If you’re just getting your ecommerce store off the ground, you’ll want to choose the right platform for your business. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five ecommerce platforms in Canada, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is an Ecommerce Platform?
An ecommerce platform is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a software solution that allows you to build an online store. ecommerce platforms typically include features like product listings, shopping cart functionality, payment processing, and order management. It’s the backbone of any online business, including websites like Amazon.
5 Best Ecommerce Platforms in Canada
Looking for the best ecommerce platform in Canada to start your online business can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to choose the right one that suits your needs. That’s why we compiled a list of the top five ecommerce platforms in Canada.
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular and user-friendly ecommerce platforms in Canada. It has a wide range of features that make it easy for business owners to set up and manage their online stores. With Shopify, you can create a beautiful and professional-looking website, manage your inventory, process orders, and accept payments all in one place.
Pros
- Easy set-up process
- Hundreds of templates to choose from
- App store with thousands of integrations
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Transaction fees on certain payment gateways
- Limited customization options without coding knowledge
- Additional fees for certain apps and features
Price
Shopify’s plans range from $29 to $299 per month, depending on the plan you choose. The basic plan starts at $29 per month, which includes all the essential features you need to get started. But if you want more advanced features like professional reports or real-time carrier shipping, you’ll need to upgrade to the Shopify or Advanced Shopify plan. These plans cost $79 and $299 per month.
Wix
Wix is another popular ecommerce platform that offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for building online stores. With Wix, you can create a professional-looking website without any coding skills. It provides a variety of customizable templates and themes to choose from.
Pros
- Intuitive design interface
- Hundreds of templates to choose from
- Built-in SEO tools
Cons
- Limited payment gateway options
- Limited customization options
- No app store for additional features
Price
Wix offers three ecommerce pricing plans: Business Basic, Business Unlimited, and Business VIP. The Business Basic plan costs $23 per month and includes features such as 20 GB of storage, unlimited bandwidth, and accepts payments through multiple channels.
The Business Unlimited plan costs $27 per month and includes everything in the Business Basic plan plus additional features such as 35 GB of storage and access to more advanced ecommerce features.
Finally, the Business VIP plan costs $49 per month and includes everything in the Business Unlimited plan plus priority support and VIP services.
Squarespace
SquareSpace is another popular ecommerce platform in Canada that offers a range of stunning website designs that can be customized to your liking. It’s known for its ease of use, making it a great choice for those who may not have a lot of technical expertise.
Pros
- Beautiful templates
- Built-in SEO tools
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited payment gateway options
- Limited customization options
- No app store for additional features
Price
SquareSpace offers four pricing plans: Personal ($16/month), Business ($26/month), Basic Commerce ($30/month), and Advanced Commerce ($46/month). The Basic Commerce plan is recommended for ecommerce businesses and includes all the necessary features to sell online. It includes a free domain, SSL certificate, and the ability to accept payments.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce platform that is suitable for businesses of any size. It’s a WordPress plugin that allows you to build an online store and customize it to your needs.
Pros
- Complete control over your online store
- Thousands of plugins and integrations available
- No transaction fees
Cons
- Requires more technical knowledge than other platforms
- No built-in payment processing
- Additional costs for plugins and hosting
Price
WooCommerce is free to download and use. However, you’ll need to pay for domain name registration, web hosting, and SSL certificate, which can cost around $10-$20 per month.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another popular ecommerce platform in Canada that offers an all-in-one solution for businesses of all sizes. With its user-friendly interface and extensive features, it’s a great option for those who want to create an online store quickly and easily.
Pros
- Robust features for businesses of all sizes
- Excellent SEO capabilities
- Wide range of payment gateway options
Cons
- Higher pricing than other platforms
- Limited customization options
Price
BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial, after which you can choose from their four paid plans: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. The Standard plan starts at $29.95 per month and includes unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth. The other plans come with additional features such as abandoned cart recovery and Google customer reviews.
Final Words: Ecommerce in Canada
In conclusion, choosing the best ecommerce platform in Canada depends on your specific business needs, budget, and technical expertise. If you’re looking for a platform with a lot of features and scalability, Shopify and BigCommerce are the best options.
If you’re on a tight budget, Wix and WooCommerce offer more affordable options. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a platform with great design and customization options, Squarespace is a solid choice.
Remember, ecommerce success is about more than platform features. If you want to learn how to grow your ecommerce business, check out the rest of our blog for more posts like this.
Originally published . Last updated .
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