Quick Summary
Nowadays, for any product or service-based business, eCommerce is the way forward. With an online store, the offerings can be presented to the target audience in a more organized manner. But so many people think eCommerce is expensive, which is a grave misconception.
But the reality of the situation is that some of the cheapest eCommerce platforms have some outstanding features and functionalities on offer.
Our eCommerce experts have extensively experimented with a variety of options and come up with a list of the cheapest eCommerce platforms with good results. So let’s begin.
While you may be prioritizing the pricing and fees related to the platform, there are a few key features that should be there. They will impact your online store’s success and efficiency.
Beyond the initial subscription cost, evaluate transaction fees, payment gateway charges, and any hidden costs. Some platforms offer lower subscription fees but higher transaction fees, so calculate the total cost based on your projected sales volume.
A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially if you’re not a tech expert. Look for platforms with intuitive drag-and-drop website builders, easy product management, and simplified order processing.
Your online store’s appearance is vital for branding and customer experience. Choose a platform offering customizable templates or themes, allowing you to create a unique and professional look.
Efficiently managing your inventory is essential. Look for features like bulk uploading, inventory tracking, product variations (size, color), and digital product support if needed.
Driving traffic to your store is paramount. Ensure the platform offers built-in SEO tools (like customizable meta descriptions and title tags), integration with email marketing services, and social media sharing options.
Offering multiple payment options is crucial for customer convenience. Verify the platform integrates with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and credit card processors.
Streamlining shipping is essential for smooth operations. Consider platforms that offer integration with shipping carriers, automated shipping calculations, and order tracking features.
Protecting customer data is non-negotiable. Ensure the platform offers SSL certificates, secure payment processing, and complies with PCI DSS standards.
As your business grows, your platform should be able to handle increased traffic, product volume, and transactions. Consider platforms that offer scalable plans and resources.
Reliable customer support is crucial when you encounter issues. Look for platforms offering multiple support channels (email, phone, chat) and readily available documentation.
With the rise of mobile shopping, your store must be optimized for mobile devices. Ensure the platform offers mobile-responsive designs or dedicated mobile apps.
By carefully considering these features, you can choose an eCommerce platform that best suits your business needs and sets you up for online success.
When starting an online store, choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some of the top cheapest eCommerce platforms that offer a good balance of affordability and functionality:
Pricing: WooCommerce plugin is free of cost. But you will have to pay for the hosting and paid theme and plugins (if you go for it).
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. And if the card is issued outside the US, an extra 1% fee will be charged.
WooCommerce, a plugin for WordPress, offers a highly flexible and cost-effective entry point into eCommerce. While the core plugin is free, you’ll need to invest in hosting and potentially some premium extensions for added functionality.
Its open-source nature provides extensive customization options, making it ideal for those comfortable with WordPress or willing to learn. This makes it a powerful but potentially more technically involved choice for budget-conscious users.
Pricing: Starts from $29 per month.
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Shopify simplifies eCommerce with its all-in-one platform. While not the absolute cheapest, it offers competitive pricing plans and eliminates the need for separate hosting. Its user-friendly interface and extensive app store make it easy to set up and manage an online store, even for beginners.
Shopify’s strength lies in its balance of affordability, ease of use, and scalability, making it a popular choice for growing businesses.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start from $17 per month.
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Wix provides a website builder with integrated eCommerce capabilities. Its drag-and-drop interface makes creating a visually appealing online store simple, even without coding knowledge.
This platform offers various pricing plans, including some more affordable options, making it accessible for small businesses and startups. Its ease of use and design flexibility are its key selling points.
Pricing: Starts from $16 per month.
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Similar to Wix, Squarespace combines website building with eCommerce functionality. Known for its sleek and modern templates, Squarespace offers visually stunning online stores.
While pricing is slightly higher than some other options, it includes hosting and a range of features, making it a good value for design-conscious entrepreneurs.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start from $15 per month.
Transaction Fees: Big Cartel doesn’t charge fees per transaction.
Big Cartel caters specifically to artists and creators selling their products online. It offers a free plan for very limited product sales, making it a great starting point for those testing the waters.
Paid plans offer more features and product capacity, remaining relatively affordable for small-scale operations. Its niche focus and simplified interface make it ideal for creative entrepreneurs.
Pricing: Free plan available. Start from $21 per month.
Transaction Fees: Ecwid doesn’t charge fees per transaction.
Ecwid differentiates itself by offering a “buy button” solution that can be integrated into existing websites or social media profiles. This makes it a great option for businesses that already have a web presence but want to add eCommerce functionality without rebuilding their site.
Ecwid’s flexible approach and affordable plans make it a versatile choice.
Pricing: Starts from $29 per month.
Transaction Fees: BigCommerce doesn’t charge fees per transaction.
While often perceived as a platform for larger businesses, BigCommerce also offers plans suitable for smaller ventures. Although not the cheapest, it offers a robust set of features, including advanced marketing tools and product management capabilities. Its scalability makes it a good option for businesses anticipating significant growth.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start from $29 per month.
Transaction: 2.9%+$0.30 per transaction
Integrated with a payment processing system, Square Online is a convenient option for businesses already using Square. It offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for startups and small businesses.
Its seamless integration with Square’s ecosystem simplifies payment processing and inventory management.
Pricing: OpenCart is open source and free to download.
Transaction Fees: OpenCart doesn’t charge transaction fees.
OpenCart is a free, open-source eCommerce platform that offers a good degree of customization. Like WooCommerce, it requires separate hosting and some technical knowledge, but it can be a cost-effective solution for those willing to invest the time.
Its open-source nature provides flexibility and control.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start from $10 per month.
Transaction: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction as per the payment gateway.
Weebly’s website builder includes eCommerce functionality, making it a convenient option for small businesses and individuals. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies website creation, and its pricing plans are generally affordable. It’s a user-friendly option for those new to eCommerce.
This list is not in any particular order. While it’s important to look at the pricing and transaction fees charged by a platform, often the features outshine them. So consider hiring professional eCommerce developers. They will know exactly the kind of features you will need for your eStore, help you select the best platform, and create a high-quality eCommerce website.
Again, cheap pricing is important. But you also need to consider other pros and cons of these platforms. So here are a few.
The most obvious benefit is affordability. These platforms often have lower subscription fees or even free plans, making them accessible to startups and small businesses with limited capital.
Many cheap platforms prioritize user-friendliness, offering intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop website builders. This allows even non-technical users to set up and manage an online store without needing coding skills.
Compared to more complex platforms, cheap options often allow for faster store setup. This enables businesses to get online and start selling quickly, capitalizing on market opportunities.
Most offer essential e-commerce features like product management, order processing, payment gateway integration, and basic marketing tools. This is sufficient for businesses with simple needs and small product catalogs.
Starting with a low-cost platform minimizes financial risk, especially for new businesses venturing into e-commerce for the first time. It allows entrepreneurs to test the market and validate their business idea without significant investment.
Cheap platforms might not be suitable for businesses experiencing rapid growth. They may have limitations in terms of product volume, transaction processing, and website traffic capacity. Upgrading to higher-tier plans can quickly negate the initial cost advantage.
Compared to premium platforms, cheaper options often lack advanced features like sophisticated marketing tools, robust analytics, or extensive customization options. This can hinder growth and limit a business’s ability to compete effectively.
While many offer templates, customization options might be limited, resulting in less unique and potentially less professional-looking online stores. This can impact brand image and customer perception.
Some platforms compensate for low subscription fees with higher transaction fees, which can eat into profits, especially for businesses with high sales volumes. Carefully calculate the total cost, including transaction fees.
Cheaper platforms may offer less comprehensive customer support, with longer response times or limited support channels. This can be problematic when encountering technical issues or needing assistance.
While most reputable platforms prioritize security, cheaper options might have fewer security features or less robust infrastructure, potentially increasing the risk of data breaches or other security vulnerabilities.
Integrating with third-party apps or services, such as accounting software or CRM systems, can be more challenging or limited on cheaper platforms. This can create inefficiencies in business operations.
Cheap eCommerce platforms are a good starting point for small businesses with limited budgets and basic needs. However, it’s crucial to carefully consider the limitations and potential drawbacks before making a decision.
The absolute cheapest way often involves leveraging free platforms like WooCommerce (with paid hosting) or very basic plans on platforms like Big Cartel or Square Online. However, “cheapest” doesn’t always equal “best”.
Consider your long-term needs and potential for growth. Sometimes a slightly more expensive option upfront can save you money and headaches down the road.
Often, “free” refers to the core platform software. For example, with WooCommerce, you have to pay for hosting, a domain name, SSL certificate, and potentially transaction fees or premium extensions for added functionality. Carefully examine the fine print and calculate the total cost of ownership.
Consider factors like your budget, technical skills, product catalog size, anticipated growth, desired features, and marketing needs. Research different platforms, compare pricing plans, and even try free trials if available.
While it may seem like that, eCommerce website development doesn’t really have to be a costly endeavour. There are numerous affordable platforms that can help establish an online presence without significant financial barriers.
From the flexibility of WooCommerce to the user-friendly interfaces of Wix and Squarespace, there are different options for diverse needs and technical skill levels. The key takeaway is that “cheapest” shouldn’t be synonymous with “compromise”. Make sure to consider the key factors like scalability and features when choosing the right platform.
If you need help with choosing the right platform and building an affordable eStore, let’s have a consultation today!
John Niles, a dedicated Technical Consultant at BrainSpate since 2023, specializes in eCommerce. With a global perspective, he crafts insightful content on cutting-edge web development technologies, enriching the digital commerce landscape.
