20 Best Ecommerce Platforms For Startups Reviewed In 2024
Best Ecommerce Platforms For Startups Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Selecting an ecommerce platform for a startup can be as challenging as handling your business's day-to-day operations. Many startups face challenges in providing good online shopping experiences, which can lead to lost customers and hindered growth.
As an ecommerce technology consultant, I've seen a rising need for platforms that tackle these challenges effectively. Drawing from my expertise in ecommerce solutions, I've evaluated and reviewed several leading platforms to help startups identify the best fit for their needs.
Whether you're looking to launch your first online store or optimize your existing platform, my guide will help you make strategic choices that enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce platforms for startups since 2019. As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how important and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce management use cases and written over 1,000 complete software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent and our software review methodology.
Best Ecommerce Platforms For Startups Summary
We’ve investigated the pricing and availability of free trials and demo versions so you can make a much simpler side-by-side comparison.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Lightspeed | From $59/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| PrestaShop | From $26/month | Website |
| OpenCart | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Weebly | From $10/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Simvoly | From $12/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Volusion | From $35/month | Website |
| ShopBase | From $17/month (billed annually) | Website |
| branchbob | From $13.50/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ShopWired | From $29.95/month | Website |
| Webflow | From $14/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
As you work through your unique software selection process, remember the following points.
- Cost of Ownership: The cost of an ecommerce platform varies based on your business size and required features. While some platforms offer free versions, others like Shopify require monthly subscriptions. Consider initial and ongoing expenses, including web development, security, hosting, and maintenance. Some companies, for example, provide transparent pricing with no transaction fees, which can be cost-effective for startups.
- Flexibility: If you expand, your platform should grow with your business, handling increased traffic and a more extensive product catalog. Some solutions are known for their scalability, supporting growth from small startups to larger enterprises. Alternatively, other platforms allow for extensive customization, accommodating evolving business needs.
- Ease of Use: Ease of use is essential for startups with limited technical expertise. Some platforms offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop features, simplifying store setup and management. Customer support options, like 24/7 chat, are also valuable for troubleshooting issues.
- Omnichannel Capabilities: An effective ecommerce platform should support an omnichannel strategy, providing a consistent experience across multiple channels, such as social media, online stores, and physical locations.
- SEO and Marketing Tools: Generating traffic is key to sales, so choose a platform with built-in SEO tools and marketing integrations. Some online stores are noted for their SEO-friendly features, while others offer customizable URLs, improving visibility and attracting customers.
Best Ecommerce Platforms For Startups Reviews
Here’s my in-depth analysis and overview of each ecommerce platform for startups, highlighting the pros and cons, features, and ideal use cases for each tool.
Lightspeed is a complete commerce platform designed to support retail, restaurant, and golf businesses. It provides integrated POS and inventory management solutions.
Why I Picked Lightspeed: I chose Lightspeed for its integration of POS and inventory management, which is essential for startups needing streamlined operations. Its ability to unify sales, inventory, and customer data sets it apart from other platforms. Lightspeed is best for integrated POS and inventory management because I believe it helps businesses manage their operations efficiently.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include inventory management, real-time reporting, and a unified POS system. These features help businesses maintain accurate stock levels, gain insights into their operations, and provide a consistent customer experience across multiple channels.
Integrations include AGendrix employee schedule, Amaka accounting, and AppCard loyalty tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting
- Advanced inventory management
- Complete POS system
Cons:
- Minimal scalability
- Limited to specific business types
PrestaShop is a customizable ecommerce platform with a user-friendly interface. It offers startups tools to create and manage online stores, including free source code, ready-made stores, and a marketplace for modules and themes. It also provides essential services like marketing, shipping, and automation, along with community support and educational resources.
Why I Picked PrestaShop: I chose PrestaShop because of its customization options, which make it stand out from other ecommerce platforms. Its flexibility allows startups to tailor their online stores to their needs, making it the best choice for customizable ecommerce solutions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a marketplace for modules and themes, essential modules for selling online, and various services such as marketing, shipping, and automation. PrestaShop also offers a range of support options, including consulting and hosting services and community and educational resources.
Integrations include Icecat Catalog Management, Looker Studio, Odoo, PipeDrive, QuickBooks, Salesforce, SimplBooks, Xero, and Zoho CRM.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive marketplace
- Community support
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Basic analytics
- Requires technical knowledge
OpenCart is an open-source ecommerce platform that offers updates with no monthly fees. It provides powerful store management, a wide selection of extensions and themes, and reliable support options.
Why I Picked OpenCart: I chose OpenCart for its open-source flexibility, which allows startups to customize their online stores without recurring costs. Its marketplace of modules and themes sets it apart from other platforms. OpenCart's transparency and community support make it ideal for businesses seeking a customizable, cost-effective solution.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include built-in SEO tools and easy management of products, customers, and orders. Over 13,000 modules and themes expand each store's functionality.
Integrations include Flagship Shipping, Freshchat, Hubspot, Infusionsoft, IntercomChat, Mailchimp, QuickBooks Online, XeroCart, Zendesk, and Zoho.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Community support
- Extensive module marketplace
- Free and open-source
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with plugins
- Requires technical knowledge
Weebly is an e-commerce platform designed to help users create and manage online stores. It is particularly noted for its user-friendly interface and mobile management capabilities, making it good for startups.
Why I Picked Weebly: I chose Weebly for this list because of its ease of use and mobile management features. When comparing various ecommerce platforms, Weebly stands out due to its intuitive drag-and-drop builder and complete mobile app, which allows users to manage their store from anywhere. This makes it particularly suitable for entrepreneurs who are always on the go and need a platform that offers flexibility.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable themes, a drag-and-drop builder, and intelligent marketing tools. The mobile app provides the same functionality as the desktop version, allowing users to edit, analyze, and manage their store from their mobile devices.
Integrations include Google Ads, Privy, and Printful.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable themes
- Mobile management
- Supplemental guides are helpful
Cons:
- Learning curve for some new users
- Basic SEO tools
Simvoly is an ecommerce platform designed to help startups build and manage online stores with integrated sales funnels. It offers sales funnel integration, enabling businesses to create customized sales processes that achieve higher conversion rates than standard ecommerce pages.
Why I Picked Simvoly: I chose Simvoly because it can create custom sales flows, A/B test strategies, and integrate upsells, making it ideal for startups aiming to maximize sales. With its user-friendly interface and complete features, Simvoly is a good choice for businesses focused on optimizing their sales processes.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop page builder, custom sales funnels, detailed analytics, and customizable checkouts. These features enable startups to create highly effective sales processes and gain valuable insights into their performance.
Integrations include Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Facebook Pixel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Limited design templates
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Detailed analytics
Cons:
- Limited scalability
- Custom sales funnels
Volusion is an ecommerce platform that offers built-in SEO and CRM tools to help businesses create and manage their online stores. These tools enhance search engine visibility and customer relationship management.
Why I Picked Volusion: I chose Volusion for its built-in SEO and CRM tools, essential for startups aiming to grow their online presence and manage customer relationships effectively. Volusion stands out due to its complete suite of features that cater to ecommerce functionality and marketing needs, making it a versatile choice for new businesses.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include responsive themes, a complete site builder, built-in SEO management, and a CRM system. These features enable businesses to create unique storefronts, optimize for search engines, and manage customer relationships all within one platform.
Integrations include AccessiBe, Answerbase, DataFeedWatch, LiveChat, Mailchimp, Privy, QuickBooks Online, Rejoiner, and Shipwire.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive theme
- Complete CRM system
- Built-in SEO tools
Cons:
- Slow feature updates
- Limited staff accounts
ShopBase is an ecommerce platform designed for print-on-demand and dropshipping businesses. It offers a complete suite of tools to help startups launch and manage their online stores efficiently.
Why I Picked ShopBase: I chose ShopBase because of its specialized focus on print-on-demand and dropshipping, which sets it apart from other ecommerce platforms. The platform's features and ease of use make it ideal for startups entering these markets. ShopBase's all-in-one solution simplifies setting up and running an online store, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their business.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop website builder, upsell tools, and a vast catalog of print-on-demand products. ShopBase also offers managed payments and operations, ensuring smooth backend processes for store owners.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Managed payments
- Extensive product catalog
- Easy store customization
Cons:
- Restricted scalability
- Transaction fees
Branchbob offers a free, user-friendly e-commerce plan that lets users quickly create online stores. It's suitable for startups with limited budgets because it provides various free ecommerce features.
Why I Picked branchbob: I chose branchbob for this list because it stands out with its free plan that includes essential ecommerce features. This makes it highly accessible for startups that need to minimize initial costs. I believe branchbob is best for a free online store setup plan due to its feature set available at no charge, which is rare among ecommerce platforms.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable design options, support for multiple payment methods, and automatic invoicing. The platform also offers multilingual and multi-currency support, making it versatile for global use.
Integrations include PayPal, Amazon Pay, Stripe, Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automatic invoicing
- Multilingual support
- Mobile friendly
Cons:
- Support limitations
- Lack of an app marketplace
- Some scaling issues
ShopWired is a UK-based ecommerce platform that helps businesses build, launch, and grow online stores. It is particularly suited for UK businesses, thanks to its integration with UK-specific payment gateways and local support.
Why I Picked ShopWired: I chose ShopWired because it focuses on the UK market, making it ideal for UK-based startups. Its integration with numerous UK payment gateways and local support services sets it apart from other platforms. Additionally, ShopWired's user-friendly design and complete feature set make it a standout option for businesses looking to establish an online presence in the UK.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include an ecommerce feature set, responsive themes, and tools for managing product catalogs, customers, orders, and promotions. ShopWired offers print-on-demand services, trade/wholesale customer management, mobile commerce capabilities, and insightful performance reports.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Trello, Power BI, Acumatica, Office 365, MS Project, Google Drive, and Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive themes
- Extensive UK payment gateways
- No transaction fees
Cons:
- Learning curve for some users
- Product limits
Webflow is a complete platform for building and managing ecommerce websites without coding. It offers extensive design flexibility, which is ideal for startups creating unique online stores. With its visual-first approach, Webflow allows users to design custom ecommerce experiences without requiring coding skills.
Why I Picked Webflow:
I chose Webflow for its design flexibility, which stands out among ecommerce platforms. Unlike many other tools, Webflow lets users craft unique, visually appealing online stores without writing code. This makes it suitable for startups that prioritize design and user experience but lack technical resources.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a visual site editor, customizable checkout pages, and the ability to create custom interactions and animations. Webflow also supports selling physical and digital products and offers tools for managing orders, shipping, and taxes.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Lottie, Zapier, Mailchimp, Shopify, Memberstack, Jetboost, Airtable, HubSpot, and Typeform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Visual site editor
- Highly customizable
- No coding required
Cons:
- No built-in POS system
- Limited built-in marketing tools
Other Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
Below is a list of additional ecommerce platforms for startups that we reviewed, but did not make it to the top list. Still worth checking them out!
- Hostinger
Best for AI-powered store creation
- Ecwid
Best for multi-channel selling
- GoDaddy
Best for domain management
- Shopify
Best for app ecosystem
- Wix
Best for ease of use
- Squarespace
Best for design flexibility
- Square Online
Best for integration with Square POS
- BigCommerce
Best for scalability for growing businesses
- WooCommerce
Best for WordPress integration
- Shift4Shop
Best for built-in SEO tools
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools we've tested and evaluated.
- Warehouse Management Software
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
Selection Criteria For Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
The criteria for choosing ecommerce platforms for startups should address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring the tool effectively serves its intended purpose. As an expert who has personally tried and researched this type of software, here are the requirements I use when evaluating these tools.
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score):
- Product Management
- Order Management
- Payment Processing
- Inventory Management
- Customer Management
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score):
- Unique Features
- Innovative Tools
- Functionality Testing
- Customizable Checkout Experiences
- Advanced SEO Tools:
Usability (10% of total weighting score):
- Interface Design
- Ease of Use
- Interactivity
- Clear navigation
- Customizable user permissions
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score):
- Quick Setup
- Training Resources
- Support Tools
- Onboarding checklists and templates
- Chatbots and help desks
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score):
- Availability
- Responsiveness
- Support Channels
- Knowledge base and FAQs
- Community forum
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score):
- Pricing Plans
- Feature-to-Cost Ratio
- Scalability
- Included services
- Money-back guarantees
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score):
- User Feedback
- Ratings
- Testimonials
- Notable pain points
- Long-term user experience
Trends In Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
Ecommerce platforms are changing remarkably, transforming how businesses manage their online inventories. As technology advances, staying informed about the latest developments is essential. Here are some key trends to watch closely that could impact your organization.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Personalized Shopping: AI continues revolutionizing ecommerce by offering personalized shopping experiences. AI tools help customers find products quickly and tailor shopping experiences to individual preferences. This trend is essential as it enhances customer satisfaction and boosts sales.
- Social Commerce: Social commerce is growing, driven by younger generations. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are becoming essential for ecommerce, allowing users to shop directly through social media. This trend is significant as it taps into the habits of millennials and Gen Z, who prefer shopping experiences on their favorite social apps.
- Sustainability: Sustainability remains a hot topic in 2024. Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. This trend is significant as it aligns with the values of younger consumers and can enhance brand loyalty and market differentiation.
- Omnichannel Experiences: Omnichannel commerce is becoming more critical, providing a consistent shopping experience across multiple platforms. This trend is vital as it meets the expectations of modern consumers who use various channels to shop.
- Voice Search: Voice search is rising, with smart speakers becoming more common in households. Ecommerce platforms are optimizing for voice search to offer hands-free, convenient shopping experiences. This exciting trend represents a shift in how consumers interact with technology and purchase.
What Are Ecommerce Platforms For Startups?
Ecommerce platforms for startups are software solutions that help new businesses create and manage online stores. Entrepreneurs and small business owners use these platforms to sell products or services, manage inventory, process payments, and handle shipping. These platforms typically include website builders, payment gateways, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management tools.
These features enable startups to establish an online presence, simplify sales processes, and manage customer interactions effectively. They allow startups to develop a solid online presence, simplify their sales processes, and effectively manage customer interactions. With the right ecommerce platform, startups can reach a wider audience and provide a smooth and satisfying shopping experience, which is essential for building brand loyalty and driving repeat business.
Features Of Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
Selecting the right ecommerce platform for startups is vital for success, as it provides you with the tools to manage your online store efficiently. In this section, I will outline the key features to consider when evaluating ecommerce platforms.
- User-Friendly Interface: A platform with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface is essential. This ensures you can manage your store without extensive technical knowledge, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
- Mobile Responsiveness: A significant portion of online shopping is done on mobile devices, so a mobile-responsive design is essential. This ensures that your store looks and functions well on smartphones and tablets, providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
- Secure Payment Processing: Security is paramount in ecommerce. Look for platforms that offer security features, including SSL certificates and PCI compliance, to protect your customers' payment information and build trust.
- SEO Tools: Effective search engine optimization (SEO) tools help improve your store's visibility on search engines. Features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and XML sitemaps are essential for driving organic traffic to your site.
- Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management tools help you keep track of the number of products, manage orders, and avoid overselling. Look for features like real-time inventory updates and low-stock alerts.
- Customization Options: Customizing your store's design and functionality is important for branding and user experience. Platforms that offer drag-and-drop builders, customizable templates, and access to HTML/CSS are ideal.
- Integration Capabilities: Your ecommerce platform should easily integrate with other tools and services you use, such as CRM systems, email marketing tools, and social media platforms. This ensures a seamless workflow and better management of your business operations.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is essential, especially for startups. Look for platforms that offer 24/7 support through various channels, such as live chat, email, and phone, to help you resolve issues quickly.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your ecommerce platform should be able to scale with you. Look for platforms that offer flexible plans, can handle unlimited products, and can handle increased traffic and sales bandwidth without compromising performance.
- Analytics and Reporting: Access to detailed analytics and reporting tools helps you track your store's performance, understand customer behavior, and make data-driven decisions. Look for platforms that offer dashboards, a content management system, and customizable reports.
Benefits Of Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
For startups looking to build an online presence, selecting the right platform offers several advantages that support growth and success. Below are five benefits of ecommerce platforms for both users and organizations.
- Cost Efficiency: Ecommerce business platforms reduce the need for physical storefronts and associated overhead costs, allowing startups to allocate resources more effectively to product pages and shopping carts.
- Scalability: These platforms are designed to grow with your business, offering features that can handle increased traffic and sales without compromising performance.
- User-Friendly Interface: With intuitive design and easy-to-use tools, ecommerce stores enable startups to quickly set up and manage their online stores, even with limited technical expertise.
- Marketing Tools: Built-in add-ons like SEO optimization, email marketing, free themes, and social media integration help startups attract and retain customers more effectively.
- Analytics and Reporting: Advanced features like analytical tools provide valuable insights into customer behavior and online sales trends, enabling startups to make data-driven decisions to improve their business strategies.
Leveraging the advantages of ecommerce sites allows beginners and startups to improve operational efficiency, expand their audience reach, and achieve sustainable growth.
Costs & Pricing Of Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
When choosing the best ecommerce platform, it's essential to understand the various pricing plans and what each offers. Pricing can vary significantly depending on the features and support required of ecommerce startups.
Below is a table outlining common plan types, average prices, and the features typically included.
Plan Comparison Table For Ecommerce Platforms For Startups
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic website builder, limited product listings, basic support |
| Personal Plan | $29 - $50/month | Custom domain, more product listings, basic analytics, email support |
| Business Plan | $79 - $150/month | Advanced analytics, marketing tools, multiple payment gateways, 24/7 support |
| Enterprise Plan | $300 - $500/month | Customizable features, dedicated account manager, advanced security, priority support |
When selecting an ecommerce platform plan, consider your startup's size, the complexity of your ecommerce needs, and the level of support required. Each plan varies in features and pricing, so choose the one that best meets your business requirements.
Ecommerce Platforms for Startups FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about ecommerce platforms for startups.
Do ecommerce platforms for startups support mobile commerce?
Yes, most modern ecommerce platforms support mobile commerce (m-commerce). This is crucial as more consumers shop via smartphones and tablets. A good ecommerce platform should offer mobile-responsive design templates, ensuring that your online store looks and functions well on all devices. Additionally, mobile payment integrations and features like mobile-optimized checkout pages can improve the shopping experience and reduce cart abandonment.
How important is customer support when choosing ecommerce platforms for startups?
Customer support is very important when choosing an ecommerce platform, especially for startups that may not have in-house technical expertise. Look for platforms that offer 24/7 support, comprehensive documentation, and access to a community or knowledge base. Some platforms also provide onboarding assistance or dedicated account managers for higher-tier plans. Reliable support can help resolve issues quickly and ensure smooth operations for your online store.
How can ecommerce platforms for startups help with marketing?
Ecommerce platforms often come with built-in marketing tools or integrations with popular third-party services. These tools can help startups create email marketing campaigns, run promotions, and offer discount codes. SEO tools are also commonly included to improve search engine rankings, which is vital for organic traffic growth.
Some platforms offer integration with social media platforms, allowing startups to market directly through channels like Instagram and Facebook. Leveraging these tools can help startups attract and retain customers while managing marketing efforts from one central dashboard.
Is it possible for ecommerce platforms for startups to switch to another platform?
Yes, startups can switch ecommerce platforms later if needed, but it can be a complex process. Migration involves transferring product data, customer information, and order histories to the new platform. Depending on the complexity of your current setup, this can take time and may require technical expertise. Some platforms offer migration services or guides to help with the transition. It’s important to choose a platform that supports easy export/import functions for future flexibility.
Is security a concern when using ecommerce platforms for startups?
Security is a top concern when using an ecommerce platform. Startups must ensure that their chosen platform complies with industry standards like PCI-DSS for handling payment information. Look for platforms that offer SSL certificates, encryption, and regular security updates to protect customer data. Some platforms also provide fraud detection tools and two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
What’s Next?
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