7 things to consider before choosing a shopping cart software

As we all know, customers are primarily concerned with the quality of the user

experience an ecommerce website provides. Out of the same, shopping carts are

deemed as having contributed majorly. The fact that shopping cart is linked to a

gamut of choices, the confusion to choose one would surely persist. Although,

there are myriad review sites posting personal reviews for shopping cart software.

Below are highlighted seven attributes one should consider prior to choosing

shopping cart software.

#1 Technical Ability

The foremost feature one should look for is technical ability linked with particular

shopping cart software. One should cater to factors as how easy is it to customize

the software, or to get add-on modules in the same. One should never opt for

cost free options like that of osCommerce as it poses no good use to one. The

major drawback with them is that one needs to actually scramble with it in order

to manage their cart thereby making one ignore the business that actually needs

attention. More the technical attributes linked to the shopping cart software the

better it is in the long run. With the development in the business, an individual

always require up gradations and new requirements. Shopping cart software

equipped with great amount of technical benefits helps fulfilling such needs and

that too in less time and in a cost effective manner.

Besides, that one should always have an idea as how much involvement one

seeks to have in the process of configuring and maintaining his or her shopping

cart. A majority of the hosted shopping cart software are supported by a remote

server and hence are linked to a few customizing options. To understand it better,

one should know that shopping carts are segregated into two general categories:

hosted and distributed. Distributed are those which require installation of the

software on a server and have customization properties. Also, distributes

shopping cart software come with an array of technical features. However, as per

your programming skills, one may seek external assistance that can help with the

process. Technology folks advise that customers that require frequent

customization and addition of new features should opt for a distributed package.

Besides, considering buying an open source solution is certainly not a bad thought

anyhow. Open source shopping cart software is usually free of cost and hail a

continuous updation by a community. The only issue with them is that they don't

come with manuals; instead one needs to refer directly to the developer's website

and its user community to fetch the required assistance. Getting assistance for its

installation and operation is highly easy. On the other hand, commercial packages

bear a hefty price compared to others. However, the money spent becomes

worth as it comes with 24X7 customer service, technical support, hosting, along

with an array of features already built into the software.

For those not having much of customization requirements, commercial program

serves best.

#2 Rounded functionality and features

One should be perceptive enough in terms of the functions and features linked to

shopping cart software. From a customer's point of view, more the functions and

feature set the better is the product. One who has installed, maintained and

managed a shopping cart knows the crux of the story. They should showcase

features by which the customer can easily choose items from the product list and

they automatically get stored in a cart thereby making it ready to check. The

customer can then decide as what all he or she wants to purchase from the

stored items and can discard the rest. Also, features as shipping options, and

sales tax calculation are an added benefit.

One should also see for the below mentioned set of functionalities and features

supported by shopping carts. These are:

In built reports on keyword searches by customer.

Also, reports on the customer purchase, along with reports on customers

who did not make a purchase, and many more such options.

Design templates that assist the owner in having an integrated look for the

website.

A well knit integration of the software with external services that are not

managed by the cart itself and that can assist in an easy processing of

orders, affiliate fee calculations, etc.

Functionalities such as notifications to customers when an order is being

processed, serves as an added attribute.

The functionality to put products on sale.

Currency conversion feature at checkout time.

Feature to generate coupons and gift certificates for the customers on the

time of purchase.

Since cart is highly critical to ones business, it becomes indispensible for one to

look out for such factors while sticking to shopping cart software. For those

seeking to go for an open source option, looking for assistance on a discussion

board is the lone resort. However, am sure waiting for the reply will surely make

your restless. Hence, it is better to look for an active user form for assistance

related to normal issues. And for critical issues, trained programmers should be

approached. However, the sole thing to take care of is that the cart should be

from a popular label so that finding one experienced with the same does not pose

as a cumbersome job.

#3 Ease of Use

The cart should ensure complete user friendliness. For those not well versed with

the technology aspects of the cart, opting for a shopping cart software that is

easy to use is a must. The same could help saving a lot of time managing the cart

thereby assisting you to concentrate more on the business rather than scrambling

with the cart.

#4 SEO

As we all know that Search engine optimization serves as a great need of today

technology. Hence, one should choose shopping cart software that caters to the

SEO. Shopping cart can serve as great source customers to your site through

Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Although, ensuring that the shopping cart you

choose is SEO friendly, yet he or she should ensure that it should be improved in

SEO capabilities.

#5 Marketing and Promotions

Shopping cart can serve as great source customers by assisting one in creating

special promotions such as 2-for-1 sales. Such offers pose as a great marketing

and promotions initiatives giving the site a great footfall. For an ecommerce site

to do well in selling online needs, it should be capable of handling your marketing

and promotional needs as well. Your shopping cart must be capable of handling all

sorts of payments. In addition, if needs persist; it should be capable of accepting

other types of payments as well.

For those seeking to make their current ecommerce site market the products in a

better and more effective manner or probably help design a new storefront,

opting for a highly equipped shopping cart is highly essential.

#6 Company should be stable

Another important factor to be considered prior choosing shopping cart software

is the software company should bear a good name. The same is necessary so as

to ensure that the product is genuine and you can get a continuous support

whenever required.

#7 Regular Updates

Shopping cart software that provides regular updates about the same makes it a

good buy. Regular updates about the software make the user well aware with the

latest facilities and upcoming version upgrades.

Bigcommerce is one complete ecommerce solution which meets all the above

criteria. Read the complete Bigcommerce Review to discover why more than 25000

online store owners trust it.