To determine the best e-commerce platforms, we considered competitors from across the industry and created a listing of 38 competitors for in-depth evaluation. We then compared 53 criteria reminiscent of price, features and ease of use to find out the highest 10. When narrowing down our selections, we also took under consideration whether the platforms had inventory management and omnichannel sales capabilities.
Here are the important thing metrics used to research the best e-commerce platforms.
Expert Score
The Expert Score category analyzes 4 key elements: features, value for money, popularity and ease of use. When evaluating features, particular attention is paid to specific capabilities reminiscent of inventory management tools, mobile administration flexibility, and custom programming options. Value for money goes beyond price alone; takes under consideration how much you get for each penny you spend. Popularity, often measured by user reviews and market share, helps confirm a platform’s credibility. Ease of use takes under consideration how easy the interface is for each e-commerce novices and experts. Together, these sub-criteria provide an in-depth assessment of the general quality of the platform.
This represents 20% of our total result.
Prices and value
Pricing and Value focuses on the financial logistics of using the platform. Here we were wondering if we could find information on the supply of free demos and public pricing. We also discuss the length of the free trial period, the fee of monthly and annual subscriptions, and other pricing details reminiscent of costs per seat and user, product, and storefront limits. This category provides a transparent picture of how inexpensive and scalable the platform is for various business sizes and wishes.
This represents 10% of our total rating.
Service and support
Service and Support fastidiously considers the kinds of assistance you may expect. Evaluates the supply of live chat, telephone support and email contact options. This category also looks at whether there’s a self-help knowledge base and special documentation for developers. The presence of a community forum is one other element subject to evaluation. The aim is to supply a transparent picture of how well users might be supported when using the platform.
This represents 10% of our total rating.
Site constructing tools
Website builders evaluate how convenient and comprehensive the web site creation process is. The rating covers the supply of drag-and-drop functionality, ready-made themes and layout templates. Additionally, it explores social media integration options, email marketing tools, website hosting, SSL certificates, custom domains, and even coding capabilities. Each of those sub-criteria refers back to the platform’s flexibility in creating and managing web sites.
This represents 20% of our total result.
Payment processing and accounting
This category focuses on the logistics of managing transactions and financial accounts. Inventory management, availability of ready-made solutions or flexibility of implementing your individual solutions are examined. Details reminiscent of transaction fees, recurring payment support, and the supply of physical POS options for in-person selling also fall into this category. Accounting software integration, PCI compliance, and analytics tools offer an entire picture of how well the platform manages the financial elements of e-commerce.
This represents 15% of our total result.
E-commerce features
E-commerce features explore additional capabilities of the platform. Checks for third-party integration options, progressive web app support, and CRM integration. Other sub-criteria include support for dropshipping, omnichannel sales, shipping and tax calculators, and even abandoned cart recovery tools. Options for selling digital goods, processing returns and refunds, and even selling services are also being explored. The addition of a mobile app completes this category.
This represents 25% of our total result.
Credit : www.forbes.com
