Top 22 multi-channel ecommerce software & how to choose

In the world of online sales, where every click could lead to a purchase, multi-channel ecommerce software has become the unsung hero for sellers aiming to broaden their horizons. 

Imagine managing your storefronts across various platforms — from the giants of Amazon and eBay to the social shopping realms of Instagram and TikTok — all from one dashboard.

In this guide, we'll dive into the top 22 multi-channel ecommerce solutions and share tips on picking the perfect one for your business.

• A multichannel ecommerce platform is crucial for sellers looking to manage their storefronts across various platforms, offering centralized inventory and order management.

• Key advantages include streamlined operations, expanded market reach, centralized inventory management, unified order processing, increased sales opportunities, and insightful data analytics.

• Shopify stands out as a user-friendly, all-in-one ecommerce solution with a range of subscription plans, catering to businesses of all sizes with its extensive app marketplace and reliable hosting.

• WooCommerce offers a cost-effective, highly customizable platform ideal for small to medium-sized businesses already using WordPress, emphasizing complete ownership and control over the online store.

• Choosing the right software involves considering features like centralized inventory management, seamless channel integration, comprehensive analytics, automation tools, scalability, and reliable customer support to ensure a cohesive and successful multi-channel ecommerce strategy.

• Gelato positions itself as a key partner in multi-channel ecommerce success, providing a wide range of customizable products and seamless integration with major ecommerce platforms, encouraging businesses to sign up and select a subscription plan that meets their needs and objectives.

Multi-channel ecommerce software is a digital solution that enables businesses to manage and synchronize their sales and inventory across various online marketplaces and platforms from a single interface. It streamlines operations, enhances customer reach, and boosts sales by providing a unified view of business performance across all channels.

Embracing a multi-channel ecommerce platform unlocks a world of efficiency and growth for online sellers. From streamlining operations to expanding market reach, discover the key advantages that can transform your business.

1. Centralized inventory management: Simplifies tracking and updating stock levels across all sales channels, reducing the risk of overselling and stockouts.

2. Unified order processing: Streamlines order fulfillment from multiple platforms into a single workflow, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

3. Increased sales opportunities: Expand market presence by enabling selling on multiple platforms, reaching more customers, and boosting revenue potential.

4. Data insights and analytics: Offers comprehensive insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and market trends across channels, aiding strategic decision-making.

5. Time and cost efficiency: Saves time and reduces operational costs by automating tasks like listing products and updating prices, allowing focus on growth strategies.

Dive into the digital marketplace with confidence using our curated list of the top 22 ecommerce software solutions designed for selling across multiple channels.

All-in-one ecommerce platforms

Explore the convenience and power of all-in-one ecommerce platforms, where hosting, selling, marketing, and analytics converge to streamline your online business operations and propel your growth in the digital marketplace.

1. Shopify

Shopify is an easy-to-use platform that enables you to build your ecommerce store by choosing from various themes and customizable templates. Pros include an easy setup of your store with no need for technical or programming skills. Being an all-in-one solution, Shopify helps you take care of both the setup of the store, order management, and hosting, enabling you as a seller to focus on sales, which makes it a popular choice.

Shopify's pricing/subscription plans:

• Basic Shopify: $39 per month

• Shopify: $105 per month

• Advanced Shopify: $399 per month

• Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300 per month (available on a 1 or 3 year term)

You can also easily choose from various add-ons and tools in Shopify’s app store to help you with anything from social media marketing to drop-shipping, like Gelato.

Integrate your store with Gelato through our Shopify app in minutes, making both transferring existing products or creating and uploading new ones fast and easy.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Shopify offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate dashboard that makes setting up and managing an online store accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

• Extensive app marketplace: With access to thousands of apps and integrations, Shopify provides businesses with the flexibility to add features and functionalities tailored to their specific needs.

• Reliable and secure: Shopify takes care of hosting, maintains a high level of security for transactions, and ensures your online store is always available to your customers, giving you peace of mind.

Cons

• Transaction fees: Unless you use Shopify Payments, Shopify charges additional fees for each transaction processed through external payment gateways, which can add up for stores with high sales volumes.

• Customization limitations: While Shopify is highly customizable through themes and apps, there are limitations to what can be achieved without custom coding, which might require hiring a developer.

• Scaling costs: As your business grows and requires more advanced features, the cost of using Shopify can increase significantly, especially when moving to higher-tier plans and adding multiple paid apps.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce WooCommerce is a flexible, open-source platform for ecommerce sellers, whether you are selling products or services. As with Shopify, you can choose from several free and paid extensions to add to your store, including integrated marketing solutions and production on demand. You can easily connect your WooCommerce store to Gelato; read how it is done here.

WooCommerce can be added to any WordPress site for free. Because it is open-source, it enables you, as a seller, to remain in complete control of your store. Whereas other platforms will charge you for advanced options, WooCommerce gives you, as a seller, the flexibility to adapt the solution to your store’s needs. It can be an advantage to have previous experience with WordPress, but there are also a myriad of support forums and communities hosted by both WooCommerce and others that can help you with any questions or issues that arise.

You can read more about WooCommerce’s features for sellers here, or you can check out their guide for new sellers.

• Cost-effective: Being a free plugin for WordPress, WooCommerce is an affordable option for setting up an online store, especially suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

• High customizability: With access to thousands of WordPress themes and plugins, WooCommerce offers extensive customization options to tailor your store to your exact specifications.

• Ownership and control: WooCommerce provides complete ownership of your data and content, giving you full control over your website without the restrictions often found on hosted platforms.

Cons:

• Requires WordPress: WooCommerce can only be used with WordPress, meaning you need to set up a WordPress site first, which might not be ideal for those not already using or familiar with WordPress.

• Potential for high costs: While the plugin itself is free, costs can accumulate from purchasing premium themes, plugins, extensions, and hosting services to enhance your store.

• Technical knowledge required: Setting up and customizing a WooCommerce store can require a steeper learning curve and potentially more technical knowledge compared to hosted ecommerce solutions, especially for those seeking advanced features or customizations.

3. Wix

Wix is an easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder that offers more than 500 customizable designer-made templates, web hosting, and domain name registration. You can build a basic website for free, but you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan to use Wix’s ecommerce features.

Wix's subscription plans:

• Business Elite: $159/mo

• Business: $36/mo

• Core: $29/mo

• Light: $17/mo

As far as ecommerce functionality goes, Wix has several tools to help you build and grow your business. The platform allows merchants to track orders, accept online payments, sell on multiple channels, and create abandoned cart campaigns. It also grants you access to several free tools that can be helpful for your business, like Wix Logo Maker, Wix SEO Wiz, Wix Video Maker, and Wix Blog.

It lacks certain desired tools for ecommerce sellers, such as low stock alerts, and you will need to use a third-party app for social commerce integrations. You can read more about Wix for ecommerce sellers here.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Wix offers a highly intuitive drag-and-drop website builder, making it easy for users without any coding knowledge to create and customize their websites.

• Wide range of templates: With hundreds of customizable templates, Wix caters to various industries and personal preferences, allowing users to find the perfect design for their site.

• Extensive app market: Wix provides access to a vast array of apps and integrations, enabling users to add advanced functionalities to their websites, from online booking systems to ecommerce solutions.

Cons

• Limited free plan: Wix's free plan includes branded ads and does not allow for a custom domain name, which can detract from the professionalism of a website.

• Template lock-in: Once you choose a template and go live, you cannot switch to a different template without recreating your site from scratch, limiting flexibility.

• Performance issues: Some users report that websites built with Wix can have slower loading times and less optimal performance compared to sites built with other platforms, especially on mobile devices.

4. Squarespace

Squarespace is not only known for its sleek, award-winning design, which is sure to make your store look stunning, but it also offers an easy-to-use website builder. The platform offers more than 100 mobile-friendly, customizable templates, a live chat with easy access to customer support, and drag-and-drop tools for easy website creation. Although you don’t need coding skills to use Squarespace, a little technical confidence will go a long way.

Squarespace's pricing/subscription plans:

• Personal: $25/mo

• Business: $36/mo

• Commerce Basic: $40/mo

• Commerce Advanced: $72/mo

Squarespace also offers a blog and newsletter tool, so if you are looking to build content marketing and a community around your store, these may be worth checking out. Read more about how to get started in their Help Center.

Pros

• High-quality design templates: Squarespace is renowned for its visually appealing, professional templates that are highly customizable, making it ideal for creatives and businesses aiming for a strong visual presence online.

• All-in-one platform: Squarespace provides a comprehensive set of tools for website building, hosting, domain registration, ecommerce, and analytics, all within a single platform, simplifying the web development process.

• Responsive and mobile-friendly: All Squarespace templates are responsive, ensuring that websites look great and function well on devices of all sizes, from desktops to smartphones.

Cons

• Limited third-party integrations: Compared to competitors, Squarespace offers fewer third-party integrations, which can limit functionality for businesses relying on specific external services or applications.

• Higher learning curve: While Squarespace is user-friendly, its editor can be less intuitive than other drag-and-drop website builders, requiring more time to learn and master, especially for users seeking deep customization.

• Pricing: Squarespace does not offer a free plan (only a free trial), and its premium plans are generally more expensive than some of its competitors, which might be a consideration for individuals or small businesses on a tight budget.

5. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an open-source and flexible platform that enables you to grow and scale your ecommerce store. It has a reputation as one of the more powerful platforms out there, making it especially suitable for the bigger stores that are already selling on multiple platforms or a newcomer with ambitions to scale. This may also make it slightly less intuitive and easy to use for smaller merchants, but with some trial and error and checking out their tech support, knowledge base, and BigCommerce community, you should still be up and running in a short time. The platform is also known for its many in-house features that are free to use and make you less reliant on third-party apps.

Their monthly plans start at $29.95 per month for a basic plan, whereas a professional plan will set you back $299.95 per month. Read more about their features and how to get started.

Pros

• Scalability: BigCommerce is designed to support online stores as they grow, offering robust features and capabilities that can handle increased volume and complexity without sacrificing performance.

• Built-in features: Unlike some platforms that require additional apps or plugins for full functionality, BigCommerce includes a wide range of built-in features for SEO, marketing, and analytics, reducing the need for external integrations.

• Multi-channel selling: BigCommerce excels in offering seamless integration with multiple sales channels, including social media, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and physical stores, allowing businesses to expand their reach effortlessly.

Cons

• Learning curve: The platform's comprehensive features come with a steeper learning curve compared to more simplistic ecommerce solutions, potentially requiring more time for new users to become proficient.

• Cost: While BigCommerce offers a lot of built-in features, its pricing can be higher than some competitors, especially for businesses that need to scale up to more advanced plans to accommodate their growth.

• Customization limitations: While BigCommerce is highly customizable through coding and apps, some users find the theme customization options to be less flexible than those offered by other platforms, which can limit design possibilities without custom development.

6. BigCartel

If you’re an artist or a creator selling your products online, Big Cartel may be the right platform for you. Similar to Etsy, this platform is designed for artists and creative sellers who prefer to invest more time into a smaller selection of carefully crafted products rather than selling thousands of products in a complex inventory system.

Their plans are designed based on how many types of products you offer, ranging from free (up to 5 products) to $29.99/month for up to 500 products. The more products you sell (and the more you pay), the more access you will get to additional features as you need them, such as customizing your store, offering discounts, or tracking website traffic.

Other key features include SEO, customizable code, easy connection to your Facebook page so that you can sell through Facebook, inventory tracking, and built-in card processing via PayPal or Stripe. For additional customization of your store beyond the custom look, you may need programming skills or technical support, which may be a hurdle for some small business owners. You can, however, access lots of tips, guides, and advice on how to get started in their help center.

Pros

• Simplicity and ease of use: BigCartel offers a straightforward and user-friendly platform, making it ideal for artists, makers, and small-scale sellers who prefer a no-fuss approach to setting up an online store.

• Affordability: With a free plan for sellers with five products or fewer and reasonably priced plans for larger inventories, BigCartel is an attractive option for those just starting out or operating on a smaller scale.

• Designed for creatives: BigCartel caters specifically to the needs of artists and creatives, providing simple tools and themes that emphasize showcasing and selling art, handmade goods, and unique products.

Cons

• Limited features: Compared to more comprehensive ecommerce platforms, BigCartel offers fewer features and integrations, which might not support the needs of rapidly growing businesses or those requiring advanced ecommerce functionalities.

• Limited customization: While BigCartel’s simplicity is a plus for many, it also means there are fewer options for customizing store designs and functionalities, which can be a drawback for sellers looking for a highly tailored online presence.

• Scaling limitations: BigCartel is best suited for small-scale sellers. Businesses looking to scale significantly might find the platform limiting in terms of product listings, features, and integrations necessary for expansion.

Online marketplaces and social media selling platforms

Online marketplaces and social media selling platforms have revolutionized retail, offering businesses of all sizes unprecedented access to global audiences and simplifying the path from product discovery to purchase. 

7. Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace that specializes in handmade products, vintage items, and craft supplies. It’s one of the most popular platforms for online shoppers looking for unique products with a special and artistic touch that isn’t easily found in other stores.

There are no subscription fees with Etsy, but you are charged for listing and selling items.

Sellers incur a listing fee of $0.20 for each item they wish to sell, which keeps the listing active for four months or until the item sells. Upon making a sale, Etsy collects a 5% transaction fee on the sale price (including the shipping price set by the seller).

While Etsy is a busy marketplace with lots of competition, you might be able to charge a premium price as people expect to pay more for unique or custom items. That is also why it is important to make your products look their very best and write creative and detailed product descriptions to make your designs stand out.

Make sure you upload high-quality product images - both lifestyle images and mockups (we can help you with this in our mockup generator). Etsy has also gathered several tips for making your products searchable. You may also want to take a look at the Etsy Seller Handbook - or go straight to Gelato to learn how to integrate your Etsy store in minutes!

Pros

• Niche market focus: Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique goods, attracting a dedicated audience looking for these specific types of products, which can benefit sellers in these categories.

• Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly for sellers, making it simple to set up a shop and start selling.

• Community Support: Etsy has a strong sense of community among sellers and buyers, with forums and teams that offer support, advice, and camaraderie.

Cons

• Competition: Due to its popularity, Etsy can be highly competitive, with many sellers offering similar products, which can make it challenging to stand out.

• Fees: Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees, which can add up and affect the overall profitability of sellers.

• Limited customization: While Etsy allows for some personalization of shop fronts, there are limitations compared to having your own website, which can restrict branding opportunities.

8. Amazon

With more than 200 million unique visitors each month, Amazon is the largest player in ecommerce. Due to the scale of shoppers the platform attracts, merchants find it relatively easy to get people in front of their products. Other advantages include gaining new consumers who may purchase from you again and an easy checkout and fulfillment process for retailers and customers alike. Some of the downsides of selling on Amazon include their seller guidelines, which merchants must adhere to. These guidelines entail that all your orders must meet shipping time deadlines and that customer service tickets must be answered within 24 hours.

Amazon operates with per-item fees, which means you will be charged a certain fee per item that you sell. The fee will vary depending on the type of product and what type of seller plan you use with Amazon. 

Amazon offers two primary seller plans: the Individual plan and the Professional plan. 

The Individual plan is designed for sellers who plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month, charging them $0.99 per item sold, plus additional selling fees, which include referral fees and variable closing fees. This plan does not require a monthly subscription fee. 

On the other hand, the Professional plan is suited for sellers anticipating more than 40 sales per month and costs $39.99 per month, plus the same additional fees but without the $0.99 per item charge. 

Referral fees, which apply to both plans, vary by category but typically range from 8% to 15% of the item’s selling price. 

Keep in mind that Amazon is known for having competitive pricing, so be prepared to compete to stay ahead of the competition. You can also check out Amazon’s page with more resources for sellers. If you choose Amazon as your next sales channel, you can easily integrate with Gelato via OrderDesk. Read more about this in our Help Center.

Pros

• Massive audience reach: Amazon grants sellers access to a vast global customer base, significantly increasing the potential for sales compared to other platforms or independent websites.

• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Sellers can leverage Amazon’s world-class logistics, including storage, packing, and shipping services, through FBA, making order fulfillment easier and more efficient.

• Trust and credibility: Amazon is a trusted name in ecommerce. Sellers on Amazon benefit from this trust, which can lead to higher conversion rates compared to selling on lesser-known platforms.

Cons

• High competition: The platform is highly competitive, with many sellers offering similar products. Standing out among the vast number of listings can be challenging without the right strategy.

• Fees: Amazon’s selling fees, including referral fees, closing fees, and FBA fees, can add up quickly, potentially eating into profit margins, especially for low-margin products.

• Limited branding opportunities: Selling on Amazon offers limited opportunities for branding and customer relationship building, as Amazon prioritizes its brand and customer experience over individual sellers.

9. eBay

With 182 million users worldwide and 25 million sellers, eBay is another major ecommerce marketplace. Although it originally started as a platform where people could host and participate in auctions, an increasing number of merchants have opened stores that offer products with set prices, making it a popular place to both sell and browse products. eBay also offers several options for customization, which makes it easier for you to brand your store and how it looks to shoppers.

To set up your ecommerce store with eBay, you pay a monthly subscription fee. There are also two types of selling fees to be aware of:

• An insertion fee when you publish a product. The price depends on the type of subscription you have, the product, and whether you are selling it in an auction or for a set price.

• A final value fee when your item is sold. This fee is based on a percentage of the total amount your customers pay, including delivery.

Read more in Ebay’s Seller Center.

Pros

• Global marketplace: eBay offers sellers access to a worldwide audience, making it easier to reach customers across the globe and expand market reach beyond local boundaries.

• Flexible selling options: eBay provides various selling formats, including auction-style listings, fixed-price listings, and eBay Store subscriptions, giving sellers flexibility in how they sell and price their items.

• Niche markets: The platform is well-known for its wide range of categories, making it an ideal place for selling unique, rare, or collectible items that might not find a market elsewhere.

Cons

• Fees: eBay charges a range of fees, including insertion fees for listing items, final value fees once an item sells, and optional fees for additional listing enhancements, which can impact overall profitability.

• Competition: With millions of listings, eBay is highly competitive. Sellers must work hard to make their listings stand out through competitive pricing, detailed descriptions, and high-quality photos.

• Customer expectations: eBay buyers often look for bargains, which can pressure sellers to lower prices. Additionally, managing customer expectations and feedback can be challenging, as negative reviews can significantly impact a seller’s reputation.

10. Facebook Shops

With Facebook Shops, you can display and sell products on Facebook and Instagram. Consumers who visit your shop can browse your products, make purchases, and get to know your brand. You’ll create your shop in Commerce Manager, a platform for managing inventory and sales on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook Marketplace levies 5% per shipment or a flat fee of $0.40 for products costing $8.00 or below.

Shops let you choose which items to feature, promote product collections, and tell your brand story with customizable fonts and colors. In Facebook Shops, you can connect with customers through WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram Direct to answer questions, offer support, and more.

“Social selling” can make it easier to connect and engage with new and existing customers, and since both Facebook and Instagram are often already key marketing channels for many ecommerce sellers, offering your products for sale directly within the apps can make the path from inspiration to action that much shorter and easier for consumers. You can read more about Facebook Shops here.

Pros

• Access to a large audience: Facebook Shops allows sellers to tap into a vast user base, offering significant visibility and reach within the Facebook and Instagram ecosystems.

• Integrated social media marketing: Sellers can leverage the integrated nature of Facebook's platform to use social media marketing tools effectively, promoting products directly within their posts and ads.

• Ease of setup and use: Setting up a Facebook Shop is straightforward, with no upfront costs. The platform is user-friendly, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes to start selling online quickly.

Cons

• Limited customization options: Compared to dedicated ecommerce platforms, Facebook Shops offers limited customization options for the shop's appearance and functionality, which can restrict branding efforts.

• Dependence on platform algorithms: Visibility and sales can be significantly affected by changes in Facebook’s algorithms, which can prioritize or deprioritize commercial content without notice.

• Competition and market saturation: With many businesses selling on Facebook, standing out in a crowded market can be challenging, requiring effective marketing strategies and potentially additional advertising spending.

Inventory and order management systems

Inventory and order management systems streamline the complex process of tracking stock levels, managing orders, and ensuring timely fulfillment, which is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in any business.

11. TradeGecko (Now QuickBooks Commerce)

TradeGecko, which has become QuickBooks Commerce, is a powerful cloud-based inventory and order management system designed for modern online businesses. It provides an integrated solution for managing products, orders, and customers across multiple sales channels, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

Key features

• Centralized inventory management across multiple channels and locations.

• Automated order processing and fulfillment workflows.

• Comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) tools.

Pricing

• Simple Start: $39 per month*

• Essentials: $30 per month*

• Plus: $45 per month*

• Advanced: $100 per month*

*Prices above reflect 50% discount for first 3 months

Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for accounting, along with other ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, plus shipping and fulfillment services.

Pros:

• Offers a holistic view of business operations from inventory to sales and customer management.

• Automates key processes, reducing manual work and the potential for errors.

• Supports multi-channel sales strategies, allowing businesses to expand their online presence.

Cons:

• Custom pricing means costs can vary and may become significant as business needs grow and become more complex.

• It may require a learning curve for those not familiar with multi-channel inventory management software.

• Being part of the QuickBooks ecosystem, it's highly beneficial for users already within this environment but might require additional setup for new users.

12. Cin7

Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory and order management system designed for medium to large businesses. It offers extensive features for managing stock across multiple channels and locations, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale.

Key features

• Real-time inventory management across multiple warehouses.

• Built-in POS, B2B ecommerce, and EDI.

• Direct integrations with major retailers and marketplaces.

Pricing

• Standard: $295 USD/month (Limited time offer, normally $349)

• Pro: $449 USD/month (Limited time offer, normally $599)

• Advanced: Starting at $999 USD/month

• Omni: Custom pricing

Integrations: Direct integrations with Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Xero, QuickBooks, and more, facilitating a seamless flow of information across platforms.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set for complex businesses.

• Direct integrations reduce the need for third-party apps.

• Strong reporting and forecasting tools.

Cons

• Higher learning curve due to complex features.

• Custom pricing can be expensive for small businesses.

• Setup and customization may require professional assistance.

13. Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a suite of tools to manage inventory, orders, and warehouses efficiently, along with integration capabilities with Zoho’s suite of business apps.

Key features

• Multi-channel order management.

• Warehouse management and stock level tracking.

• Integration with Zoho CRM and Zoho Books for a unified business management experience.

Pricing

• Standard: $39 per organization/month

• Professional: $99 per organization/month

• Premium: $159 per organization/month

• Enterprise: $299 per organization/month

Integrations: Integrates with Zoho apps, as well as external platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, and QuickBooks.

Pros

• Affordable pricing with a generous free tier.

• Seamless integration with Zoho’s ecosystem.

• User-friendly interface and setup.

Cons

• The free plan is limited in terms of order volume and features.

• It may not scale well for very large businesses.

• Some users report occasional slow performance during peak times.

Product information management (PIM) systems

Product Information Management (PIM) systems centralize and harmonize all your product information, streamlining the process of managing, updating, and enriching product data across multiple sales and marketing channels.

14. Akeneo

Akeneo is a leading open-source Product Information Management (PIM) system designed to help retailers, manufacturers, and brands deliver a compelling customer experience across all sales channels by efficiently managing, centralizing, and harmonizing marketing and technical product information.

Key features

• Centralized product information management.

• Multi-channel and multi-language support.

• Quality and completeness checks to ensure product information is accurate and complete.

Pricing: Akeneo offers a Community Edition that is free, a Growth Edition, starting at $25k annually, and an Enterprise Edition with custom pricing based on business needs.

Integrations: Integrates with ecommerce platforms like Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce, as well as ERP systems and marketplaces.

Pros

• The open-source Community Edition is free, making it accessible for small businesses.

• Highly customizable to fit specific business needs.

• Strong multi-channel support enhances omnichannel strategies.

Cons

• The Growth and Enterprise Edition can be expensive for small to medium-sized businesses.

• Requires technical knowledge to set up and customize, especially the open-source version.

• Limited direct marketing features as it focuses more on product information management.

15. Pimcore

Pimcore is an open-source PIM/MDM (Master Data Management) platform that provides a central repository for managing product and marketing information, digital assets, and customer data, enabling businesses to improve operational efficiency and provide a seamless customer experience.

Key features

• Consolidates product information from various sources.

• Digital asset management (DAM) integrated with PIM.

• Flexible data modeling and management.

Pricing: Pimcore is free as an open-source solution, but enterprise services and support are available through a subscription model with custom pricing.

Integrations: Offers a wide range of integrations, including eCommerce platforms, marketing automation tools, and ERP systems, through its extensive API.

Pros

• This open-source platform offers significant customization and flexibility.

• Integrated DAM and customer data management alongside PIM.

• Strong community support and a wealth of extensions.

Cons

• It can be complex to implement without proper technical expertise.

• Enterprise support and additional features can be costly.

• The extensive feature set may be overwhelming for smaller teams or simpler projects.

16. Salsify

Salsify combines PIM capabilities with digital asset management (DAM) and experience management solutions to help brands deliver compelling product experiences across every digital touchpoint. It's designed for businesses looking to drive sales through better content and customer engagement.

Key features

• Centralized management of product content and digital assets.

• Syndication capabilities to distribute product information across various channels.

• Collaboration tools for internal and external stakeholders.

Pricing: Salsify does not publicly disclose its pricing. Interested businesses must contact Salsify directly for a custom quote.

Integrations: Integrates with a wide array of eCommerce platforms, ERP systems, and marketplaces, facilitating seamless information flow across channels.

Pros

• It's a comprehensive solution combining PIM, DAM, and experience management.

• Strong syndication capabilities to enhance product visibility.

• Intuitive interface and collaboration tools improve team efficiency.

Cons

• Pricing is not transparent, which can complicate budget planning for potential users.

• It may be more expensive than other PIM solutions, particularly for small businesses.

• The breadth of features might introduce a steeper learning curve for new users.

Marketing tools

Marketing tools are essential for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence, engage with audiences, and drive sales. They streamline tasks from SEO to social media management, empowering data-driven strategies and creative campaigns.

17. HubSpot

HubSpot is a comprehensive inbound marketing platform that offers tools for CRM, email marketing, content management, and analytics. It's designed to attract, engage, and delight customers throughout their journey.

Key features

• All-in-one marketing, sales, and service platform.

• Free CRM at its core.

• Extensive automation and personalization options.

Pricing: HubSpot offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans start at $20 per seat per month for the Starter plan, with more advanced features available in the Professional ($890/month) plan.

Integrations: Integrates with over 500 apps, including Salesforce, Shopify, and WordPress, allowing for seamless connectivity with other tools.

Pros

• Comprehensive toolset covering various aspects of digital marketing.

• User-friendly interface with a minimal learning curve.

• Strong analytics and reporting capabilities.

Cons

• Can become expensive as you scale and require more advanced features.

• Some features are available only at higher subscription levels.

• The platform can be overwhelming for small businesses or those new to digital marketing.

18. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform known for its email marketing services. It also offers landing pages, digital ads, social media tools, and CRM features, making it a versatile tool for small to medium-sized businesses.

Key features

• Email marketing with automation, templates, and personalization.

• Audience segmentation and behavioral targeting.

• Built-in analytics and performance tracking.

Pricing

• Premium: Starts at $350/month

• Standard: Starts at $20/month after one month free

• Essentials: Starts at $13/month after one month free

• Free: $0/month

Integrations: Offers integrations with over 200 apps and services, including Shopify, WordPress, and Zapier.

Pros

• Intuitive design and ease of use.

• Generous free plan suitable for small businesses.

• Strong email marketing features with advanced segmentation.

Cons

• Pricing can escalate quickly as your contact list grows.

• Limited automation capabilities in lower-tier plans.

• Some users report challenges with customer support responsiveness.

19. SEMrush

Overview: SEMrush is a powerful digital marketing tool designed to provide comprehensive SEO, content marketing, competitor analysis, PPC, and social media insights to businesses of all sizes. It helps marketers optimize their online visibility across various channels.

Key features

• Extensive SEO toolkit for keyword research, site audits, and competitor analysis.

• Content marketing platform to plan, write, and analyze content.

• Social media toolkit for scheduling posts and analyzing performance.

Pricing: SEMrush offers a Pro plan for $129.95/month, a Guru plan for $249.95/month, and a Business plan for $499.95/month, with each tier offering progressively more features and higher limits.

Integrations: Integrates with Google Analytics, Google My Business, Google Search Console, social media platforms, and more, allowing for streamlined workflow and data analysis.

Pros

• Comprehensive suite of tools covering almost every aspect of digital marketing.

• In-depth analytics and reporting capabilities for data-driven decision-making.

• Regular updates and new features based on industry trends and user feedback.

Cons

• Can be expensive for small businesses or individual marketers.

• Steep learning curve due to the complexity and breadth of features.

• Some features, like historical data and content marketing platforms, are locked behind higher-tier plans.

Analytics and reporting software

Analytics and reporting software empower businesses to decipher complex data, offering actionable insights into performance, customer behavior, and market trends, thereby driving informed decision-making and strategic planning.

20. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. It's one of the most widely used analytics platforms, providing insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and the effectiveness of online marketing campaigns.

Key features

• Real-time analytics, audience demographics, and behavior reports.

• Integration with Google Ads for advertising analytics.

• Custom reports and dashboards.

Pricing: Free for the basic version, with a premium version (Google Analytics 360) available for enterprises, starting at $50k per year, which offers advanced features and support with custom pricing.

Integrations: Integrates with other Google services like Google Ads, Data Studio, and Search Console, as well as third-party platforms through APIs.

Pros

• Comprehensive and detailed insights into website performance.

• Free to use for the basic version, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

• Strong integration with Google's ecosystem.

Cons

• Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners.

• The vast amount of data available can make it difficult to identify actionable insights without proper training.

• Privacy concerns and data tracking limitations due to the increasing use of ad blockers and privacy regulations.

21. Tableau

Tableau is a leading data visualization tool that helps in understanding data through interactive, shareable dashboards. It's designed for businesses of all sizes to analyze data for better decision-making.

Key features

• Interactive dashboards and data visualization.

• Data blending and real-time data analysis.

• Support for a wide range of data sources.

Pricing: Offers various plans, including Tableau Creator ($75/user/month), Tableau Explorer ($42/user/month, minimum of 5 explorers), and Tableau Viewer ($15/user/month, minimum of 100 viewers) with volume discounts available.

Integrations: Integrates with numerous data sources, including SQL databases and cloud databases like Amazon Web Services, Google Analytics, and Excel.

Pros

• Powerful data visualization capabilities.

• Flexible and user-friendly interface.

• Strong community and support resources.

Cons

• Pricing can be high for small businesses or individual users.

• Steep learning curve for advanced functionalities.

• Some users report performance issues with very large datasets.

22. Mixpanel

Mixpanel is an advanced analytics platform that tracks user interactions with web and mobile applications, offering insights into how users engage with and stay on the apps.

Key features

• Event tracking and user segmentation.

• Funnel analysis and retention reports.

• A/B testing and user behavior predictions.

Pricing: Mixpanel offers a free tier with limited data history and events, while paid plans start at $24/month, based on data points tracked and features needed.

Integrations: Offers integrations with a variety of platforms and services, including Slack, Salesforce, and market-leading CRMs and marketing tools.

Pros

• Detailed insights into user behavior and product engagement.

• Customizable reports and interactive dashboards.

• Strong focus on user retention and conversion.

Cons

• Pricing can become expensive as data points and feature requirements grow.

• May require technical knowledge to set up and utilize fully.

• Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to simpler analytics tools.

Choosing the right multichannel ecommerce software is essential for businesses looking to efficiently manage their online sales across various platforms. The ideal software should streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and drive sales growth. 

When selecting a multichannel ecommerce solution, consider these key features:

• Centralized inventory management: Ensures real-time inventory updates across all channels, reducing the risk of overselling.

• Order management: Offers a unified view of orders from all sales channels, simplifying processing and fulfillment.

• Channel integration: Provides seamless integration with major marketplaces, social media platforms, and your own website.

• Analytics and reporting: Delivers comprehensive insights into sales performance, inventory levels, and customer behavior across channels.

• Automation tools: Automates routine tasks like listing products and updating prices, saving time and minimizing errors.

• Scalability: Easily scales with your business growth, supporting more products, channels, and increased order volume.

• Customer support: Access to reliable customer support for troubleshooting and guidance.

Selecting software with these features will help optimize your multichannel ecommerce operations, enabling a cohesive strategy that drives success.

Gelato is your gateway to multi-channel ecommerce success, offering an expansive range of products that cater to diverse customer interests. From stylish t-shirts and durable mugs to captivating wall art, sleek phone cases, and personalized photo books, Gelato has everything you need to enrich your online store's catalog. 

With Gelato's print on demand platform, seamlessly manage and fulfill orders across various platforms, ensuring your brand stands out in the competitive digital marketplace.

Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that aligns with your business needs and objectives.