Ecommerce software

Online stores run on ecommerce software. Do you want to start your own online business? With hosted ecommerce software such as Shopify, Webador, or Wix, you can set up your store quickly and easily. Other popular choices are WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Shopware.

Content:

• What do you want to sell?
• Selling internationally
• Localizing your website
• Open or closed source
• Mandatory information

If you want to start your own online store and sell across borders in Europe, there are many ecommerce software options available. Some of the most popular solutions in Europe include:

Above is a list of popular shopping cart software providers for new or fast-growing retailers. Some businesses choose open-source solutions like Magento, WooCommerce, or Prestashop, but these require technical knowledge and ongoing maintenance.

If you are launching an online store for the first time and prefer ecommerce software with hosting and built-in tools, a hosted (SaaS) solution is often a better fit. Platforms like Webador, Shopify, or Wix make it possible to set up your store this week, even without technical expertise. Your ideal choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Launching your first online store? Hosted (SaaS) software is often the best choice.

Before starting your online store

When choosing a software platform, there are a few key factors to consider. First, decide what products or services you want to sell online. Second, choose a name for your business that reflects your brand. Third, select the ecommerce solution that best fits your needs and goals.

‘There is always a suitable ecommerce software solution for you.’

There are countless options available, designed to meet every possible need. Whether you are running a niche online shop, selling a single product, managing a store with popular merchandise, or operating a marketplace with over 100,000 items from multiple vendors, there is always a software solution that fits your business perfectly.

Ecommerce software based on your product range

To choose the best online commerce software, it is important to know exactly what you want to sell. You should already have made this decision if you are planning to start an online store. For selling only digital items, a simple ecommerce solution like Shopify or Sellfy is often sufficient.

If you operate a large online store with hundreds or thousands of items, ecommerce platforms like Magento are worth considering. However, even in such cases, Shopify might still meet all your ecommerce requirements. Research is key! Examine the features of online stores you enjoy visiting. Which functionalities could enhance your own site?

And if you think ahead: do you plan to sell on multiple channels, not just your own website? If so, choose a software provider that supports managing multiple sales channels, including marketplaces. Are you also considering adding a physical point of sale for your business? Make sure your chosen platform can integrate these features smoothly.

Looking for ecommerce software to start your own dropshipping store? Shopify provides plugins for many popular dropshipping suppliers and is designed to make managing your online store simple and efficient.

Bigger dreams than a shop?

Nowadays, there are many popular online marketplaces in Europe. These are not only household names such as Amazon or eBay, but there have also been a significant number of major online businesses that evolved into marketplaces. If that is what you want, the functions of premade ecommerce software solutions are usually limited.

Take for example Bol, the biggest online shop in the Netherlands. Just like Amazon, it started out as an online book store, but due to its popularity it soon expanded into other product categories. And now it also operates as an online marketplace for external vendors, with most of its revenue coming from these third-party sellers.

Running an online marketplace does not often happen on online commerce platforms that are available for a couple of euros per month. Most often these online platforms are built in-house or are built using extensive software like those from Magento, Intershop or IBM.

Software to sell internationally

When setting up your online shop, you will likely create a website in your own language. However, consider whether you plan to sell internationally.

Cross-border ecommerce in Europe is growing rapidly, and expanding your shop internationally can help you reach a wider audience. If you already know that you will operate in multiple countries, ensure your ecommerce software provider offers the necessary features for international sales.

Localizing your ecommerce store

When selecting an ecommerce platform for cross-border selling, it is important to choose software that supports multiple languages, currencies, and integrates with local payment methods.

If you sell internationally, it is important that you can localize your website. For example, if your online store is based in Germany and you want to sell to Belgian customers, you should translate your website into both French and Dutch. This ensures that all Belgian customers can easily navigate and understand your site.

Besides the language of your website, it is important to consider the available payment methods. Belgian consumers may prefer different payment options compared to German consumers. Make sure to research and offer payment methods that suit your target audience. For more details, check our page about online payment methods in Europe.

Try to find out which are the best ecommerce platforms for cross-border sellers. The software of these website builders usually also offer integrations with local popular payment methods.

Europe has many cultures, each with their own shopping habits and payment methods.

What kind of software will you use?

When searching for the best ecommerce software for your online shop, it is helpful to understand the difference between open-source and hosted software. This will guide you in choosing the right option before selecting a software package.

Open source software

Open-source software offers complete flexibility and control, but you will need technical skills for installation, hosting, and maintenance. It is ideal for businesses that require custom features or want to manage their platform independently. Examples include Magento, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop.

Looking for ecommerce software to start selling in Europe? Webador and Shopify are platforms that are well optimized for cross-border ecommerce.

Hosted ecommerce software

Hosted software (SaaS) is user-friendly and includes hosting, updates, and customer support. It is a good choice for beginners or businesses that prefer a simple setup with minimal technical involvement. It might seem limiting, but many of the best ecommerce platforms today are hosted solutions. Examples include Shopify, Wix, and BigCommerce.

These platforms are popular among online sellers because they do not require coding skills. They allow users to build their websites using templates and add features like inventory management and online payment options. The software also often provide additional services, such as mobile apps for your business or seamless integration with online marketplaces, making it easier to manage and grow your online store.

Hosted ecommerce platforms are designed to be user-friendly.

Pros and cons

Both open source and hosted ecommerce software have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on which features are most important for your ecommerce business.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you a skilled programmer, or do you have access to technical expertise?
• Are you comfortable paying a monthly fee to use hosted software?
• Do you trust the quality and reliability of pre-built software solutions?
• Are you willing to invest significant time in customizing and tweaking open-source software to meet your needs?

Answering these questions will help you determine which type of platform best aligns with your skills, budget, and business goals.

Information to share on your ecommerce site

After selecting the right software, the next step is to decide what information to include on your online store. The details you are required to share may depend on whether you are selling to consumers or businesses.

If you are operating in the European Union, there are important regulations to follow. These include displaying clear terms and conditions, providing a return policy, and ensuring transparency about pricing, taxes, and shipping costs. Failing to comply with these rules could result in penalties, so it is crucial to understand and implement them correctly.

‘Your website needs to include your physical and email addresses.’

Under EU rules, you are required to provide customers with specific information on your online store. This includes:

• Your identity and contact details, including physical and email addresses.
• A clear description of the main characteristics of the goods or services you sell.
• Your return policy, including how customers can return items or request refunds.
• The total price, including any additional charges such as taxes, delivery, and postage costs.
• The acceptable payment methods available.
• Information about the customer’s right to withdraw from the contract.

Ensuring this information is easily accessible and transparent helps you comply with EU regulations and build trust with your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about ecommerce software:

What is ecommerce software?

Ecommerce software is software you need in order to run ecommerce business. Famous online retail websites like those of Amazon, Tesco, Vente-Prive and Zalando run on software. It enables these websites to offer visitors the possibility to search for products, add them to their shopping carts and eventually buy them online.

This kind of software gives your website ecommerce tools. Think about product pages, a search feature, a shopping cart, the implementation of payment methods of more.

What is the best ecommerce solution in 2023?

Currently, there are so many ecommerce solutions, that the answer to this question really depends on your needs. Do you want to run a simple store with just a few products? Or do you have a website with different databases and do you want to sell to multiple countries? Or maybe you want to open an online store as an addition to the physical store you have.

Try and compare solutions like Shopify, Lightspeed, Magento or WooCommerce. The last one is a WordPress platform, so if you are already familiar with that content management system, check it out.

How do I compare platforms?

If you have found several ecommerce software providers, you need to compare them to find which solution best suits your needs. The first reaction might be to compare prices. That is OK, but make it an honest comparison. Do not just look at the ‘per month’ price, but also check what other prices, fees and paid upgrades there are. Try to calculate what each software solution will cost you per month or per year. And if you use free open source software, take in consideration the hours you will make (or have someone make for you) to customize the software.

When comparing ecommerce software, do not just look at what your business needs now, but also at what it might need in the future. Is your goal to be active in multiple countries? Do you want to sell totally different kind of products later? Then make this part of your research when you are comparing the different features of the solutions you have found.