Launching an ecommerce business doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
Many budget-friendly ecommerce platforms allow small business owners to set up their online stores with minimal upfront investments. But since not all platforms are created equal, this guide will teach you how the best cheap ecommerce platforms compare on price and features.
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is a software application that lets you create a website for selling products and services online. These platforms, also known as ecommerce website builders, are designed to streamline their ecommerce process for various types of users—from individual entrepreneurs and large companies to brick-and-mortar stores transitioning to online sales.
Why use an ecommerce platform?
Ecommerce platforms are comprehensive applications catering to both sellers and buyers. They allow sellers to manage inventory, sales, marketing, and customer service while providing a platform for buyers to explore and purchase products. By serving sellers and buyers, ecommerce platforms streamline the entire online selling process, making it easier for businesses to reach their customers and grow their sales.
Ecommerce platforms simplify the process of setting up a store and making sales. They are user-friendly and require no advanced technical skills, making them accessible even to those without programming experience.
Using an ecommerce website builder, you can create a professional-looking site with customizable templates and integrated ecommerce tools such as payment processing and website hosting. This setup lets you focus on developing your products and services instead of worrying about how to get them to your customers.
9 cheap ecommerce platforms
There are several ecommerce platforms available, many of which offer affordable plans. Here are nine popular options:
1. Shopify
Shopify is the most popular ecommerce platform in the world. With more than 600 website templates, easy-to-use tools, inventory management capabilities, and 24/7 customer support, you’ll be equipped to launch your online store. All Shopify plans include a free trial.
Benefits:
- Integrated payment processing: Shopify offers an integrated payment gateway, Shopify Payments
- Extensive app store: Access to the Shopify App Store with a wide range of add-ons and integrations
- Shopify POS: Integration with physical retail through Shopify POS, blending online and offline sales channels
- Abandoned cart recovery: Automated tools for recovering abandoned shopping carts and boosting sales
- Advanced analytics: Analytics and reporting features to track sales, customer behavior, and other essential metrics
- Secure and optimized checkout with Shop Pay: All Shopify stores come with a one-click checkout process that’s four times faster than standard checkout and results in a 91% higher mobile conversion rate
Price:
- Shopify Starter: $5 per month
- Basic Shopify: $29/month (paid annually)
- Shopify: $79/month (paid annually)
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month (paid annually)
📚Learn more: What Is Shopify and How Does It Work? (2024)
2. WooCommerce
A free plug-in for WordPress sites, WooCommerce is a good option for those already familiar with WordPress. WooCommerce is free to use and offers a range of features, including product management, order tracking, and payment processing.
Benefits:
- Integrates seamlessly with WordPress
- Customizable open-source platform
- Many plug-in and theme options
Price:
- Cost varies depending on hosting, design, and add-ons
3. BigCommerce
Known for its wide-ranging support network and built-in features suitable for B2C and B2B commerce, BigCommerce offers personalized coaching and technical assistance to get store owners up and running. Standard features include unlimited products and built-in SEO tools.
Benefits:
- No extra transaction fees
- Supports multichannel sales
- Tailored features for B2B commerce
Price:
- Plans start at $39 per month
4. Wix Stores
Wix Stores is a free ecommerce platform for businesses already using Wix for their website. Wix Stores offers unlimited products, sales across multiple platforms, automated emails, SEO services, Google Analytics integration, and design assistance through artificial intelligence.
Benefits:
- User-friendly for beginners
- Drag-and-drop site-building
- AI for personalized design assistance
Price:
- Basic ecommerce plans start at $29 per month
5. Volusion
Volusion’s features include support for unlimited products and bandwidth, email marketing tools, SEO tools, and fraud protection. It also has an in-house ecommerce design team if you need help with the look and functionality of your site.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive built-in SEO tools
- Simplified one-page checkout
- Easy data import/export
Price:
- Plans start at $29 per month
6. BigCartel
Tailored for artists and makers, BigCartel offers a range of plans for those on a budget. Its most expensive plan is $19.99 per month and includes up to 500 products with five images per product, real-time stats, inventory tracking, and a custom domain.
Benefits:
- Designed for artists and makers
- Simple, straightforward pricing
- Easy setup and management
Price:
- Free; paid plans start at $15 per month
7. Ecwid
Ecwid is an option for small business owners who want to sell products on multiple social media platforms, on their site, and in person. Ecwid offers free plans with limited features, while paid plans include ecommerce features like social commerce and a mobile store management app.
Benefits:
- Adds to any existing website
- Strong social media integration
- Supports multiple languages
Price:
- Free; paid plans start at $25 per month
8. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is an open-source ecommerce platform that offers free plans with limited features. You can choose which features to integrate into your online store, including unlimited product listings, social media integration, Google Analytics, and order tracking.
Benefits:
- Free, open-source platform
- Supports multiple languages/currencies
- Strong community support
Price:
- Free with paid add-ons
9. Spree Commerce
Spree Commerce is a headless ecommerce platform that allows you or your developer to attach any front end to Spree’s back-end software. It’s a free ecommerce platform and includes options for one or multiple brands or vendors, various languages and currencies, and storefront customization.
Benefits:
- Scalable Ruby on Rails framework
- Customizable and scalable
- Active community-driven development
Price:
- Free
Choose the best value ecommerce platform for your business
Selecting the right ecommerce platform involves balancing cost with the features and tools you need. Consider what tools will support your business effectively, such as payment providers, website builders, and POS systems, if you plan to sell in person.
Shopify makes selling online easy and affordable. Try it out for free and see how easy it is to create an ecommerce site that reaches customers anywhere in the world.
Read more
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- How To Sell on Etsy in 6 Easy Steps (2024)
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- 9 Etsy Alternatives To Sell Your Crafts On (2024)
- 11 Best Ecommerce Platforms for Your Business in 2024
- What Is Ecommerce? A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
- Customer Testimonials: How To Use Them + Examples
Cheap ecommerce platforms FAQ
Do you need an ecommerce platform to sell online?
No, but using one simplifies the process, often making it more cost-effective and user-friendly than manually setting up a store on your website.
Is it free to sell on Shopify?
No. Shopify offers four plans, starting from $1 for your first month, each with a free trial to test the service.
What is the cheapest Shopify plan?
The cheapest Shopify plan is the Shopify Starter plan. This plan includes a free trial, so you can try it before you buy.
