Creating an eCommerce website and offering products or services for sale online has become highly accessible. There are numerous user-friendly platforms available, which enable you to establish your online business without requiring advanced technical expertise while having open source shopping carts.
In just a matter of hours, you can have your eCommerce store up and operational.
One such solution is the online store, tailored for individuals with minimal to no programming experience, offering a simpler and more intuitive approach. On the other hand, if you’re in search of a more robust system and possess technical knowledge, selecting an open-source virtual store platform is an excellent choice.
Over 70% of online stores use open-source platforms because they are popular with customers. This demonstrates that many individuals continue to favor these open source solutions for their internet enterprises.
These open-source platforms are exceptionally professional, making them an ideal option for those who desire advanced features and capabilities for their eCommerce website. The primary advantage of open-source resources is that they grant free access to the underlying code, allowing for complete flexibility and customization. This means that you can make modifications, add or remove features and functionalities as needed, provided you have programming skills or collaborate with a professional developer for your eCommerce website.
What are Open source shopping carts?
An open-source shopping cart is an e-commerce platform where the original source code is available for free, and you can easily change or adjust it. With an open-source shopping cart, you don’t have to pay for a license to control your website completely. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to conduct online transactions without high costs. Some examples of open-source eCommerce solutions include Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and OpenCart.
On the other hand, a hosted shopping cart, a type of software as a service (SaaS), hosts online stores and handles customer payments for online buying and selling. Usually, this involves a third-party company providing the hosting. Some hosted eCommerce platforms are Shopify, BigCommerce, and 3dcart.
Users agree to allocate their budget in return for top-notch services from the provider. So, what happens if you decide not to continue after your one-year contract ends?
Keep in mind that the contract doesn’t cover all aspects of your website’s operation. You can only use the specific services you care about. This can lead to a problem where you need to take action before it’s too late, and the provider deletes your site’s information.
4 Best Open source shopping carts
- Opencart
Pricing: Free
Features:
- Unlimited Categories
- Unlimited Products
- Unlimited Manufacturers
- Multi Currency
- Multi Language
- Product Ratings
- Open Source
- Free Documentation
Device support:
- Windows
- Mac
- Web-based
OpenCart is a no-cost, open-source shopping cart software that offers an extensive array of configuration options. It boasts a comprehensive dashboard designed for administrators, providing swift and convenient access to essential performance indicators, such as sales and customer data. It also stands out with its multi-store capability, which enables you to manage multiple online stores through a single interface. This feature allows for the localization of website content and storefronts, as well as the customization of products for distinct online stores. OpenCart further excels in product customization, offering ample choices for adding new product attributes.
Much like many other eCommerce platforms, OpenCart is highly adaptable and expandable. You have access to a vast library of over 13,000 plugins, skins, and themes to enhance and modify your online store. It’s worth noting that OpenCart is a solution that requires installation, either by you or a team member with some web design and development knowledge. However, OpenCart’s user-friendly interface and streamlined operation mean you can quickly get the hang of it. It comes equipped with all the essential features needed to launch your business and start selling right from the start.
- WooCommerce
Price: Free & Subscription
Feature:
- Modern and clean interface
- Set Default Currency
- Automatic Taxes
- Cart Behavior
- Reduce Page Loading
- SHipping Calculations
- Cart Calculator
- Shipping Prices
- Restrict Sales
- Multiple Shipping Methods
- Custom Tax Calculations
- Geo-location enabled taxes
Device support:
- Iphone/Ipad
- Web-based
WooCommerce stands as a potent online store management system, ranking among the most popular solutions globally. As a WordPress plugin, it possesses the remarkable ability to turn your website into a robust eCommerce platform, incorporating an open-source PHP shopping cart. Whether you intend to sell digital or physical products, offer memberships, or schedule appointments, a WooCommerce-powered website can handle it all with unlimited quantities.
The adaptability of this solution stems from its open-source nature and the active contributions of over 350 developers worldwide. If you’re a developer yourself, you’ll appreciate the flexibility it offers, as it supports over 800 add-ons. You can seamlessly integrate other WordPress plugins to expand your store’s capabilities.
Additionally, WooCommerce enables you to configure your store to accommodate various languages, a wide array of currencies, and the automatic computation of local taxes based on different payment methods. For simplifying sales in multiple regions, plugins like WooCommerce Multilingual can be invaluable. Leveraging the existing features of WordPress, coupled with a myriad of integrations, makes it a straightforward process to launch a new online store or transform an existing one. The Setup Wizard facilitates the utilization of numerous integrations at no cost, making the process even more accessible.
- Ecwid
Pricing:
| Free | |
| Venture | $10/month |
| Business | $19/month |
| Unlimited | $59/month |
Features:
- Seamless Shopping Experience
- Easy Checkout
- Customer Address Book
- Language Detection
- Save Favorite Products
- Smart Shipping Calculator
- Track Inventory
- Manage Product Options
Device support:
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Mac
- Web-based
Ecwid is a web-based eCommerce platform that’s particularly well-suited for both companies and individuals who already have established websites. What sets Ecwid apart from its competitors is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing domains. Instead of starting from scratch, setting up your shop merely requires adding a few lines of code in HTML or JavaScript to your website.
This approach saves a significant amount of time and money that might otherwise be spent on developing a dedicated eCommerce website. You can effortlessly incorporate your Ecwid store into your current website, enhancing your online sales capabilities.
Ecwid doesn’t just offer responsive online stores; it’s also remarkably user-friendly in terms of setup and installation. Your Ecwid eCommerce platform will work seamlessly across various platforms and devices. Your product catalogs will display beautifully on desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Moreover, Ecwid provides a point-of-sale feature that allows you to accept payments from Apple devices, making payment processing a breeze, whether you’re at a concert, shopping mall, store, or market.
- Prestashop
Pricing: Free
Feature:
- Vast selection of customizable ecommerce themes
- Mobile commerce
- PrestaShop Web Agencies
- Designer Guide
- Powerful Store Builder
- Quick Install Features
- Intuitive Interface
- Ecommerce Analytics
- Ecommerce SEO
- Over 50 world-class payment solutions and gateways
Device support:
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone/iPad
- Mac
- Web-based
PrestaShop is a great choice for online storefronts, offering both self-hosted and open-source options. Its open-source nature allows you to customize themes and design, making your store unique. You can start with over 3,000 templates. PrestaShop is free, with a basic theme available, but customization is possible. It supports popular payment processors, over 200 providers through add-ons, and keeps purchases within the PrestaShop domain for trust and security. Additionally, it provides a free PCI-compliant SSL certificate for added security.
Final say
Open source shopping carts present a dynamic and adaptable solution for businesses seeking to establish or enhance their online presence. These platforms offer an array of features, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive choice for e-commerce ventures of all sizes.
When selecting the ideal open source shopping cart for your business, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, budget constraints, and long-term goals. As showcased in this article, WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and PrestaShop are four exemplary options, each with its unique strengths. By carefully assessing your requirements and leveraging the advantages of these open source platforms, you can pave the way for a successful and thriving online store that resonates with your target audience.
FAQs on open source shopping carts
1: Are open source shopping carts free to use?
Yes, open source shopping carts are typically free to use. Businesses can download and install the software without incurring licensing fees. However, there may still be costs associated with hosting, domain registration, and any premium plugins or themes you choose to use.
2: How do I choose the right open source shopping cart for my business?
To choose the right open source shopping cart, consider factors such as the size of your business, your technical expertise, the scalability of the platform, and your specific e-commerce requirements. It’s also a good idea to test the platforms to see which one aligns best with your needs.
3: Can I switch from one open source shopping cart to another?
Yes, it is possible to migrate from one open source shopping cart to another, but it can be a complex process. It’s essential to plan the migration carefully, ensuring that product data, customer information, and SEO settings are preserved during the transition.
