20 Best SaaS Ecommerce Platforms, Reviewed for 2024
The 10 Best SaaS Ecommerce Platforms Shortlist
We’ll get to the reviews for our favorite picks, but here’s the high level on the top 10 SaaS ecommerce platforms we’re loving:
There's always a new acronym to learn, isn't there? This one is uniquitous—software as a service (AKA, SaaS). As ecommerce platforms go, this encompasses some of the biggest names in the biz—Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe, and more.
But, we'll get into these names more later. First, let's talk about why merchants love SaaS ecommerce platforms over other options.
SaaS ecommerce platforms offer a delightful mix of ease, flexibility, and power. They handle the hosting, security updates, basic marketing features, design customization, and more. All for a monthly fee.
And, of course, it needs to have all the hallmarks of a powerful ecommerce platform—inventory and order management, payment processing, customer relationship management, website design, and more.
We know ecommerce, so we went looking for the best SaaS ecommerce platforms out there. And, we succeeded (as you might expect). Check out our top picks.
What are SaaS Ecommerce Platforms?
SaaS ecommerce platforms are your all-in-one, cloud-based solution for setting up and managing an online store without the headaches of dealing with servers or coding.
Think of them as the ultimate toolkit for running a digital storefront—everything you need is in one place, and it's all handled on the cloud, meaning you can access it from anywhere and you don’t need a team of developers on standby.
Here’s what they bring to the table:
- Website creation: You get to build a slick online store using drag-and-drop tools and customizable templates, no coding required.
- Product listing: Easily add and organize your products, complete with options for variations like size, color, and more.
- Inventory management: Keep tabs on your stock levels, manage reorders, and sync inventory across all your sales channels effortlessly.
- Payment processing: Accept payments securely with built-in gateways or connect to your preferred payment processors.
- Customer engagement: Boost sales with built-in tools for email marketing, abandoned cart recovery, and CRM features.
The real magic of SaaS ecommerce platforms lies in their simplicity and scalability.
Since the platform provider handles all the tech stuff—like hosting, security, and updates—you can focus on what really matters: growing your business.
Why Trust Our Ecommerce Platform Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how 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 use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
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Comparing the Top SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
Before we get into the reviews themselves, let’s do some high-level comparisons.
Below, you’ll find the pricing comparisons. For more feature side-by-sides, click Compare Software below the table.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Subbly | From $29/month | Website |
| Shopify | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Adobe Commerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
| PrestaShop | No price details | Website |
| Sana Commerce Cloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Volusion | From $31.50/month | Website |
| NetSuite Commerce | From $2,500/month + $999 license fee + $99/month access fee | Website |
| Oracle Commerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Shift4Shop | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Elastic Path Commerce Cloud | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a SaaS Ecommerce Platform
Choosing the right SaaS ecommerce platform doesn’t have to be a chore—think of it as setting the foundation for your business’s online success. Here's your game plan:
- Define your business needs. Start by identifying the features that are non-negotiable for your business. Do you need robust inventory management? Multi-channel selling? A strong app ecosystem? Knowing what you can’t live without will help narrow down your options.
- Check compatibility and integrations. Make sure the platform plays well with your existing tech stack. Whether it’s your CRM, ERP, or payment processors, seamless integration is key to avoiding headaches down the road.
- Assess scalability. Look for a platform that can grow with you. As your traffic, product range, and order volume increase, your platform should be able to handle the load without skipping a beat.
- Consider customization options. The best platforms let you tailor everything—from the look and feel of your site to backend processes. Flexibility is crucial, especially if you want to stand out in a crowded market.
- Evaluate cost vs ROI. Be clear on what you’re getting for your money. Beyond the basic subscription, factor in costs like transaction fees, app integrations, and potential upgrade charges. But don’t just look at the price tag—consider the ROI. Will the platform’s features help you save time, reduce costs, or increase sales?
- Look into vendor support and community. Reliable support can be a lifesaver when things go wrong. Check the level of support offered and explore the platform’s user community. A vibrant community can be an invaluable resource for troubleshooting and ideas.
- Test with trials and demos. Don’t commit before you’ve taken the platform for a spin. Use free trials and demos to see how the platform feels in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience is critical in making the right choice.
- Read reviews and testimonials. Learn from those who’ve been there. User reviews and testimonials can provide insight into the platform’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make a more informed decision.
- Understand user requirements. Consider who on your team will be using the platform and what their needs are. Is it easy enough for everyone to use, or does it require a steep learning curve? Balancing usability with powerful features is essential.
- Align with your business goals. Finally, make sure the platform aligns with your broader business objectives. Whether it’s improving customer engagement, increasing operational efficiency, or driving sales growth, your ecommerce platform should be a strategic partner in achieving these goals.
By following this checklist, you'll be in a strong position to choose a SaaS ecommerce platform that not only fits your current needs but also supports your long-term growth.
Ready to make the leap? Let’s explore your options.
The 10 Best SaaS Ecommerce Platforms, Reviewed
Here are my absolute top 10 tools for SaaS ecommerce platforms. These are the cream of the crop so read on for best use cases, what I love about them, key features and integrations, and screenshots of the platform in action.
Subbly is a subscription-first commerce platform with AI features, designed for businesses that prioritize recurring revenue. It offers a range of tools and features such as funnel and bundle builders, website creation, and migration assistance, with a focus on customer support, cost savings, and industry-influenced features to drive revenue and lower churn.
Why I picked Subbly: I chose to include Subbly specifically for subscription-first businesses. When comparing various platforms, Subbly's focus on subscription models and its built-in AI capabilities for maximizing revenue and retention stood out. I determined that Subbly is best for subscription-first businesses due to its all-in-one platform, flexibility, and the ability to personalize and optimize user experiences through AI features.here
Subbly Standout Features and Integrations
Standout Features include its all-in-one platform, native AI capabilities, and full control with drag-n-drop builders, APIs, SDKs, and open-source code, making it a flexible and user-friendly solution for subscription-based businesses. Additionally, Subbly offers features tailored to subscription-based businesses, such as gifting, a single customer support team, subscription-friendly policies, cost savings, industry-influenced subscription features, and real-time visitor tracking for valuable insights into user behavior and engagement.
Integrations include Twilio, Zapier, Intercom, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Zendesk, Hotjar, Drip, Klaviyo, Facebook, ChartMogul, Flodesk, and TaxJar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cost-effective feature offering
- Comprehensive all-in-one ecommerce, subscription management, and website building
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Lacks shipping cost estimation features per weight requiring manual entry
- Website building limitations
Shopify offers an extensive ecommerce builder solution that provides merchants with an enormous marketplace of third-party apps, allowing businesses to customize the tool to their needs.
Why I picked Shopify: To help you build a customized online storefront, Shopify provides a user-friendly marketplace with thousands of third-party tools you can connect to your store. After signing up for Shopify, you’ll get the standard features you’ll find in many ecommerce builders, such as payment gateways, shopping carts, and inventory management. However, you can customize the platform further by utilizing one of the many options in the Shopify App Marketplace to add various functionalities, including email marketing, accounting, and dropshipping tools.
Shopify Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include tools to help you promote and sell products on various sales channels, all from the Shopify platforms. Shopify also offers built-in SEO features that allow you to reach more customers searching for the products you offer.
Integrations include a significant number of native connections with standard business tools and systems you’re likely already using. These connections include third-party tools such as ClickSend, Domo, Fishbowl, FreshBooks, Freshchat, monday.com, Odoo, Orange Logic, ShipBob, SkuVault, and other software options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich security and privacy
- Allows integrations to add functionalities
- User-friendly platform
Cons:
- Some fees are higher than other options
- Scalable to an extent
Adobe Commerce is an end-to-end SaaS ecommerce platform that helps online businesses create ecommerce stores through advanced features.
Why I picked Adobe Commerce: Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is one of the most popular ecommerce solutions on the market. It’s a flexible SaaS ecommerce platform that offers end-to-end capabilities that enable online merchants to manage their entire store processes. Adobe Commerce’s tools are highly customizable while also offering predefined options when you’re not up to spending time changing things and want to focus on getting your store started.
Adobe Commerce Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include omnichannel personalization tools that empower your store to reach new audiences and personalize content. Adobe Commerce also offers solutions to help you manage multiple brands across your sales channels and deploy a significant number of storefronts at scale.
Integrations include popular applications used by many ecommerce brands to manage their operations. These integrations include tools such as Adobe Analytics, Aleran Connected Commerce, Faslet Size Me Up, Inxmail, JetRails, KatanaPIM, Kleene, Microsoft Azure, Phrase, ShipMonk, and other software options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful SEO tools
- Rich end-to-end feature set
- Scalable and flexible platform
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Not suitable for small businesses
PrestaShop allows ecommerce brands to control and customize their online store as required.
Why I picked PrestaShop: In the highly competitive ecommerce industry, building a memorable brand is imperative to long-term success. So I added PrestaShop to this article because it offers customization tools that help your business gain complete product organization and create an experience that allows customers to easily navigate your store. You can also find hundreds of templates and customizable themes in the PrestaShop marketplace.
PrestaShop Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include a product creation area that allows you to add as many items as you’d like to sell and configure elements to display specific information, such as expiry dates for time-sensitive stock. PrestaShop also offers customer relationship management tools that allow you to send automated emails after a sale to give customers a sense of security.
Integrations include some of the most popular business tools, such as Dolistock, HubSpot, Looker Studio, Odoo, Pipedrive, QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Zoho CRM, Zoho Inventory, and other software options. You can also create custom integrations with a paid Zapier account or PrestaShop’s API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for small businesses
- Allows extensive customization
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Can slow down after adding too many products
- Support needs work
Sana Commerce Cloud offers an ERP-integrated solution that helps online stores grow and create more significant relationships with customers.
Why I picked Sana Commerce Cloud: The native enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrations within Sana Commerce Cloud can ensure your business never loses a sale. This feature also helps you avoid putting your business in a scenario where you or someone on your team need to fix incorrect information. This is because the platform’s ERP integration ensures that any changes you make are updated efficiently and in real-time, and since all data is located in one place, you’ll be able to eliminate replicas, silos, and confusion.
Sana Commerce Cloud Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include efficient invoicing capabilities that enable customers to pay invoices online, and if you’re operating a B2B ecommerce business, your customers can pay multiple invoices simultaneously. Sana Commerce Cloud also offers a visual designer tool that uses a drag-and-drop interface that enables you to build an online storefront that supports omnichannel purchases.
Integrations include connections with a list of ecommerce business tools, such as Adyen, Authorize.net, Avalara, Buckaroo, Cybersource, FedEx Ship Manager, Mailchimp, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP ERP, UPS Ready, and other software options. You can also use the platform’s API to create custom integrations with your current systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Analytics and reports provide valuable insights
- Customizable platform
- Excellent inventory management capabilities
Cons:
- Takes longer to set up than other options
- Steep learning curve
Volusion is a cloud-based SaaS ecommerce platform that provides various tools suitable for small-to-medium businesses.
Why I picked Volusion: I chose to add Volusion to ensure those operating a small-to-medium business (SMB) have an option suitable for their company. Volusion’s dashboard makes it easier for SMBs to build an online store thanks to the platform’s setup wizard. This allows you to create an excellent customer-focused website from scratch and will enable you to quickly expand and manage it.
Volusion Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include an add-on library that allows you to connect built-in features to make your online store more manageable. Volusion also offers return management tools that help you manage customer returns with an intuitive system.
Integrations include connections with over 100 business operation tools, such as Assessment Generator, AWeber, LiveAgent, OpenPro ERP, OptiMonk, Ordoro, PATLive, QuickBooks, ShipStation, Stripe, and other software options. You can also use Volusion’s API or a paid Zapier account to create custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No coding necessary
- Simple to set up
- Range of features suitable for SMBs
Cons:
- Support needs improvement
- Limited integrations
NetSuite Commerce helps ecommerce brands increase sales by managing their omnichannel presence from a centralized system.
Why I picked NetSuite Commerce: The platform enables your ecommerce business to provide a more extensive brand experience for customers by connecting your sales channels. NetSuite Commerce allows you to reach your audiences wherever they prefer to buy products, allowing you to fulfill orders and maximize profitability. The omnichannel capabilities enable you to create a more personalized and integrated online shopping experience.
NetSuite Commerce Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include ERP tools that connect with other modules to help your organization manage daily actions from one area, such as human resources, orders, logistics, financials, and procurement. The platform also offers order management tools that allow you to manage order fulfillment across multiple channels.
Integrations include connections with a small number of applications and systems to help you manage your ecommerce business. These integrations include tools such as Affirm, Lightyear, NetSuite CRM, Neuron ESB, Pacejet, and Zone Billing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time data visibility
- Highly customizable
- Centralizes omnichannel operations
Cons:
- Support only available on premium plans
- Limited integrations
Oracle Commerce is an intuitive, customizable ecommerce platform that enables businesses to create more personalized customer experiences.
Why I picked Oracle Commerce: I added Oracle Commerce to this list because it empowers your business to cater to customers’ preferences and enhance their shopping experience. With this platform, you can increase engagement and conversions by enabling customers to browse and buy what they want. You can also combine the platform’s data and advanced intelligence to interpret buyers’ actions and offer the right products at the right moment.
Oracle Commerce Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include tools that combine customer relationship management and email marketing to help you personalize customer engagement and increase traffic. The platform also provides business data analysis tools that generate real-time details from all sales channels.
Integrations include connections with a limited number of applications you might be using in your business, such as Affirm, ClearSale, DataMilk, Feedonomics, GoDataFeed, Highstreet.io, Informatica Product 360, ShoppingFeeder, SmartHint, ZineOne, and other software options. Oracle Commerce also provides an API that allows you to create custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enables developers to create unique customer experiences
- Extensive customization options
- Handles high-volume ecommerce sites
Cons:
- Often requires skilled developers
- Steep learning curve
Shift4Shop offers robust capabilities that make it easy for U.S.-based ecommerce brands to build an online store.
Why I picked Shift4Shop: If your ecommerce business is in the U.S., Shift4Shop can provide you with the essential features you’d find in other popular SaaS platforms. The platform’s design allows you to start building your store immediately and get it operational. Shift4Shop empowers your business to manage your product offering by allowing you to easily upload, categorize, and promote your items.
Shift4Shop Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include analytics and reporting tools that track your store’s performance over time with interactive data visualization, enabling you to dive deep into information regarding individual products or customers. The platform also allows you to create a mobile-friendly ecommerce experience for online shoppers on the go so your store looks good on their devices.
Integrations include connections with many popular business systems, such as AWeber, Drip, Klaviyo, LiveAgent, Make, Order Desk, Red Stag Fulfillment, Sellercloud, ShipEngine, ShipStation, and other software options. You can also use a paid Zapier account or the platform’s API to make custom integrations with your tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent customer support
- User-friendly cart
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Can be slow to load
- Templates need work
Elastic Path Commerce Cloud provides a powerful, flexible SaaS ecommerce platform that enables businesses to build storefronts that impress customers.
Why I picked Elastic Path Commerce Cloud: I wanted to add Elastic Path Commerce Cloud because it uses a unique approach to building ecommerce stores. The platform provides an API-first architecture that is purpose-built to fully integrate with your current tech stack. Elastic Path Commerce Cloud provides you with robust interoperability, no matter what systems you're currently using, removing the headaches involved with siloed platforms.
Elastic Path Commerce Cloud Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include catalog creation tools that enable you to develop unlimited product catalogs in minutes. The platform also provides product information management capabilities that allow you to manage product data for every merchandising strategy.
Integrations include connections with various business applications, such as Adyen, Algolia, Braze, Card Connect, Fluent Commerce, Google Merchant Center, Onport, Pimberly, Postmark, Salsify, and other software options. You can also use the platform’s API to create custom integrations with your tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Helps users create better customer experiences
- Simple and dependable API
Cons:
- Installation is slow
- Some bugs can occur
Other Options
Here is the rest of my top 20 SaaS ecommerce platform recommendations. Each is a valuable tool in its own right. I’ve listed my recommendations and flagged what each might work best for, in case your use case wasn’t satisfied from the above list.
Our Selection Criteria For SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
Choosing the right SaaS ecommerce platform can make or break your online business. With so many options out there, it's essential to evaluate them against key criteria that ensure they meet your needs and help you achieve your business goals.
Based on extensive research and hands-on testing, here’s how we weigh the criteria to guide you to the best choice.
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
These are the must-have features that every SaaS ecommerce platform should include—no compromises.
- Website customization: Flexible design options with drag-and-drop editors, customizable templates, and full control over your storefront’s look and feel.
- Inventory management: Tools to track stock levels, manage SKUs, and sync inventory across multiple sales channels.
- Payment processing: Support for multiple payment gateways, including credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment methods like BNPL.
- Security features: Built-in SSL, PCI compliance, and regular security updates to protect customer data and transactions.
- SEO and marketing tools: Integrated tools for optimizing search engine visibility, creating promotions, and managing email marketing campaigns.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
What extra value does each platform offer beyond the basics?
- Advanced analytics: Detailed reporting and insights into sales, customer behavior, and marketing performance.
- Multi-channel selling: Ability to seamlessly sell across various platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media channels from one central dashboard.
- Customer relationship management (CRM): Built-in CRM tools to track customer interactions, segment audiences, and personalize marketing efforts.
- App ecosystem: Access to a wide range of third-party apps and integrations that expand functionality, from accounting tools to shipping solutions.
- Mobile optimization: Fully responsive design and mobile apps for managing your store on the go.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
Is the platform user-friendly and intuitive?
- User interface (UI): A clean, modern design that’s easy on the eyes and helps users navigate without frustration.
- Ease of use: Simplified setup and daily operations with clear instructions and minimal technical jargon.
- Mobile usability: Responsive design that ensures your store looks great and functions smoothly on all devices.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
How quickly can you get started with the platform?
- Training and resources: Access to comprehensive tutorials, webinars, and guides to help you get up to speed quickly.
- Implementation support: Pre-built templates and best practices that streamline setup and minimize the learning curve.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
How dependable and accessible is the support?
- Availability: Responsive customer support available through live chat, phone, and email, ideally 24/7.
- Community and resources: Active user forums, regular updates, and webinars to keep you informed and supported.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
Is the platform worth the investment?
- Pricing models: Transparent and competitive pricing that scales with your business, without surprise fees.
- Cost vs. benefits: Evaluate the features you get at each pricing tier and how they contribute to your overall business goals.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
What are other users saying about the platform?
- User satisfaction: High ratings and positive feedback from businesses of all sizes, indicating reliability and effectiveness.
- Praise for specific features: Look for consistent praise in areas that matter most to you, whether it’s ease of use, customer support, or powerful integrations.
By evaluating SaaS ecommerce platforms against these criteria, you can pinpoint the solutions that not only meet your current needs but also empower your business to grow and thrive in the competitive online marketplace.
Top Trends in SaaS Ecommerce Platforms for 2024 and Beyond
SaaS ecommerce platforms are constantly changing, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations. Here’s a look at the top trends shaping the future of SaaS ecommerce in 2024:
- Vertical SaaS solutions. Platforms are becoming more specialized, focusing on industry-specific needs. Vertical SaaS solutions cater to the unique requirements of different sectors, providing tools and functionalities that offer deeper insights and more tailored services than general platforms.
- Low-code/no-code platforms. These platforms are enabling businesses to customize their ecommerce solutions without requiring extensive coding knowledge. This trend is democratizing technology, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to create bespoke ecommerce experiences quickly and efficiently.
- AI and machine learning integration. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming integral to SaaS ecommerce platforms. These technologies are being used to personalize shopping experiences, automate customer service, and optimize business operations, helping businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions.
- Usage-based pricing models. A shift toward usage-based pricing is becoming more common, allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they use. This flexible pricing model is particularly beneficial for businesses with fluctuating sales volumes, as it aligns costs more closely with actual usage.
- Enhanced security and compliance. With growing concerns around data security, SaaS platforms are prioritizing robust security measures and compliance with industry regulations. This trend is essential for building customer trust and ensuring the protection of sensitive data.
- Mobile-first development. As mobile commerce continues to dominate, SaaS ecommerce platforms are focusing on mobile-first designs. This includes optimized mobile checkout processes and mobile apps that allow merchants to manage their stores on the go, ensuring a seamless experience for mobile shoppers.
These trends highlight a future where SaaS ecommerce platforms are more specialized, flexible, and customer-centric, helping businesses stay ahead in a competitive market.
Key Features of SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
You have to be discerning when choosing something as consequential as an ecommerce platform. And, there are a lot out there. If you know what features to look for, it can make the decision easier.
To help you cut through the noise, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the essential features to look for in a SaaS ecommerce platform.
- Content management system (CMS): Enables businesses to create, edit, and manage website content with ease. A robust CMS should offer tools to modify the design and layout of your storefront, add promotional banners, and manage different content types like blogs and landing pages.
- Product information management (PIM): Centralizes and organizes all product data, ensuring accurate and consistent information across your site. This feature helps manage product descriptions, images, videos, and user-generated content like reviews, making it easier to maintain a polished and informative catalog.
- Shopping cart: A critical component that differentiates ecommerce sites from regular websites. Shopping carts allow customers to select products, save their choices for checkout or future purchases, and view a detailed breakdown of their order before completing the transaction.
- Payment processing: Facilitates secure and versatile payment options. A good SaaS platform will integrate with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay, offering customers multiple ways to pay, including credit cards and digital wallets.
- Order management: Streamlines the order fulfillment process by consolidating orders from various sales channels into a single dashboard. This feature helps track orders, update customers on their status, and integrate with warehouse systems to automatically adjust inventory levels.
- Inventory management: Provides real-time tracking of stock levels across multiple locations or warehouses. This feature can automate reordering, prevent stockouts, and ensure that product availability is always up to date, minimizing the risk of overselling.
- Customer relationship management (CRM): Helps businesses manage customer interactions, segment their audience, and personalize marketing efforts. A built-in CRM can track purchase history, preferences, and communication, allowing for targeted campaigns that enhance customer loyalty.
- SEO and marketing tools: Essential for driving traffic and increasing visibility. Look for platforms with integrated SEO tools, such as customizable meta tags, sitemaps, and blogging capabilities. Additionally, marketing features like email campaigns, social media integration, and promotions can help boost sales and customer engagement.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides actionable insights into your business performance. SaaS platforms typically offer a variety of reporting templates and dashboards that track key metrics like sales, customer behavior, and inventory levels. This data is crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing your operations.
- Multichannel selling: Allows you to sell across different platforms, including marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as social media channels. This feature ensures that inventory and orders are synced across all channels, providing a seamless experience for both you and your customers.
- Mobile optimization: Ensures that your store looks and functions well on any device. With more customers shopping on mobile, it’s essential that your platform offers responsive design and a mobile app for managing your store on the go.
- App ecosystem and integrations: Expands the platform's functionality through a marketplace of third-party apps. Whether you need advanced analytics, shipping solutions, or customer support tools, a rich app ecosystem allows you to customize and enhance your store’s capabilities.
- Security features: Protects your business and customers with built-in security measures. Look for platforms that offer SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and regular security updates to safeguard data and transactions.
These features collectively ensure that your SaaS ecommerce platform can not only support your current needs but also scale with your business as it grows.
Benefits of Using SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
SaaS ecommerce platforms offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Here are the key benefits you can expect.
- Lower upfront costs. SaaS platforms operate on a subscription basis, meaning businesses can avoid the high upfront costs associated with traditional software. This makes them a cost-effective option, especially for startups and small businesses that need to manage cash flow carefully.
- Scalability and flexibility. As your business grows, your SaaS platform can easily scale with you. You can add or remove features, expand your product catalog, and handle increased traffic without worrying about upgrading hardware or infrastructure.
- Automatic updates and maintenance. SaaS platforms are maintained by the provider, which means you automatically get the latest features, security patches, and updates without having to lift a finger. This keeps your ecommerce site running smoothly and securely without any downtime.
- Access to advanced features. SaaS platforms often come with a suite of advanced tools that might be cost-prohibitive if developed in-house. These include analytics, CRM systems, SEO tools, and integrations with various third-party services, allowing you to manage all aspects of your ecommerce business from one place.
- Enhanced security. SaaS providers invest heavily in security measures, ensuring that your ecommerce site is protected against threats like data breaches and cyberattacks. With features like PCI compliance and SSL encryption, your customers' data is kept safe.
- Faster time to market. With pre-built templates, drag-and-drop editors, and easy integrations, you can set up your online store quickly and start selling almost immediately. This is ideal for businesses that want to capitalize on market opportunities without delay.
- 24/7 support and resources. Most SaaS providers offer round-the-clock support and a wealth of resources, including tutorials, forums, and knowledge bases. This ensures that help is always available when you need it, reducing the risk of disruptions to your business.
- Mobile accessibility. SaaS platforms are typically designed with mobile users in mind, ensuring that both you and your customers can access the platform from any device. This is crucial as mobile commerce continues to grow in importance.
These benefits make SaaS ecommerce platforms a powerful solution for businesses looking to build, manage, and scale their online stores with minimal hassle and maximum efficiency.
Cost & Pricing of SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
SaaS ecommerce platforms come in a variety of pricing tiers, designed to meet the needs of different business sizes and stages of growth. Understanding what influences pricing can help you choose the right platform for your business.
Factors affecting SaaS platform pricing
- Customization options. Platforms that allow for extensive design and feature customization typically come with higher costs.
- Number of products. Larger product catalogs may require higher-tier plans with more storage and management capabilities.
- Transaction fees. Some platforms charge per transaction, which can add up depending on your sales volume.
- Support and training. Higher levels of customer support, including dedicated account managers or priority support, can influence pricing.
- Scalability. Plans that offer the ability to easily scale up resources and features as your business grows often come at a premium.
- Security features. Advanced security measures, such as enhanced SSL certificates and fraud detection, may increase costs.
- International capabilities. Support for multi-currency transactions, language localization, and global shipping integrations often come with additional fees.
Plan comparison table for SaaS ecommerce platforms
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited product listings, basic templates, basic SEO tools, transaction fees on sales. | Hobbyists, solopreneurs |
| Basic | $20 - $50/month | Website hosting, product listings, basic SEO, simple analytics, and limited customization. | Small businesses, startups |
| Professional | $50 - $150/month | All Basic features, enhanced templates, marketing tools, advanced analytics, and CRM. | Growing businesses, SMEs |
| Advanced | $150 - $300/month | All Professional features, abandoned cart recovery, segmentation, and priority support. | Medium to large businesses |
| Enterprise | $500+/month | All Advanced features, custom integrations, full customization, dedicated support, and training. | Large enterprises with complex needs |
When selecting a SaaS ecommerce platform, it’s crucial to balance your current needs with future growth plans. The right platform should align with your business goals, provide room to scale, and fit within your budget.
SaaS Ecommerce Platforms FAQs
We talk about a lot in this post, but it’s hard to cover every little thing. That is, unless you add FAQs. We’ve guessed at potential questions you may have, then answered them.
What’s the difference between SaaS ecommerce platforms and other types of ecommerce platforms?
SaaS ecommerce platforms are cloud-based solutions where everything—hosting, security, maintenance—is managed by the provider. You pay a subscription fee and get a ready-to-use platform that you can customize to a certain extent without worrying about the technical stuff.
In contrast, self-hosted platforms give you more control but require you to handle hosting, security, and updates yourself. You might also come across PaaS (Platform as a Service) solutions, which offer a mix of SaaS convenience with more customization options, ideal for larger enterprises with specific needs.
Each type has its strengths, so the choice depends on how much control, customization, and responsibility you want to take on.
Can I migrate my existing store to a SaaS ecommerce platform?
Absolutely! Most SaaS ecommerce platforms offer robust migration tools and support to help you transfer your existing store smoothly. You can usually import products, customer data, and even some design elements from your current platform.
Many providers also offer dedicated migration support or services, so you’re not left figuring it out on your own. The key is to choose a platform that offers the specific migration tools and resources that align with your current setup—whether that’s from another SaaS platform, a self-hosted solution, or something custom.
Can SaaS ecommerce platforms handle high traffic and large inventories?
Yes, SaaS ecommerce platforms are built to scale with your business, so handling high traffic and large inventories is what they do best. These platforms use cloud infrastructure, which means they can expand resources on demand, ensuring your site stays fast and responsive even during peak traffic times.
Most platforms also have no hard limits on inventory size, allowing you to manage thousands of products without a hitch. Just make sure to check the specifics of each platform—some might require a higher-tier plan for enterprise-level needs.
How do SaaS ecommerce platforms integrate with other tools I’m using?
SaaS ecommerce platforms are designed to play nice with a wide range of third-party tools. Whether you’re using accounting software like QuickBooks, CRM systems like Salesforce, or email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, most SaaS platforms offer easy integrations.
Many have extensive app marketplaces where you can find pre-built integrations, or you can use APIs for custom connections. This flexibility ensures that your ecommerce platform can seamlessly sync with the tools you rely on to run your business.
Can I sell internationally with a SaaS ecommerce platform?
Absolutely! Most SaaS ecommerce platforms are built with international selling in mind. They support multi-currency transactions, offer language options, and integrate with global shipping carriers to make cross-border sales a breeze.
You can even configure tax and duty calculations to ensure you’re compliant with international regulations. Just check that the platform you choose has the specific features you need for your target markets, whether that’s support for regional payment methods or localized storefronts.
Other SaaS Ecommerce Platforms Reviews
If you need more specific types of SaaS ecommerce platforms, here are other reviews from other ecommerce experts:
- B2B Ecommerce Platforms
- Easiest Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Marketplace Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses
- Multichannel Ecommerce Software
- International Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms In Canada
Be the SaaSter of Your Own Domain
OK, not my finest work, but the point stands—your brand deserves to operate on the highest level with the best software. The foundational software in your ecommerce stack is your ecommerce platform.
With SaaS platforms, a subscription gets you all the bells and whistles that allow you to grow your brand without worrying about all the little stuff.
I'm certain your next platform is in this post. Happy selling!
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