateways, which can be limiting for businesses that want more flexibility.
3. Limited third-party integrations: Wix has a limited number of third-party integrations compared to other ecommerce platforms, which can limit its functionality.
4. Limited control: While Wix’s templates are easy to use, they can be limiting in terms of customization options, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that want more control over their online store’s design.

Self Hosted eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Self-hosted ecommerce platforms are software that you install on your own web hosting account to create and manage your online store. Here are some popular self-hosted ecommerce platforms for small businesses:

1. WooCommerce
2. Magento
3. PrestaShop
4. OpenCart

1. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free, open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress, which powers over 30% of websites on the internet. It allows businesses to create and manage their online store directly within their WordPress website. Here are some of the

Key Features of WooCommerce eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. Customizable design: WooCommerce offers a range of customizable templates, allowing businesses to modify the design and layout of their online store to match their brand identity.
2. Payment gateways: WooCommerce supports a range of payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Pay, making it easy for businesses to accept payments online.
3. Shipping options: WooCommerce allows businesses to offer a range of shipping options, including free shipping, flat rate shipping, and real-time shipping rates.
4. Product management: WooCommerce allows businesses to manage their products, including creating product categories, adding product images and descriptions, and managing inventory.
5. Add-ons and extensions: WooCommerce has a large library of add-ons and extensions that businesses can use to extend the functionality of their online store, such as integrating with email marketing platforms or adding advanced product search functionality.

Pricing

WooCommerce itself is a free, open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress, so there are no costs associated with using the software. However, there are still costs associated with running an online store using WooCommerce. Here are some of the potential costs to consider:

1. Web hosting: You will need a web hosting account to run your WooCommerce store. Prices for web hosting vary depending on the hosting provider and the level of service you require.
2. Domain name: You will need a domain name for your online store, which typically costs around $10 to $15 per year.
3. Payment gateway fees: If you choose to accept credit card payments, you may need to pay fees to your payment gateway provider.
4. Extensions and add-ons: While WooCommerce itself is free, you may need to purchase add-ons or extensions to add certain features to your online store.
5. Design and development: If you don’t have the technical expertise to set up and customize your online store yourself, you may need to pay for design and development services.

While if you choose the Ready Made Website then you will get the Web Hosting, Domain, Payment Gateway setup, extensions and Design and development.

Pros

1. Customizability: WooCommerce is highly customizable, with a range of themes and plugins available that can be used to create a unique and customized online store.
2. Cost-effective: WooCommerce is a free, open-source platform, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses looking to set up an online store.
3. User-friendly: WooCommerce is relatively user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use.
4. Scalability: WooCommerce is highly scalable, making it suitable for small businesses that are just starting out as well as larger businesses with more complex needs.
5. Large community: WooCommerce has a large and active community of users and developers, which means there is a wealth of resources and support available to businesses using the platform.

Cons

1. Technical expertise required: While WooCommerce is relatively user-friendly, businesses will still need some technical expertise to set up and manage their online store, especially if they want to customize the platform beyond its basic functionality.
2. Hosting requirements: WooCommerce requires businesses to have their own web hosting account, which can add additional costs and technical complexity.
3. Limited customer support: As an open-source platform, support for WooCommerce is primarily provided by its community of users and developers, which may be limited compared to some of the paid ecommerce platforms available.
4. Security: As with any ecommerce platform, businesses using WooCommerce need to take appropriate measures to ensure the security of their online store, including implementing SSL encryption and regular backups.

2. Magento

Magento is a popular self-hosted ecommerce platform that is suitable for small businesses with larger or more complex needs.

Key features of Magento eCommerce Platforms for small businesses:

1. Customizability: Magento offers a high degree of customizability, with a range of themes and extensions available to create a unique and customized online store.
2. Scalability: Magento is highly scalable and can support large and complex online stores, making it suitable for small businesses with larger or more complex needs.
3. Marketing and SEO: Magento offers a range of marketing and SEO tools to help businesses optimize their online store for search engines and drive more traffic to their site.
4. Multi-store capabilities: Magento allows businesses to manage multiple online stores from a single admin panel, which can be useful for businesses that operate across multiple markets or regions.

Pros:

1. Customizability: Magento is highly customizable, allowing businesses to create a unique and customized online store that meets their specific needs.
2. Scalability: Magento is highly scalable, making it suitable for small businesses with larger or more complex needs.
3. Marketing and SEO: Magento offers a range of marketing and SEO tools that can help businesses optimize their online store for search engines and drive more traffic to their site.
4. Multi-store capabilities: Magento allows businesses to manage multiple online stores from a single admin panel, which can be useful for businesses that operate across multiple markets or regions.

Cons:

1. Technical expertise required: Magento is a complex platform that requires some technical expertise to set up and manage, making it less suitable for small businesses with limited technical resources.
2. Cost: Magento is a more expensive platform than some of the other options available, with higher hosting costs and potentially additional costs for themes and extensions.
3. Performance: Magento can be resource-intensive and may require more powerful hosting than some of the other ecommerce platforms available.

3. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a self-hosted open-source ecommerce platform that is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Here are some of the key features, pros, and cons of PrestaShop for small businesses:

Features of eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. Customizability: PrestaShop offers a range of themes and modules that can be used to customize the appearance and functionality of an online store.
2. Multi-language and multi-currency support: PrestaShop supports multiple languages and currencies, which can be useful for businesses that operate in multiple markets or regions.
3. Marketing and SEO: PrestaShop offers a range of marketing and SEO tools to help businesses optimize their online store for search engines and drive more traffic to their site.
4. Analytics and reporting: PrestaShop provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help businesses track sales, customers, and other metrics.

Pros:

1. Customizability: PrestaShop is highly customizable, allowing businesses to create a unique and customized online store that meets their specific needs.
2. Cost-effective: PrestaShop is a free, open-source platform, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses with limited budgets.
3. User-friendly: PrestaShop has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use, making it a good option for businesses without a lot of technical expertise.
4. Community support: PrestaShop has a large and active community of users and developers, which means there is a wealth of resources and support available to businesses using the platform.

Cons:

1. Limited customer support: As an open-source platform, support for PrestaShop is primarily provided by its community of users and developers, which may be limited compared to some of the paid ecommerce platforms available.
2. Hosting requirements: PrestaShop requires businesses to have their own web hosting account, which can add additional costs and technical complexity.
3. Limited scalability: While PrestaShop can support small to medium-sized businesses, it may not be suitable for larger or more complex online stores.

4. OpenCart

OpenCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platforms for small businesses that allows to create online stores and sell products and services. Here are some of the key features, pros, and cons of OpenCart for small businesses:

Features of OpenCart eCommerce Platforms for Small Business:

1. Customizability: OpenCart offers a wide range of themes and extensions that allow businesses to customize the appearance and functionality of their online store.
2. Multi-store support: OpenCart allows businesses to create and manage multiple stores from a single admin interface, which can be useful for businesses that operate in multiple markets or regions.
3. Payment and shipping options: OpenCart supports a range of payment and shipping options, including popular payment gateways and shipping carriers.
4. SEO optimization: OpenCart has built-in SEO features that can help businesses optimize their online store for search engines and improve their visibility.

Pros:

1. Cost-effective: OpenCart is a free, open-source platform, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses with limited budgets.
2. Customizable: OpenCart is highly customizable, allowing businesses to create a unique and customized online store that meets their specific needs.
3. User-friendly: OpenCart has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and use, making it a good option for businesses without a lot of technical expertise.
4. Large community: OpenCart has a large and active community of users and developers, which means there is a wealth of resources and support available to businesses using the platform.

Cons:

1. Limited features: While OpenCart offers a range of features, some businesses may find that it lacks certain advanced features offered by other ecommerce platforms.
2. Limited support: As an open-source platform, support for OpenCart is primarily provided by its community of users and developers, which may be limited compared to some of the paid ecommerce platforms available.
3. Technical requirements: OpenCart requires businesses to have their own web hosting account, which can add additional costs and technical complexity.

Comparison Table of eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Here is a comparison table of some of the popular ecommerce platforms for small businesses:

Platform	Hosted/Self-hosted	Pricing	Transaction Fees	Themes	Payment Options	Integrations
Shopify	Hosted	$29-$299/month	0.5%-2%	70+ free and paid	100+	3,200+
BigCommerce	Hosted	$29.95-$299.95/month	0%-2.2%	12 free and 150+ paid	65+	600+
Squarespace	Hosted	$18-$40/month	0%-3%	10 free and 40+ paid	Stripe and PayPal	100+
Wix	Hosted	$23-$49/month	0%-2.9%	80+ free and paid	50+	300+
WooCommerce	Self-hosted	Free	Depends on payment gateway	100+ free and paid	140+	400+
Magento	Self-hosted	Free (Community edition) or $2,000-$22,000/year (Enterprise edition)	Depends on payment gateway	11 free and paid	100+	5000+
OpenCart	Self-hosted	Free	None	13000+ free and paid	20+	1300+
PrestaShop	Self-hosted	Free	None	2000+ free and paid	50+	3000+

It’s important to note that pricing, features, and integrations may vary depending on the specific plan and package selected. Small businesses should carefully consider their specific needs and budget when choosing an ecommerce platform.

Final Thoughts on eCommerce Platforms for Small Business

Choosing the right ecommerce platforms for small business is crucial to your online success. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to evaluate your needs and goals before making a decision.

Hosted platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer an easy-to-use interface, pre-built themes, and reliable support. However, they may come with transaction fees and limited customization options.

Self-hosted platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and PrestaShop offer more flexibility and control, but require more technical knowledge and resources to set up and maintain.

Ultimately, the best ecommerce platform for your small business depends on your budget, business needs, and technical expertise. Take the time to research and compare different platforms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to their support teams if you have any questions or concerns.