Types of ecommerce platform

Not all ecommerce platforms are the same. Let’s explore each type in more detail.

Hosted platforms

Hosted ecommerce platforms are fully managed by a third-party provider, like Shopify or BigCommerce. You’ll have a range of customisation options and features including website design, payment processing, expert support, and inventory management. But you won’t need technical skills like coding to set up shop.

Self-hosted platforms

Self-hosted ecommerce platforms need to be installed and managed on your own server. They offer more control and flexibility than hosted platforms, but also require more technical expertise and support. Setting up your own server can be costly, something you’d need to factor into your budget. Examples of self-hosted platforms include Adobe Commerce and WooCommerce.

Open-source platforms

Open-source ecommerce platforms give users access to the original source code, making them highly customisable. But with more options comes more technicality, meaning you need significant technical expertise to manage them. Open-source ecommerce platforms include PrestaShop and OpenCart.

Enterprise platforms

Enterprise ecommerce platforms are specifically designed for large businesses. They have advanced ecommerce features and customisation options, but they’re usually more expensive and complex than other types of platform, so you might find them overkill for your company. Examples of enterprise platforms include Salesforce Commerce Cloud and SAP Commerce Cloud.