launch e-commerce business No need to drain your wallet.
Many budget-friendly e-commerce platforms allow small business owners to set up shop with no upfront investment. However, it is important to note that not all platforms are created equal in terms of functionality and price.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the best cheap e-commerce platforms compare in terms of price and features.
What is an e-commerce platform?
An e-commerce platform, or online store, is a software application that allows you to create a website to sell products and services online. These platforms, also known as e-commerce website builders, are designed to streamline the e-commerce process for different types of users, from individual entrepreneurs and large corporations to brick-and-mortar stores moving online. .
Why use an e-commerce platform?
An e-commerce platform is a comprehensive application that caters to both sellers and buyers.They allow sellers to Manage inventory, provides a platform for buyers to explore and purchase products while being responsible for sales, marketing, and customer service. E-commerce platforms streamline the entire online sales process by serving sellers and buyers, making it easier for businesses to reach customers and increase sales.
E-commerce platforms simplify the process of opening a store and selling. It is user-friendly and does not require advanced technical skills, so even people with no programming experience can easily use it.
using ecommerce website builderallows you to create a professional looking site. customizable templates and integrated e-commerce tools, etc. Payment procedure and website hosting. This setup allows you to spend less time worrying about how to deliver your product or service to your customers and more time focusing on developing it.
9 cheap e-commerce platforms
There are several e-commerce platforms available, many of which offer affordable plans. Here are nine popular options currently on the market.
1. Shopify
Shopify it is Most popular e-commerce platform In the world. Over 600 website templates, easy-to-use tools, Inventory control With features and 24/7 customer support, you’re ready to launch your online store. All Shopify plans include a free trial.
advantage:
- Integrated payment processing: Shopify offers an integrated payment gateway. Shopify Payments
- Rich app store: access to Shopify App Store With a wide range of add-ons and integrations
- Shopify POS: Integration with physical stores Shopify POSmerging online and offline sales channels
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: Automated tools to reclaim abandoned shopping carts and increase sales
- Advanced analysis: Analytics and reporting capabilities to track sales, customer behavior, and other important metrics
- Secure and optimized checkout shop pay: all Shopify store please come with me One-click checkout process It’s 4x faster than standard checkout and has a 91% higher mobile conversion rate.
price:
- Shopify Starter: $1/month
- Basic Shopify: $29/month (paid annually)
- Shopify: $79 per month (paid annually)
- Advanced Shopify: $299 per month (paid annually)
📚learn more: What is Shopify and how does it work? (2024)
2. WooCommerce
Free plugins for WordPress sites, woo commerce Perfect for people who are already familiar with WordPress. WooCommerce is free to use and offers a variety of features such as product management, order tracking, payment processing, and more.
advantage:
- Seamlessly integrated with WordPress
- Customizable open source platform
- Many plugins and theme options
price:
- Costs vary depending on hosting, design, and add-ons
3. Big Commerce
Equipped with a wide support network and functions suitable for B2C and B2B commerce, big commerce We provide personalized coaching and technical assistance to help store owners get up and running. Standard features include unlimited products and built-in SEO tools.
advantage:
- No additional transaction fees
- Supports multi-channel sales
- Features customized for B2B commerce
price:
- Plans start at $39/month
4. Wix Store
Wix Store A free e-commerce platform for businesses that already use it wicks for their website. Wix Stores is user-friendly and offers unlimited products, selling across multiple platforms, automated emails, SEO services, Google Analytics integration, and AI-powered design assistance.
advantage:
- Easy to use even for beginners
- Build your site with drag and drop
- Personalized design support by AI
price:
- Basic e-commerce plans start at $29/month
5. Volume
volume‘s features include unlimited product and bandwidth support, email marketing tools, SEO tools, and fraud protection. If you need help with the look or functionality of your site, we have an in-house eCommerce design team.
advantage:
- Comprehensive built-in SEO tools
- Simple one-page checkout
- Easy data import/export
price:
- Plans start at $35/month
6. Big Cartel
Customized for artists and manufacturers, big cartel We offer a variety of plans for those on a tight budget. The most expensive plan costs $19.99 per month and includes up to 500 products with 5 images per product, real-time statistics, inventory tracking, and a custom domain.
advantage:
- Designed for artists and makers
- Simple and easy to understand pricing
- Easy setup and management
price:
- Free; paid plans start at $15/month
7. Ecwid
Ecwid is for small business owners who want to sell their products across multiple social media platforms, sites, and in-person. Ecwid offers a free plan with limited features, but paid plans include e-commerce features such as social commerce and a mobile store management app.
advantage:
- Add to existing website
- Powerful social media integration
- Supports multiple languages
price:
- Free; paid plans start at $25/month
8. Presta Shop
presta shop is Open source e-commerce platform We offer a free plan with limited functionality. You can choose which features to integrate into your online store, including unlimited product listings, social media integration, Google Analytics, order tracking, and more.
advantage:
- Free open source platform
- Supports multiple languages/currencies
- strong community support
price:
9. Spree Commerce
spree commerce flexible, headless An e-commerce platform that allows users or developers to connect any frontend to Spree’s backend software. It is a free e-commerce platform that includes options for one or more brands, different languages and currencies, single or multiple vendors, and storefront customization.
advantage:
- Scalable Ruby on Rails framework
- Customizable and scalable
- Active community-driven development
price:
Choose the best value e-commerce platform for your business
Choosing the right e-commerce platform requires balancing cost with the features and tools you need. Consider payment providers, website builders, and other tools that can effectively support your business. POS systemif you plan to sell it privately.
Shopify makes selling online easy and affordable. Try it for free and see how easy it is to create an e-commerce site that reaches customers anywhere in the world.
Frequently asked questions about cheap e-commerce platforms
Do I need an e-commerce platform to sell online?
No, but it simplifies the process and is more cost-effective and easier to use than manually setting up your store on your website.
Is it free to sell on Shopify?
No, Shopify offers 4 plans, Your first month starts at $1 and comes with a free trial to test the service.
What is Shopify’s cheapest plan?
The cheapest Shopify plan is Shopify starter plan. This plan includes a free trial so you can try before you buy.
