Nine best enterprise ecommerce platforms in 2024

In 2024, the digital commerce landscape has evolved remarkably, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. Enterprise ecommerce platforms stand at the forefront of this transformation, offering robust functionalities tailored for large-scale businesses. These platforms provide the necessary infrastructure to manage high volumes, complex operations, and global transactions.

As organizations vie for a dominant online presence, choosing the right platform becomes paramount. Dive into an analysis of the nine best enterprise ecommerce platforms of 2024 that are shaping the future of online retail.

• The landscape of enterprise ecommerce platforms in 2024 offers a variety of solutions, including SaaS, headless commerce, composable tech stacks, and open-source platforms.

• Platforms like Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, and Adobe Commerce are highlighted for their scalability and flexibility. These platforms offer features like high transaction capabilities, extensive customization through APIs and third-party integrations, and the ability to handle B2B and B2C transactions efficiently.

• Enterprise ecommerce platforms now come packed with advanced features such as AI-powered analytics, omnichannel selling capabilities, extensive payment and shipping options, and sophisticated marketing tools.

• The cost of adopting an enterprise ecommerce platform can vary widely and includes setup fees, monthly or annual subscriptions, transaction fees, and costs associated with integrations and customizations. Businesses must carefully assess these costs against their budget and long-term goals.

• Choosing the right enterprise ecommerce platform is a strategic decision that must be based on factors such as business size, sales volume, international expansion plans, technical capabilities of the team, and customization needs.

• Gelato's Integration and its print on demand capabilities make it a leader. By integrating it with the best enterprise ecommerce platform of your choice, you can tap into five billion potential customers across a 32-country network.

In today's digital era, various types of enterprise ecommerce platforms have surfaced to accommodate diverse business needs.

Let's explore different classifications to help identify the perfect fit for your enterprise. 

1. SaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an innovative ecommerce solution where you utilize software hosted on the provider's servers. Instead of buying the software and installing it on your own servers, you rent the service, providing you with a flexible and scalable solution. This approach can greatly reduce maintenance costs and eliminate the need for an in-house IT team. 

Some primary benefits of SaaS enterprise ecommerce platforms include: 

• Lower initial costs: No need to invest money into server hardware, making it a cost-effective solution for many businesses.

• Easy upgrades: Regular updates are managed by the provider, meaning your platform is always up-to-date without extra work.

• Scalable: SaaS solutions can grow with your business, allowing you to scale up or down based on your enterprise resource planning.

Shopify Plus, Wix, and BigCommerce are notably strong SaaS enterprise ecommerce solutions.

2. Headless commerce

Headless commerce represents a significant shift in ecommerce technology, giving businesses greater flexibility in how they manage their online presence. Unlike traditional ecommerce solutions, headless commerce separates the front end (the interface customers interact with) and the back end (where data management and business processes occur) of your ecommerce platform.

This division allows each system to operate independently, enabling you to make changes to one without affecting the other. 

This approach has various advantages, including: 

• Flexibility: Without dependencies between the front and back end, you can experiment and innovate on either side without risking overall system stability.

• Speed: Your site's performance isn't tied to the back end, which can result in a faster, smoother user experience.

• Scalability: Headless commerce can easily handle growth, allowing you to add more features or scale up operations without impacting your site's performance.

Adobe Commerce (Magento) and BigCommerce both provide robust headless commerce capabilities, making them suitable options for businesses looking to leverage the benefits of this approach.

3. Composable tech stack

Think of a Composable tech stack as a customized ecommerce solution shaped according to your business needs. Being modular in nature, it allows the merging of different tech services into a single, unified system.

This revolutionary approach enables an enterprise to choose its preferred solutions from a range of services that all integrate seamlessly, providing enhanced control over the eCommerce environment. 

So, what are the primary benefits distinct to a composable tech stack? 

1. Scalability: Composable tech stacks can easily adapt to the growth of your business. This means whether you're adding new products, entering new markets, or scaling your operations, a composable tech stack can sustain this growth smoothly.

2. Flexibility: With a composable tech stack, you're not limited to a fixed static system. As needs change, new components can be added or existing ones replaced with ease.

3. Integration: Despite being composed of differing services, a composable system ensures seamless cooperation between all components, ensuring a smooth and efficient eCommerce operation.

Platforms like Shopify Plus, BigCommerce, and Adobe Commerce fall under this category, as they all have the ability to accommodate a wide range of business needs.

4. Open source 

An open-source enterprise ecommerce solution refers to a platform where the source code is made publicly available. This offers unique advantages as users have the freedom to modify the code to cater to their specific requirements. You're not confined to out-of-the-box functionalities; you can build unique storefronts that resonate with your brand's identity and cater to your audience's needs. 

Some key benefits of open-source ecommerce software include: 

• Flexibility: The ability to alter the source code allows for customization of the platform based on your business needs

• Security: While being open-source can make a platform a target for hackers, having a large community of developers regularly scrutinizing and improving the code actually heightens its security

• Community support: Open-source platforms boast a vast developer community. This is a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues or developing new features

• User-friendliness: Many open-source platforms put a lot of focus on creating an interface that's easy for both developers and non-developers alike to use

The platforms that fall under the open-source category are WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce (Magento).

Navigating the vast digital marketplace of the 21st century, businesses have realized that not all ecommerce platforms are created equal. Much like the foundation of a building, the ecommerce platform chosen will determine the stability, scalability, and success of an online business. The right platform can enhance user experience, streamline operations, and boost profitability, while a mismatch can lead to lost sales, operational hiccups, and disgruntled customers. As the stakes are high and the ecommerce landscape continually evolves, understanding the significance of this choice is crucial.

Let's analyze top enterprise ecommerce platforms so you can find the best one for your enterprise. 

1. Shopify Plus

Overview

Shopify Plus, by 2024, has not only solidified its standing as a top enterprise ecommerce platform but also continuously evolved to meet the changing demands of large-scale businesses. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it supports everything from small startups to large enterprises. Its potent blend of scalability, robust features, and unparalleled support makes it a prime choice for enterprises navigating the ecommerce industry.

Features

• Scalability: Shopify Plus excels in scalability. Its cloud-based infrastructure, like SAP Commerce Cloud or Salesforce Commerce Cloud, can handle over 10,000 transactions per minute, making it perfect for brands that experience surges in traffic, especially during flash sales or holiday seasons.

• Ease of use: Despite being an enterprise-level ecommerce platform, Shopify Plus provides an intuitive interface, ensuring that daily operations and more complex customizations can be easily managed.

• Customization options: Unlike any open-source ecommerce platform, Shopify Plus offers enhanced customization through its Script Editor for specialized checkout processes and promotions.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: While traditionally focused on B2C, Shopify Plus now caters to B2B with features like wholesale channels, custom pricing, and exclusive storefronts tailored for B2B customers.

• Analytics: Shopify Plus offers advanced analytics dashboards, giving insights into sales, customer behavior, and inventory levels.

• SEO: Built-in SEO tools ensure your store is search engine friendly. From meta tags to sitemap generation, Shopify Plus has you covered.

• Payment processing: Shopify Payments, the platform’s integrated payment solution, supports major credit cards and local payment methods.

• Marketing features: A vast app ecosystem with several apps to extend store functionality, from inventory management to marketing.

• Integrations/apps: Shopify Plus's App Store is vast, housing thousands of third-party apps that cater to every conceivable need.

• Ecommerce features: Shopify Plus boasts features tailored for enterprise ecommerce system needs: international storefronts with multi-currency support, automated workflows through Shopify Flow, and advanced discounting and segmentation capabilities, to name a few.

• Customer support: Shopify Plus merchants benefit from dedicated account managers and priority 24/7 support. Access to the Plus Community, including webinars, forums, and events, ensures they stay updated and supported.

• Security features: Shopify Plus is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant, ensuring the highest transaction and data security level.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Suitable for you without technical expertise.

• Integrated payment solutions: Simplifies the transaction process for both sellers and buyers.

• Strong SEO tools: Essential for driving organic traffic to your store.

Cons

• Transaction fees: Every transaction has a fee unless you use Shopify Payments.

• Additional costs: Some advanced features or apps might come at an added cost.

Pricing

The pricing for enterprises starts at $2,000 a month. 

2. Wix

Overview

Wix is a cloud-based web development platform that allows users to create and maintain responsive websites through a drag-and-drop interface. Once celebrated primarily for its website-building capabilities, Wix has emerged as a powerhouse in the enterprise ecommerce software domain. If you compare Wix with other platforms like Shopify, it has some pros and cons.

Features

• Scalability: Wix provides scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes. With its cloud-based infrastructure, businesses can handle a surge in traffic and sales without worrying about performance drops.

• Ease of use: One of Wix's most touted features is its drag-and-drop interface, making it incredibly intuitive for users.

• Customization options: With Corvid by Wix, businesses can customize their storefronts extensively.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Wix accommodates both B2B and B2C models. While it’s traditionally been more B2C-focused, recent integrations and apps have made it a viable platform for B2B operations, including features like wholesale pricing and invoice management.

• Analytics: Wix provides in-depth analytics for tracking website and sales performance.

• SEO: The platform offers SEO tools to optimize your store. From meta tags to custom URLs and even an SEO Wiz to guide users through best practices, Wix ensures your ecommerce site is ready to rank.

• Payment processing: Wix offers integrated payment gateways such as Wix Payments, as well as support for external providers like PayPal, Stripe, and more.

• Marketing features: From email marketing campaigns and chatbots to loyalty programs, Wix provides various marketing tools that help businesses engage their audience and drive sales.

• Integrations/apps: The Wix App Market boasts various third-party apps and integrations, from inventory management tools to marketing automation platforms, ensuring businesses can extend functionality as required.

• Ecommerce features: Wix offers a comprehensive set of ecommerce functionalities: product galleries, wishlist features, multiple shipping rules, tax management, and more.

• Customer support: Wix provides 24/7 customer support, including an extensive knowledge base, live chat, and phone support for higher-tier plan subscribers.

• Security features: Security is a top priority for Wix. The platform offers SSL certification, ensuring all transactions are encrypted.

Pros

• Intuitive design tools: Easily design a site that reflects your brand.

• Regular updates: Wix often releases new features and tools.

• Affordable: Various pricing tiers cater to different needs, making it accessible for many.

Cons

• Less flexibility: While user-friendly, it might not offer as much deep customization as open-source platforms.

• Migration limitations: Moving your site away from Wix in the future can be challenging.

• Can get pricey: Some essential ecommerce tools require premium plans.

Pricing

• Free plan: $0

• Light plan: $16/month

• Core plan: $27/month

• Business: $32/month

• Business Elite: $159/month

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

3. Etsy

Overview

Etsy is best recognized as a global marketplace for unique and creative goods; its reputation has also grown in the enterprise ecommerce business space. By 2024, Etsy has evolved to suit larger enterprises seeking a global audience. Its user-centric approach and tools that facilitate sales and growth make it a viable enterprise ecommerce solution for those offering unique products.

Features

• Scalability: Etsy has enhanced its platform to cater to larger enterprises and artists with a vast inventory. Their infrastructure supports high-volume sellers, ensuring they can scale their operations without hitches.

• Ease of use: Etsy remains true to its roots, offering a user-friendly interface suitable for both novices and experienced sellers.

• Customization options: While Etsy does offer a standardized storefront for consistency, sellers can customize their store banners, logos, and product listings to reflect their unique brand and style.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Etsy is fundamentally B2C-oriented, focusing on direct consumer purchases. However, some businesses use Etsy Wholesale, a feature allowing artisans to sell in bulk to other businesses.

• Analytics: Etsy's Shop Stats provides sellers with insights into their shop's performance, visitor behavior, and traffic sources. This helps sellers refine their strategies and understand their audience better.

• SEO: Etsy has built-in SEO, but it's specific to its platform. Sellers must optimize product titles, descriptions, and tags to rank higher in Etsy searches and attract more traffic.

• Payment processing: Etsy Payments is a primary mode, allowing sellers to accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Paypal, and Etsy Gift Cards.

• Marketing features: Etsy Ads allow sellers to promote their products within the platform. Additionally, tools for running sales and setting coupon codes are available.

• Integrations/apps: While Etsy doesn't have an "app store" like Shopify, third-party tools and integrations are available that cater specifically to Etsy sellers.

• Ecommerce features: Etsy's core strength lies in its global marketplace model. Features such as international shipping, currency conversion, and multi-language support make it easy for sellers to reach a worldwide audience.

• Customer support: Etsy offers a comprehensive Help Center, community forums, and email support. Their support system is designed to assist sellers with any challenges they face while operating on the platform.

• Security features: Etsy ensures transaction security with SSL certificates. Their robust data protection policies and practices are also evident in their commitment to protecting buyer and seller information.

Pros

• Niche audience: Tailored for handmade and vintage items, reaching a dedicated and engaged audience.

• Integrated payment system: Streamlines transactions for both buyers and sellers.

• Global Reach: Easily get discovered and sell to customers around the world.

Cons

• Limited customization: Shops might look similar due to limited personalization capabilities.

• Fees: Listing, transaction, and payment processing fees can add up.

• Competition: A high number of sellers can make standing out a challenge.

Pricing

• Shop set-up fee: $15

• Listing fee: $0.20 per item.

• Transaction fee: 6.5% of the selling price.

• Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25 per sale (for Etsy Payments). Fees can vary based on the seller's location.

• Etsy Plus: $10/month

4. Squarespace

Overview

Squarespace, known for its website-building prowess, has made significant strides in the ecommerce domain so far. It's a comprehensive ecommerce platform suitable for enterprises aiming for a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Like Wix, its ability to combine simplicity with powerful ecommerce features makes it an appealing choice for modern businesses.

Features

• Scalability: Squarespace offers various plans that cater to businesses of all sizes. The platform can handle large product inventories and high enterprise traffic volumes and has integrations that make scalability a non-issue for growing businesses.

• Ease of use: One of Squarespace's hallmarks is its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It simplifies setting up and managing an online store, making it accessible even for those with little technical know-how.

• Customization options: While Squarespace provides a variety of sleek, modern templates, enterprises also have the flexibility to customize the design extensively using CSS and JavaScript, allowing for a unique brand experience.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Primarily, Squarespace caters to the B2C market with its storefronts designed for direct-to-consumer sales. However, B2B transactions can also be facilitated with the right integrations and customizations.

• Analytics: Squarespace Analytics offers comprehensive insights, from website traffic and sources to sales data and conversion metrics.

• SEO: Squarespace sites are designed to be SEO-friendly. The platform offers built-in tools like clean URLs, automatic redirects, and meta-tag editing, ensuring sites rank well on search engines.

• Payment processing: Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay are among the primary payment methods supported by Squarespace, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for customers globally.

• Marketing features: Squarespace offers built-in email campaigns, promotional banners, and pop-ups. Integration with various social media platforms further amplifies marketing reach.

• Integrations/apps: Squarespace Extensions expand the platform's capabilities, covering areas like shipping, inventory management, and accounting.

• Ecommerce features: Features include unlimited product listings, gift cards, discount codes, and point of sale integration. The platform also supports multi-currency transactions, making international sales seamless.

• Customer support: Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat. Their extensive knowledge base, forums, and webinars ensure users can access resources and solutions.

• Security features: All Squarespace websites have SSL certificates, ensuring encrypted and secure connections.

Pros

• Stunning design: Renowned for its beautifully designed templates.

• Mobile optimization: Templates are responsive and mobile-ready.

• No transaction fees: On its Business and Commerce plans.

Cons

• Limited advanced features: Might not suit businesses with complex ecommerce needs.

• Pricey domain renewal: After the first year, domain renewal rates can be higher than some competitors.

• Limited integrations: Though it offers essential integrations, the ecosystem isn't as vast as platforms like WordPress.

Pricing

• Business: $23/month (billed annually)

• Commerce (Basic): $27/month (billed annually)

• Commerce (Advanced): $49/month (billed annually)

5. BigCommerce

Overview

In 2024, BigCommerce stands tall as a preferred choice for enterprises seeking a blend of flexibility, robust features, and scalability in their ecommerce platform. Its continuous innovation and commitment to facilitating both B2B and B2C transactions make it a great option for businesses aiming for growth in the digital commerce landscape. It differentiates itself from other platforms like Shopify by offering more built-in features that cater to advanced ecommerce needs.

Features

• Scalability: BigCommerce is renowned for its scalable solutions for large enterprise ecommerce solutions.

• Ease of use: BigCommerce makes building and managing online stores straightforward with a user-friendly interface.

• Customization options: BigCommerce's Stencil framework allows brands to create custom, responsive, optimized themes.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: BigCommerce efficiently serves both B2B and B2C markets. With features like customer relationship management, bulk pricing models, and quote management, B2B transactions are streamlined.

• Analytics: The platform's built-in analytics tools offer actionable insights, covering metrics from sales and order data to customer data behavior and marketing analytics.

• SEO: BigCommerce shines in the SEO department. SEO-friendly URL structures, automatic XML sitemap generation, and optimized website speeds are just a few of the features that ensure online stores rank effectively on search engines.

• Payment processing: BigCommerce supports many payment gateways, from Stripe and PayPal to digital wallets like Apple Pay.

• Marketing features: Integrated tools for creating promotions, discounts, and email marketing campaigns are complemented by native integrations with platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Google Shopping, enhancing the marketing suite's potency.

• Integrations/apps: The BigCommerce App Marketplace is extensive. From ERP integrations to advanced review systems, businesses can substantially augment their store's capabilities through various third-party applications.

• Ecommerce features: The platform excels with multi-channel selling, abandoned cart recovery, and a global CDN for faster site speeds. With support for multi-currency, international selling is a breeze.

• Customer support: Enterprise clients of BigCommerce get priority support with 24/7 access. Additionally, a wealth of resources, including documentation, webinars, and community forums, ensure users are never left without guidance.

• Security features: BigCommerce ensures top-tier security with its ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification.

Pros

• Advanced built-in features: Offers many sophisticated out-of-the-box features that other platforms might require extensions.

• No transaction fees: Regardless of the payment gateway you use.

• Multiple sales channels: Integrate with Amazon, Gelato, eBay, and Facebook platforms.

Cons

• Pricing model: The pricing tiers are based on annual sales, so as you sell more, you may be pushed into a higher pricing tier.

• Learning curve: With its many features, newcomers might have a slight learning curve.

• Template limitations: While there are many free themes, the most attractive and modern ones tend to be paid.

Pricing

• Standard plan: Ideal for businesses starting their online journey, this plan is priced at $29 per month when billed annually.

• Plus plan: This plan is priced at $79 per month when billed annually. It comes with multiple marketing tools designed to drive conversion and grow your online business.

• Pro plan: Intended for growing businesses, this tier is available at $299 per month when billed annually. The comprehensive features allow for scalability as your business expands.

• Enterprise plan: This plan is ideal for enterprise-level businesses. For a custom price, you can reach out to sales.

6. WooCommerce

Overview

By 2024, WooCommerce will continue to be a flexible, powerful solution for enterprises willing to invest in customization and robust hosting. Its open-source nature, combined with the vast ecosystem, ensures it can meet and often exceed the requirements of large-scale businesses looking beyond Shopify. 

Features

• Scalability: WooCommerce, being self-hosted, relies heavily on the hosting infrastructure. With a robust server and caching mechanisms, it can handle large traffic volumes and extensive product catalogs.

• Ease of use: Since WooCommerce integrates with WordPress, those familiar with the platform will find its interface intuitive.

• Customization options: Being open-source, WooCommerce offers almost limitless customization. With access to the code, businesses can modify every aspect of their store.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Primarily designed for B2C, WooCommerce can be tailored for B2B operations using plugins, offering features like bulk pricing, role-based pricing, and invoicing.

• Analytics: Out of the box, WooCommerce provides essential sales analytics. Integration with plugins can offer more comprehensive reporting.

• SEO: Built on WordPress, WooCommerce benefits from the platform’s SEO strengths. Online stores can achieve optimal search engine visibility with plugins like Yoast SEO.

• Payment processing: WooCommerce supports major payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

• Marketing features: From integrated email marketing to advanced discounting, WooCommerce has it covered.

• Integrations/apps: The WooCommerce extensions store is expansive. Whether it's CRM integration, advanced shipping calculators, or affiliate management, there's likely a plugin available.

• Ecommerce features: WooCommerce provides all essential ecommerce features: product variations, inventory management, customizable checkout processes, and more.

• Customer support: Being free, WooCommerce doesn’t offer dedicated support. However, the extensive community, forums, and documentation mean help is usually at hand. Premium plugins and themes often come with their dedicated support.

• Security features: Security in WooCommerce is two-pronged: WordPress and WooCommerce itself. Regular updates, along with security plugins and SSL implementation, are crucial.

Pros

• Integration with WordPress: This integration offers a seamless experience for those already familiar with WordPress.

• Vast plugin ecosystem: The possibilities are vast, from SEO enhancements to marketing tools.

• Global community: Benefits from continuous community contributions, from plugins to theme designs and solutions to common problems.

Cons

• Hosting dependent: Poor hosting can significantly affect store speed and user experience.

• Potential security concerns: Being open-source and widely used can make it a target for hackers.

Pricing

• Core plugin: Free

• Hosting: $155 per year (average)

• Themes: $0 – 129 per year

7. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Overview

Salesforce Commerce Cloud presents a SaaS-based ecommerce solution equipped with a headless option. It centers its services on enterprises keen on enhancing their omnichannel ecommerce approach, emphasizing optimization for both mobile and desktop interfaces. Plus, it seamlessly merges physical and online stores through integrated ecommerce methods.

Features

• Scalability: The Salesforce Commerce Cloud boasts unrivaled scalability, adeptly handling high traffic volumes and seamlessly growing with your business needs.

• Ease of use: Its user-friendly interface simplifies the setup and management of any ecommerce store, irrespective of its size or complexity.

• Customization options: Salesforce Commerce Cloud is loaded with expansive options for customization, aligning storefronts, product catalogs, and shopping experiences with specific business needs and customer preferences.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Salesforce Commerce Cloud can aptly cater to both B2B and B2C settings, offering a custom platform for efficient management of customers, sales, and operations.

• Analytics: Use built-in analytics tools to derive valuable insights and enhance your sales approaches.

• SEO: It boasts of all-rounded SEO functionality, like customizable metadata, auto-generated site maps, and SEO-supportive URLs to align your store with search engine preferences.

• Payment processing: The platform assures smooth payment processing by integrating with global payment providers and supporting a broad range of payment methods and currencies.

• Marketing features: Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers advanced customer segmentation, cross-channel marketing, and personalized interactions to foster customer engagement and sales.

• Integrations/apps: Leverage Salesforce’s pre-built integrations and a broad selection of third-party tools to enhance your ecommerce operations.

• Ecommerce features: It carries several ecommerce functionalities such as advanced pricing, inventory management, consolidated product catalog management, CRM capabilities, and insightful reporting tools.

• Customer support: Salesforce Commerce Cloud interns comprehensive 24/7 technical support through a robust knowledge base, online forums, and direct email assistance.

• Security features: The platform provides user authentication, data encryption, secure communication protocols, and enterprise-grade threat detection and response mechanisms.

Pros

• Omnichannel functionality: Salesforce Commerce Cloud stands out as a valuable SaaS-based solution, streamlining omnichannel experiences for smoother customer journeys across platforms.

• Efficient inventory and shipping: Streamlines inventory and shipping management across multiple channels, enhancing dispatch efficiency and reducing errors.

• AI-powered customer engagement: Salesforce's AI boosts customer engagement, personalizes the shopping experience, and promotes loyalty.

Cons

• High implementation costs: While Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers a robust suite of features, it can come with a hefty price tag, especially for smaller businesses.

• Complexity: Due to its extensive functionalities and customization options, Salesforce Commerce Cloud can be complex and may require a learning curve to maximize its potential.

• API limit: The platform might have restrictions on the number of API requests, connections, or amounts of data that can be handled at the same time.

Pricing

• Custom pricing - based on a percentage of the gross merchandise value (GMV) or a revenue share model.

8. Oracle CX Commerce

Overview

Oracle CX Commerce is a distinguished enterprise ecommerce solution geared toward facilitating global operations for large-scale businesses. Renowned for its robust scalability, integration capabilities, and feature-rich offering, it provides an all-inclusive solution for ecommerce ventures aiming for international market penetration.

Features

• Scalability: Effectively handles high-traffic sites and scales seamlessly as your business grows.

• Ease of use: User-friendly dashboards and intuitive interfaces make administration a breeze.

• Customization options: Packed with personalization features and customizable templates to create a unique customer experience.

• B2B vs. B2C suitability: Equally well-suited for both B2B and B2C markets with functionality tailored to different business needs.

• Analytics: In-depth analytics and insights to help monitor performance and drive better decision-making.

• SEO: Built-in SEO tools to improve visibility and organic traffic.

• Payment processing: Supports a wide array of payment options, providing convenience and security to customers.

• Marketing features: State-of-the-art marketing tools for customer engagement, segmentation, and retention.

• Integrations/apps: High degree of integration with third-party apps for added functionality.

• Ecommerce features: Rich set of ecommerce functionalities for managing orders, inventory, shipping, and returns.

• Customer support: Round-the-clock customer support to handle any issues promptly.

• Security features: Robust security measures to ensure safe and secure transactions.

Pros

• Dedicated customer insights: Oracle CX Commerce offers robust customer data management, enabling businesses to develop personalized customer experiences.

• Global scalability: Oracle's platform supports growth and international expansion with multi-language, multi-currency, and regional customization functionalities.

• Advanced integration capabilities: Seamlessly connect to various third-party systems, payment gateways, and logistic solutions with Oracle’s range of APIs and built-in integrations.

Cons

• Complexity: The initial setup and configuration of Oracle CX Commerce can be complex and may require assistance from dedicated IT professionals.

• High costs: The high costs associated with licensing and maintenance may be a hurdle for smaller businesses or those with a limited budget.

• Learning curve: The platform may not be as intuitive as some competing ecommerce solutions, leading to a steeper learning curve for users.

Pricing

• Oracle CX Commerce offers flexible pricing based on feature selection, deployment model, and usage volume.

• Oracle CX Commerce's base cloud subscription starts at $15,000 per month, with additional costs for transaction processing, storage, and customizations.

• The on-premise subscription has substantial initial licensing costs and ongoing maintenance fees, ideal for businesses seeking a different deployment model.

9. Adobe Commerce (Magento)

Overview

Adobe Commerce, formerly Magento Commerce, is a highly regarded ecommerce platform. With its on-premises or cloud hosting options and a broad range of third-party integrations, it offers extensive customization. While this caters to a myriad of needs within the ecommerce community, it can also lead to increased costs.

Features

• Scalability: Adobe Commerce offers enterprise-level scalability, easily adjusting to the size and needs of your business as it grows exponentially.

• Ease of use: Despite its extensive features, the platform remains user-friendly, enabling you to navigate effortlessly within its environment.

• Customization options: With Adobe Commerce, you're at the helm, as it offers an impressive range of customization options for enterprises to exploit.

• B2B vs B2C suitability: This platform comfortably caters to both B2B and B2C markets, with its tools designed to meet the specific needs of both sectors.

• Analytics: With its comprehensive analytics system, Adobe Commerce gives you a clear overview of your operations, helping you make informed decisions.

• SEO: The platform excels in SEO, delivering tools that help improve your website's visibility on search engines.

• Payment processing: Adobe Commerce enables smooth and secure online transactions with its efficient payment processing system.

• Marketing features: Adobe Commerce enhances your marketing strategies with robust promotional tools, from customer segmentation to personalized marketing.

• Integrations/apps: Another strength of Adobe Commerce is the integration with a wide selection of apps and external systems, widening your ecommerce possibilities.

• Ecommerce features: From product catalogs to stock control, the platform provides all essential ecommerce features you'd expect from an enterprise solution.

• Customer support: With Adobe Commerce, you're not alone - the platform offers solid customer support, ensuring every question or issue is addressed promptly.

• Security features: Prioritizing the safety of online transactions, Adobe Commerce's security features protect your data at all costs.

Pros

• Strong developer community: Adobe Commerce has a developer community ready to tackle and resolve any platform issues, ensuring smooth operations.

• Flexible hosting options: Users have the liberty to choose between cloud hosting or on-premises hosting, catering to different business needs and preferences.

• No-code page builder: The platform provides a tool for building pages without needing to write any code on the front end.

Cons

• Open-source complexity: Open-source complexity requires significant developer effort, more than other platforms.

• Client-responsible PCI compliance: With Adobe Commerce, clients are solely responsible for ensuring their PCI compliance, adding stress and workload. 

• Additional development costs: Upgrades in Adobe Commerce can incur extra costs from development or third-party apps.

Pricing

• Adobe Commerce offers two main editions: the Open Source edition and the Commerce edition.

• The Open Source edition is free to use.

• The Commerce edition has a custom pricing structure that is not publicly listed. Get a custom quote from Adobe based on the size of your business needs.

Moving to a new enterprise ecommerce platform can be an intensive process, but with careful planning and execution, your business could reap the immense benefits of a platform that truly meets your needs.

Step 1: Understand your business needs 

Before you think about changing ecommerce platforms, it's essential to understand your business's unique needs. This includes assessing your current platform’s capabilities and shortcomings and clearly defining what you want from your next platform. Don't hold back when listing your requirements; they will guide your search for a suitable platform. 

Step 2: Research before making a selection 

Now that you know what you're looking for in an ecommerce platform, it's time to research. Aim to find a platform that ticks most, if not all, of your requirement boxes. Read reviews, speak to product experts, and make sure you understand how the new platform can support your business goals for growth and improvement. 

Step 3: Plan the migration 

Once you have selected a new platform, the next step is to plan the migration process. This entails determining the scope of the migration, setting a realistic timeline, and preparing a detailed migration plan, including all necessary tasks, roles, and responsibilities. 

Step 4: Data migration 

A vital part of moving platforms is the transferring of important files and data from the old platform to the new one. This procedure needs to be carried out meticulously to ensure no essential data is lost in the process. Besides moving customer data and order details, don't forget to migrate content such as product information and blog posts. 

Step 5: Test and troubleshoot

After migrating data, it's crucial to test the new platform extensively. Test every feature to ensure smooth functionality, trying to simulate a real-world user experience as much as possible. Troubleshoot any issues that surface during the testing process. 

Step 6: Launch and monitor 

After all testing is completed and the kinks ironed out, it's time to launch your new ecommerce platform. Post-launch, monitor the platform closely for a few weeks to catch any unexpected problems. Pay particular attention to performance, user experience, and sales metrics.

When considering enterprise ecommerce platforms, it's essential to get a clear picture of the financial implications. Remember, your decision should factor in not just the upfront costs but also the long-term expenses that come with using a platform.

• Setup fees: Setting up an ecommerce platform often involves a structural cost. Much like the foundation of a building, you may need to pay for the initial blueprint, especially if opting for a custom-built solution. Shopify Plus, for instance, charges a setup fee if you opt for their white-glove setup service.

• Licensing fees: A consistent expense in the picture is the recurring licensing fee. This surfing on the website is equivalent to rent; you pay for the continuous use of the platform, usually on an annual or monthly basis. These costs often vary based on the extent of your usage, calculated either by sales volumes, server load, or a flat fee. Wix, for example, operates on a monthly subscription model.

• Integration costs: Every enterprise's needs are unique, leading to additional expenses in the form of integrations and extensions. These include costs for integrating payment gateways, CRM systems, or third-party logistics. Also, some platforms charge for premium extensions or plugins that add more functionality. WooCommerce, for instance, has a library of both free and paid plugins.

• Transaction fees: Certain platforms, like Shopify Plus and BigCommerce, include transaction fees. These often come into play when you process customer payments. They can be either a percentage of the transaction or a flat fee per transaction, sometimes both.

When choosing an enterprise ecommerce platform for your business, you must consider a few crucial factors based on your business model and ambitions, such as:

Business size and sales volume

Choose a platform that can comfortably handle your business size and sales volume. A small operation may fare well with a basic platform, while a larger company with high sales volume may need a hefty, feature-rich option capable of processing and managing numerous transactions simultaneously.

International expansion plans

If you have plans to take your business global, then your ecommerce platform should be up to the task. It should support multiple languages, currencies, taxes and shipping rules to comfortably navigate international markets. 

Technical capabilities of the in-house team

Your team's technical prowess is instrumental when choosing an ecommerce platform. While some platforms require coding knowledge for customization, others offer ease of use with drag-and-drop functionalities. Assess your team's capability to manage the platform on a day-to-day basis and make an informed decision.

Customization needs

Each business has a unique identity to maintain while serving customers online. Therefore, a platform that enables businesses to easily customize their site's aesthetic and functionality is necessary. Identify how much you can adapt the platform to uphold your business branding and improve user experience.

Long-term business goals

Your selected platform should align with your long-term goals. Re-platforming can be a tedious and costly process, and as such, choosing a flexible and scalable platform from the onset ensures it will accommodate your needs as your business expands and diversifies.

Gelato, a leader in the global print on demand space, has crafted seamless integrations with some of the top ecommerce platforms, amplifying the potential of online sellers worldwide.

One of Gelato's standout attributes is its agility to plug into popular ecommerce platforms, simplifying enterprises' selling process. This integration ensures enterprises can seamlessly tap into a vast network spread across 32 countries, effectively putting their products within the arm's reach of more than five billion potential consumers practically overnight.

Such a comprehensive reach combined with the convenience of local production significantly streamlines supply chains, reduces shipping times, and fosters a more sustainable approach to global commerce. In essence, Gelato bridges the gap between global aspirations and local realities. Gelato's global alliance of print partners facilitates localized production of various products, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and wall art.

Gelato helps enterprises offer custom, print on demand products to a global audience with ease and efficiency. Sign up for Gelato today.