5 things to watch out for when choosing an e-commerce platform

If you want to launch your first online store, or are looking for a new platform that better meets your store's needs, check out the following factors that can play a key role in the short and long term for your business success.
Do they have the features you need and want?
Running an online store is a tedious task, but it's even harder if you don't have the tools and features you're ready to use.
Numerous platforms are proud to offer some of the best and most advanced tools for e-commerce, but in practice they are rarely included in low-cost programs. Choose a package that includes all the features you need and wants to buy at a price you can afford.
Read: how to start dropshipping
Do they support your preferred payment gateway?
Choosing a payment gateway for an online store is one of the first and most important steps in launching an online store. Do you want to accept payments via Paypal, Authorize, Sage Pay or perhaps a little-known gateway?
Hundreds of payment solutions have emerged in recent years, but few platforms are available. If you prefer a specific gateway, make sure that the platform you are exploring provides easy integration.
Do they have all kinds of beautiful themes?
The design of your online store will play an important role in the success of your business. An appealing design that instills a sense of trustworthiness, style and professionalism can quickly turn the browser into a shopper, like an unattractive design that promotes fear, suspicion and strolling.
Many of today's platforms offer a limited number of free themes, a variety of paid themes and/or packages that offer unique custom designs. Make sure that the platform you are considering can provide you with the theme that best fits your unique brand, style and budget.
Is there any extra cost?
Many e-commerce platforms offer lower monthly rates, which only result in huge installation fees, transaction fees and, in some cases, cancellation fees for their merchants, which can significantly reduce a company's profitability. When you use its payment gateway through an external gateway, a few platforms offer reduced transaction costs, while other platforms charge a flat fee.
Find out if the platform you are considering needs to charge an extra fee for your preferred gateway, or if there are any hidden costs that may bother you again.
Is it safe, reliable and scalable?
Security, reliability and scalability are the three most important factors that affect the success of an online store. Sensitive customer information will be stored or processed through your store, and it is always important to be safe and reliable. To ensure that your store and customers are not compromised, please consider only PCI-compliant platforms.
Also, look for a platform that provides reliable hosting and scalability. Regardless of peak hours, busy holidays or traffic surges, customers must be able to access the online store at any time. Platforms that cannot be delivered in this area will lead to frustrated visitors and countless sales losses.
Start searching
Choosing an e-commerce platform can seem like a daunting task, but if you know what you need and what you wholesale shoes warehouse want, you may immediately notice that your candidate base has shrunk. Use the many free trials of e-commerce to understand the platform you are considering. Working with an e-commerce platform is a major commitment, and you can help yourself and your business by thoroughly exploring and researching the available options.