#Best ecommerce platform 2022

[anbuselvi1]

11 Best Ecommerce Platforms For 2023 (Comparison + Top Picks)

11 Best Ecommerce Platforms For 2023 (Comparison + Top Picks)

The best ecommerce platforms to build an online store – summary TL;DR: Sellfy – Best for small online stores. Incredibly easy to use and ideal for creating simple online stores fast. Shopify – Best ecommerce platform for most online stores. BigCommerce – Great all-around ecommerce platform and the best direct alternative to Shopify. Squarespace – Best website builder & ecommerce platform for…

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT ECOMMERCE NEWS (INCLUDING ETSY), Early May 2024

Welcome to my latest coverage of Etsy and other ecommerce news, early May edition. I am off for a short vacation Monday, so thought it best to get this report out now.

Want to get shorter versions of these reports but more frequently? Become a paying member of my Patreon. I will be adding new resources and content there once I get back from my trip.

Want to get these posts via email? Sign up here.

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES 

Etsy’s first quarter financial report for 2024 was not great, but that was expected.  The real news is that they no longer expect the current quarter to be much better [Tumblr post by me]. Also, they are still planning on changing search. 

Canadian shipping service Chit Chats is shutting a dozen offices in 4 provinces, starting April 29 through May 15 [LinkedIn Post by me]. It appears they expanded too fast and have much more competition now than when they first opened, so the additional locations were not very busy. Some may be replaced by drop off points. There is a thread in the Etsy forum with more info.

Etsy CEO Josh Silverman made over $16 million in 2023, roughly the same amount as 2022 [pdf; see page 56]. Almost all of that was stock options. Chief Financial Officer Rachel Glaser made over $8 million, as did Chief Technology Officer Rachana Kumar. 

ETSY NEWS 

Etsy buyers are receiving emails asking them to rate their recent purchases, as discussed in this Etsy forum thread. The owner of Garden Path Rosaries at Peter's Square Marketplace sent me the screenshot below, which popped up after they clicked the email to confirm they had received the order.

These questions may be connected to details popping in recent reviews, even though the popups and emails say the feedback “won’t be shared with the seller or shown on Etsy.” See this screenshot from Kathie from PillowDetail’s shop:

It’s also possible these review details come from a different test, or even from the act of leaving a review, as some buyers report getting similar options when they leave public reviews. [As is usual with Etsy, they change a lot of things without explaining how any of it works.]

Etsy seems to have deleted most Messages in seller spam folders without any warning, and some shop owners are not happy about it. [The only one I have left is a recent Message that Etsy moved there erroneously.]

Etsy is still promoting its TurboTax discount to Canadian sellers - even though the integration only works in the US. [post by me on LinkedIn]

Canadians no longer need to have a Canada Post Solutions for Small Business account to use Etsy Labels - and the discount for Tracked Packet to the US is very good. [Patreon post by me]

NBC News calls out Etsy for AI crochet patterns that don’t work. While the article blames the images being made by AI, I’ll bet the patterns were too. 

Despite this type of criticism over allowing AI items to be sold on the site, Silverman told a recent investors conference that he is still all in on AI in many forms. “Many sellers on the platform are generating content in collaboration with a machine, Silverman said, and a large amount of new item listings are generated in collaboration with GenAI. But given that Etsy is a platform for handmade goods, the boundary between man-made and machine-made required some clarification. “We had some discussions about, is that handmade or not? Does that belong on Etsy? And we decided, ultimately, that it was—in the same way that electronic dance music, the most popular form of music in the world right now, is collaborations between humans and synthesizers,” said Silverman. “I think this collaboration between humans and machines to generate art is actually going to be the next frontier.” He did admit that the search chatbot tested on the app many months back was poorly received. [The article is really worth reading, in my opinion.]

Gift Mode has now launched worldwide [text with embedded video], and gift teasers will soon include videos from the giver. The teasers have been growing in popularity, with 7% of gift orders in March using the teaser. 

The Marketplace Trends report for spring & summer is out, and apparently there has been a 266% increase in searches for divorce gifts. Even more impressive is a ”2,159% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for lawn games”. Skim through the whole report if you want to know what is trending up. 

Etsy released 2 different “impact goal” posts on Earth Day, which included Reverb and Depop. While you can read a lot more detail in the 2023 Integrated Annual Report [pdf], here are the individual posts: 

Environmental impact goals: reduced carbon emissions, on track to be net zero carbon emissions by 2030. “[S]ellers created 108 million listings with circular attributes on the Etsy, Depop and Reverb marketplaces, including vintage, upcycled, used and secondhand items.” The document mentions increasing Disaster Response Grants (for U.S sellers only) and “open source resource guides that help makers access climate-related disaster information and funding.” 2024 goals are listed. 

Social impact goals: discusses gender, race and disability representation in its workforce, and funding for “creative entrepreneurs from low-income and underserved communities.” 

Related to the environmental impact goals, Etsy published a disaster guide (mostly US-focussed), and put out a (very short) funding guide for US sellers at the same time.  

ECOMMERCE NEWS (minus social media)

Amazon

Amazon added over 5 million sellers since 2018, 2 million of them in the US. That's only about 100,000 more than Etsy in the same time period, comparing 4th quarter 2018 to the end of 2023. 

There are now Amazon shoppable livestreams on Prime Video and Freevee. “Amazon Live’s FAST channel will feature 24/7 programming from popular creators and celebrities, such as reality TV stars …Brands like Tastemade and The Bump will also host streams to sell their products.”

Amazon drone delivery is ending in California, but continues in Texas and will soon start in Arizona. 

Amazon’s first quarter was great, but note that ⅔ of its operating income comes from the cloud services, not ecommerce. 

BigCommerce

BigCommerce announced many new features, including more country localization, new builder options, syncing inventory through Feedonomics, and of course, AI. 

eBay

eBay is now testing an Explore feature to put together a clothing shopping feed with AI. I don’t have this in Canada yet, but it has been spotted in the US and the UK, and the links in the article do work in Canada. I selected a bunch of women’s options and was presented with a feed that had a lot of men’s clothing, so this appears to work about as well as Etsy’s Gift Mode, which Liz Morton compared it to.

eBay’s sales and revenue were both up slightly in the first quarter, while active buyers were down 1% from the year before. 

Shopify

Shopify is reorganizing Support, in part to inject more AI into the process. Employees are worried about possible layoffs. 

Walmart

Cart.com is now helping new sellers start on Walmart Marketplace, and is offering multi-channel syncing for existing businesses as well. 

All Other Marketplaces

Vinted has turned a profit for the first time, riding the trend of interest in secondhand clothing.

Ruby Lane will be increasing its shop fee to $45 from $25 as of June 1, and will be removing the rebate for listing 15 new items monthly. 

Bonanza’s annual Spring sale runs May 8th to 15th. The coupon code sellers must activate is SpringSale2024. 

The EU has forced Shein under the umbrella of the Digital Services Act.”The European Commission specifically noted new requirements for Shein around illegal products on its site. The company will have four months to submit a risk assessment report and will need to introduce mitigation measures against “the listing and sale of counterfeit goods, unsafe products, and items that infringe on intellectual property rights.”

Shipping 

Labels service Shippo is introducing paid tiers for any businesses printing over 30 labels a month through its service. Anyone printing 30-200 labels a month will be charged $19 monthly; under that is free.

Canadian customers - who are already being charged 5 cents USD per label - are also affected, although we get fewer features and carriers [Shippo just confirmed this via support ticket.] Sounds like there are cheaper options for most of us elsewhere now.

[ecommercetrends3]

Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups & Small Businesses in 2022

Choose the best Ecommerce platform to get started with your eCommerce business in 2022. We’ll help you find the right solution and get you up and running with the tools you need to succeed.

[davidfegan]

React native App Development Services

React native App Development Services from Agicent ?

We used to use various flavors of Javascript long before react native came into being and once it came, we went all big on it. There were times when React-native and other cross platform technologies (like Flutter, Ionic, QT) were only good for creating App MVPs and had a lot of issues such as integration with third party libraries, with Device’s own hardware capabilities and so on. But today as of mid-2022 we can safely say that React Native can help building as good or superior apps as a native tech would do and that do with single coding effort. Its like Java of old days, “Write once, run anywhere”.

Theoretically, an App that you can make in React-native can be created in Flutter or ionic or in native technologies too. However, if we have to rate the cross-platform technologies, react native rules the roost hands down because of its larger community support, flexible frameworks, and capability to generate the native code over other platforms.

Rates for react native App Developers on Demand

Following is the standard rate card for different Exp and skill levels of On Demand Reac Native App Developers. Besides this, we can also create a custom on Demand App Team and optimized the monthly rate based on our specific needs.

Junior React Native Developer

Exp. Level: 1-2 Years

Hands on react native Development.

3 Projects experience minimum.

Agicent’s inhouse trained.

Familiar with PM Tools

Perfect for rapid MVPs and maintenance react native works

Starting at

$ 2200 /mo.

Mid-level React Native Developer

Exp. Level: 2-5 Years

All of Jr. Dev +

10 Projects experience minimum.

Has Backend Experience.

Hands on CI/CD pipeline.

Manages Jr. Developers.

Perfect for complex react-natived projects and fast Development

Starting at

$ 2900 /mo.

Senior React Native Developer

Exp. Level: 5+ Years

All of Mid-level Exp +

15 Projects experience minimum.

Full Stack Developer.

Participate in Architecture.

Ability to play Tech. Lead Role.

Perfect for bigger size projects with multi teams

Starting at

$ 3800 /mo

BEST Practices followed by Agicent React Native App Development Company

First and foremost, we critically analyze if the App project is a good candidate for cross platform or react native development or not. In some pretty niche Apps, native can still be a technology of choice so ruling out this possibility is most important first step. Once it is identified that react native is the tech of choice, we then figure out the backend stack (like node.js or graphql, or traditional LAMP stack), or web front-end third-party libraries, like vue.js, typescript, redux etc. If it’s a regular kind of app that we do time and again (like a dating app or ecommerce app, or healthcare app) then we decide on tech stack in few hours only; if it is a niche one- of-a-kind project (like an AI based app suggesting you medicine dosage or an App that heavily uses some third- party APIs for its core function – like creating digital avatars or facilitates Holoportation) then we take more than few hours to check on libraries, their scalability with react native and then decide.

Performance optimization, Build optimization

Native applications are top performers because they use stock APIs, patters, and enjoy best support from the OEM’s OS and hardware and you achieve great performance by the virtue of the platform. However, in case of creating a react native app, which is cross platform by the way you have to use a variety of testing tools (like Appium, jest, detox etc), be more meticulous for performance parameters, and optimize your code for best performance across different devices. It can be a time-consuming exercise at times, but totally worth it and warranted.

For react native app development, you have to take care of multi-threading, third party library integration in optimized way, image compression, APK or iPA file size optimization and lot more what you don’t really do when doing native app development.

Limitations of React Native App Development

Lack of native libraries:

If the app has a lot of features, React Native can slow down the development process due to a lack of native libraries and reliance on external, third-party libraries.

Takes more time to initialize:

The issue with React Native is that it takes more time to initialize the runtime for gadgets and devices, mostly because of the JavaScript thread which takes time to initialize.

Excessive Device Support required

Due to the variety of OEM Devices size, Type, Version, and OS Versions, it is challenging for a developer to provide full support to all the app uses in one go, so it becomes sort of a continuous exercise to extend support to more and more devices.

Still in pre-mature face

React native latest version is 0.68 as of June 2022, which shows that it is still in face of evolving which is why it still have lack functionality. Good thing is that it is continuously maturing and have community support with big tech giants like Facebook & tesla also it easy to learn and understand even for the beginner.

React Native Doesn’t Fully Support NFC

NFC enables the communication between nearby devices. But React Native Devices still don’t support or provide full access for NFC communication.

Future of React Native Development

Start-up first choice

Many big names like Facebook, Instagram, tesla and all have an app on react native also react native becomes one of the most discussed libraries on StackOverflow. Most startup and even enterprise start adopting it because it only needs a single manager to manage for both android and IOS app development which save it time, resources and money.

Better integration with Device’s and external Hardware

We are already working on some react native projects where we are interacting with external hardware (using Silabs or infi semiconductors) and have found that react native doesn’t always get priority support, however this is going to be changed in the future. React native will be more scalable and easier to integrate with device’s own hardware as well as external Hardware (Bluetooth, NFC devices).

Open the gate for new open-source frameworks

The domain-specific engineers are meet-up and do conferences in which each platform bring their own player who are working on a similar problem. Like web where react (which power react-native) which commonly draw inspiration from other open-source web frameworks like: Vue, Preact & Svelte. On mobile, React Native was inspired by other open-source mobile frameworks, and we learned from other mobile frameworks built within Facebook.

Source: https://www.agicent.com/react-native-development-company

[createncodewebtechnologies]

Best Programming Language for Web Development 2024

The world of web development is dynamic and always changing, introducing new tools, technologies, and trends. Web development will remain important in 2024 as companies look to improve their online presence. Selecting the best programming language for web development 2024 is essential since it has a big impact on the usability, security, scalability, and performance of a website. With so many alternatives at their disposal, developers must choose the language that best fits the needs of the project.

65.4% of developers rely on JavaScript, making it the most widely used programming language, according to the 2022 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Because of its flexibility, Node.js developers may use it to manage server-side functionality and construct dynamic, interactive user interfaces.

Python has been incredibly popular lately, especially in the data science and web development domains. Both novice and seasoned developers will find it appealing because to its easily understood syntax, large standard library, and abundance of third-party packages.

TypeScript is preferred for large-scale projects by 78% of professional developers because to its scalability and efficient handling of complicated codebases. Popular frameworks like Angular and NestJS use TypeScript as their programming language of choice.

Because of its speedy growth, Ruby is still a popular choice for startups and is utilized by 5.5% of developers for web development. Shopify and Basecamp are two well-known instances of prosperous businesses using Ruby on Rails.

Because WebAssembly (Wasm) enables developers to run Rust code in the browser for high-performance web apps, Rust is becoming more and more popular in the web development community.

Rust is becoming a more attractive option for web developers in 2024, thanks to frameworks like Actix and Rocket that make full-stack development easier.

Developing a visual framework that embodies the brand's identity, mission, and values is the first step in the design process. A custom website design guarantees that the style, visual appeal, and user experience are distinctive and in line with the objectives of the business.

Expert web development companies prioritize user-centric design to make sure users have an easy time navigating the website. This entails simple navigation, obvious call-to-action buttons, and a structure that skillfully leads visitors through the website.

The user-interactive visual portion of a website is called the front-end. Best website development company in Indore create quick, dynamic, and responsive front-end user interfaces using the newest technologies, including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.

Businesses have access to a range of platforms, including WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and custom eCommerce solutions. Every platform has benefits, and a seasoned web development company will suggest the ideal choice depending on the demands of the company, its line of products, and its anticipated volume of traffic.

Prominent web development firms use a mobile-first strategy, creating websites that are mobile-first from the start.

[zeedropcrosslister]

Can You Become a Millionaire Through Dropshipping?

Many dream of financial freedom and wonder if dropshipping could be their ticket. Known for low startup costs, dropshipping is a popular ecommerce model. But can it really lead to millionaire status?

Understanding Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. Instead, when a customer orders, you purchase the item from a supplier who ships it directly to them. This model requires minimal upfront investment, making it an appealing option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

However, it’s important to approach dropshipping with realistic expectations. While it opens opportunities for wealth, success requires hard work, market research, and strategic planning. It's not a quick path to riches, but with the right approach, it can be a profitable business.

Challenges and Risks

Despite its appeal, dropshipping comes with challenges. Competition is fierce, and managing inventory and customer satisfaction can be tricky. There’s also the risk of unreliable suppliers and financial fluctuations. Success in dropshipping depends on navigating these obstacles and continuously adapting to market changes.

The Potential for Wealth

Can dropshipping make you a millionaire? While not guaranteed, it is possible. Many entrepreneurs have reached millionaire status by carefully selecting niches, optimizing their marketing, and providing excellent customer service. Real success stories, like those of Adrian Morrison and Fred Lam, showcase the potential for significant earnings.

Tips for Success

To increase your chances of success in dropshipping:

Conduct thorough market research.

Build strong relationships with reliable suppliers.

Invest in effective marketing strategies.

Provide excellent customer service.

Manage inventory efficiently to avoid stockouts.

These strategies can help you turn a dropshipping business into a profitable venture.

Alternatives to Dropshipping

If dropshipping doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are several other pathways to consider in the world of online business. Each alternative offers unique opportunities and challenges, so it’s important to explore what aligns best with your goals and resources.

Ecommerce

Ecommerce involves buying and selling goods or services over the internet. This model has seen tremendous growth, with global ecommerce sales reaching $4.28 trillion in 2020 and projected to hit $5.4 trillion by 2022. Unlike dropshipping, ecommerce often involves managing your inventory and handling shipping, but it also offers more control over branding, customer experience, and product quality.

For entrepreneurs seeking financial independence, ecommerce is a powerful option. You can build a profitable business without needing a physical storefront, making it accessible to a wide range of people. With nearly 4.66 billion people online worldwide, the potential customer base is vast.

To succeed in ecommerce, it’s essential to leverage tools like social media marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach your target audience effectively. Building an ecommerce store requires upfront investment and effort, but the long-term rewards can be significant if you tap into the right market and execute your strategy well.

Online Business

Beyond ecommerce, the realm of online business encompasses a variety of income-generating activities. Whether it's creating digital products, offering online services, or building content platforms, online businesses offer flexibility and scalability.

Dropshipping is one option within this space, but you might also explore affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions by promoting other people’s products, or creating an online store that sells digital goods like e-books, software, or courses.

Online businesses offer tailored pathways to entrepreneurial success, allowing you to build a brand and revenue stream around your expertise or interests. With the right mix of strategy, marketing, and customer engagement, an online business can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Passive Income

Passive income refers to earning money with little to no daily effort once the initial setup is done. This could be through investments like dividend-yielding stocks or rental properties, or through digital avenues such as royalties from books, music, or online courses.

For those who prefer a hands-off approach, passive income can be an attractive alternative. Creating digital products like e-books, online courses, or membership sites can generate recurring revenue as people purchase your products over time. Investing in dividend-paying stocks or real estate offers consistent returns without the need for active management.

Maximizing passive income often involves establishing automated systems and leveraging technology to minimize ongoing work. While it may take time and effort to build these streams, the long-term potential for wealth accumulation is significant.

How ZeeDrop Can Help Your Dropshipping and Reselling Business

Whether you're looking to start a dropshipping business, sell on platforms like eBay and TikTok Shop, or manage a reselling operation on Poshmark or Mercari, ZeeDrop offers a range of tools to simplify and enhance your efforts.

1. Comprehensive Dropshipping Support

ZeeDrop Dropshipping software is designed to streamline your dropshipping process across multiple platforms. With features that allow you to upload products with just one click from popular websites like AliExpress, Amazon, and more, ZeeDrop makes it easy to source and list products on eBay, TikTok Shop, and other marketplaces. Our platform ensures you can manage your inventory, track orders, and stay updated on price and stock changes, all from one convenient dashboard.

2. Reselling on Poshmark, Mercari, and More

For resellers on platforms like Poshmark and Mercari, ZeeDrop provides automated solutions that save time and boost productivity. Features like bulk item uploading, inventory management, and automatic sharing or following on social platforms help you grow your presence and sales with minimal effort. ZeeDrop’s integration with these reselling platforms ensures you can focus more on scaling your business and less on the manual tasks.

3. Building Your Own Shopify Store

If you’re interested in establishing your own brand with a Shopify store, ZeeDrop can be a powerful ally. Our tool allows you to import products, manage listings, and optimize your store for success with ease. By offering support for various suppliers and automated processes, ZeeDrop helps you build a professional and profitable online store without the usual headaches.

4. Advanced Features and Tools

Beyond basic dropshipping, ZeeDrop offers advanced features like order tracking, automated messaging, and inventory monitoring. These tools not only simplify the day-to-day operations of running a dropshipping or reselling business but also provide the insights needed to make informed decisions and drive growth.

Final Thoughts

While dropshipping offers potential for wealth, it’s not a guaranteed path to becoming a millionaire. Success requires dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. For those seeking financial freedom, dropshipping can be a viable option, but it’s important to consider other alternatives as well.

[chilliappleuk]

Enhancing Magento Security with 9 Best Practices 

Currently, there are more than 144,998 live stores running on the Magento platform. Hackers commonly target the eCommerce platform to gain sensitive business and customer data.

Neglecting Magento or Adobe Commerce security can prove fatal for any business, whether small or big. Although the platform is considered largely secure, storefronts built on it are not free from faults. For example, a payment skimmer attack in 2022 hacked over 500 Magento websites.

A Magento agency can help you identify loopholes in your storefront and take necessary actions to prevent them.

Read more : https://www.chilliapple.co.uk/blog/enhancing-magento-security

[shopifyinsights]

Top Shopify Delivery Apps to Increase Sales in 2024

The degree to which your delivery process works quickly in the hectic world of eCommerce can have a great impact on your sales. Consumers are accustomed to having shipping go seamlessly, from placing an order to receiving it at the door.

Using Shopify app development services has become necessary for merchants who want to improve their shipping tactics as Shopify continues to rule the eCommerce world. Shopify generated around 5.6 billion U.S. dollars in total revenues in the fiscal year 2022

With Shopify, one of the best eCommerce platforms, being aware of such need, it provides many delivery apps for sellers to streamline shipping. We'll examine the top Shopify delivery applications that should encourage sales in 2024.

ShipStation

ShipStation is an advanced shipping system using Shopify and helps to keep the record of orders, ship them automatically and simplify the shipping process.

Features:

ShipStation is able to integrate with various shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL and many more, which makes it convenient for retailers to compare and select the cheapest carrier for each shipment.

By means of tailored automation rules, merchants can automate time-consuming tasks such as assigning shipping methods, keeping customers informed about their order status, and giving them tracking information.

With ShipStation, merchants can customize shipping labels, packing slips, and tracking pages, which have a positive impact on brand recognition at the moment of shipment.

Merchants will look at the shipping costs and success metrics in the report to know how to make their business grow and flourish.

Delivery date pro

Allow customers to send their orders on a specific date and time so that they feel pleased.

Features:

Decide when to stop receiving the orders and how many can be placed per day.

Check on all your orders in one place and easily send them out.

Select the delivery days well in advance to ensure on-time delivery of orders.

Customers can choose from different calendars to find festivities that are convenient for shopping.

Shippo

Shippo is a shipping app for Shopify stores that can save your time and money, plus it is simple.

Features:

Shipping labels can be prepared in batches with Shipping, saving time and reducing efforts.

Store managers can easily access and compare real-time shipping costs from different courier companies to choose the one that costs the least per consignment.

Shippo prevents delivery issues since it monitors addresses frequently and minimizes returns.

Through Shippo, you can ship goods across the world conveniently and this is an added advantage to businesses that can now get more customers and enter new markets.

Omega estimated delivery date

Show the estimated arrival date and raise the cart abandonment rate by using an urgent cart countdown timer.

Features:

Display expected delivery date (EOD) which depends on where the product is located or the country.

Make things seem more important using a countdown

You may absolutely customize the expected delivery date message to suit your product by setting it up by product.

Include dates and times in your message for order delivery to let people know that your shop is open.

Find out what dates some of the stock you have in your stores will be shipped.

Bird pickup delivery date

The app gives your customers the option to pick their goods up locally, have them shipped, or delivered.

Features:

Create a calendar of the arrival dates and put it on your website.

Block on days when your store is closed, such as holidays.

Effective control of delivery and shop pickup.

Allow choosing the delivery date picker in more than one language.

Has customization options so you can make it according to your requirements.

In conclusion

These top Shopify shipping apps have various features and tools created to assist online merchants in shipping, enhance customer experience after a purchase, and consequently, lead to more sales.

From 2024 onward, Shopify merchants can incorporate these updated options in their shipping strategy to minimize cost and provide excellent customer experience. For Shopify business owners, it is advisable to collaborate with a reputable Shopify app development agency, such as CartCoders, in order to increase their sales and performance.

CartCoders allows companies in eCommerce to be more competitive by providing an integrated solution and unprecedented success rates by customizing solutions and improving store performance.

[appringerblogs]

Which is the Best Ecommerce Platform? Opencart vs WooCommerce vs Magento vs Prestashop

What is an eCommerce Platform?

An eCommerce platform is a software application that enables businesses to control their website and operations. It also helps businesses to manage their marketing and sales.

An eCommerce platform is more than a piece of technology; it serves numerous purposes. Essentially, it enables businesses to launch, host and manage their stores in the digital space, giving them the tools to sell a large inventory, reach out to wider audiences and enhance their brand/product discoverability using SEO and advertising.

The several features and advantages of eCommerce platforms make them imperative for businesses that are engaged in selling products and services to customers and other businesses alike.

Which is the Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in India?

The role of an eCommerce platform in any startup includes:

Expanding the customer base

Assisting the growth of business

These factors make the job of choosing the right eCommerce platform a very important task for startups.

The advantages that an online business enjoys through an eCommerce platform make it an absolute must for growing eCommerce businesses. Let’s go over them quickly:

Easy management of a prolific product catalogue.

Hassle-free inventory management.

Seamless integration with blog, shipping and delivery partner, payment gateway, etc.

An SEO-friendly platform that aids in boosting the discoverability of your products and services.

Great for selling digital products and subscription-based invoicing.

Streamlining of the customer experience by providing a seamless purchase journey.

Enhanced customer service.

Targeted content delivery to customers via integrated CMS.

Now that we are familiar with the advantages and benefits of eCommerce platforms, let’s have a look at some of the best eCommerce platforms and compare them to each other.

Additional Read: What is SEO Automation: 4 Must-Have SEO Automation Tools and Their Benefits

Magento

Magento is currently one of the most popular and sought-after eCommerce platforms globally. Some experts call it the best eCommerce platform in India.

Point to Remember

The estimated merchandise value handled by Magento across the world is more than $100 billion.

This platform is widely favoured by businesses owing to the value it offers in terms of performance, stability and security.

Magento Installation on your hosting account is a straightforward process.

It keeps on coming up with updated versions to accommodate the changing needs of the businesses and to fix any shortcomings in the security feature.

Magento offers two editions as per the needs of the businesses:

Magento open source edition

Magento commerce edition

Additional Read: best ecommerce cms

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is touted as the world’s most efficient and appropriate eCommerce platform. It covers around 30% of the total eCommerce market.

https://www.techmagnate.com/files/2022/01/ecommerce-img-3.jpg

Points to Remember

WooCommerce is not a complete content management system, nor is it a complete framework. It is free to use plugin powered by WordPress.

WooCommerce holds special relevance among businesses that are not interested in spending a lot of funds in developing an eCommerce platform as it is a highly affordable and lowkey platform.

It is very simple to use. Hence, any common person can use this platform to build a website and create an online store.

Did you Know: Techmagnate also offers complete expertise in SEO Services.

Opencart

Opencart is free of cost and an open-source eCommerce platform that is built on the PHP framework.

Points to Remember

Opencart is best suited for small and mid-sized businesses.

Around one million websites across the world are using this platform to run their online businesses efficiently.

This platform offers the most customization options among all the eCommerce platforms.

The installation of this platform on a basic level doesn’t involve any add-ons. For add-ons and other attributes, you will need to buy the paid version of Opencart.

It allows businesses to access the admin panel through admin.

Prestashop

Prestashop is an open-source and free to download and use online instrument store. It is probably one of the best in its category throughout the world.

https://www.techmagnate.com/files/2022/01/ecommerce-img-5.jpg

Points to Remember

Prestashop has more than 2,50,000 online stores across the world.

This software allows businesses to open and set up a fully functioning and personalized store in a short time.

It offers a few unique features, such as predicting sales conditions.

It enables businesses to integrate their products with online stores to the likes of eBay, Google and Amazon.

Prestashop is very user friendly with a simple admin panel. Its dashboard is clean and advanced, making access to all the store settings quite easy.

With this, we have discussed the four most popular eCommerce platforms. It’s now time to draw a comparison between all of them. So, let’s get started.

Magento vs Woocommerce

Magento is an eCommerce platform designed for web developers along with medium and large online stores, whereas Woocommerce is a plugin for WordPress platform offering ease of use.

Magento offers a free community version along with various premium services, while Woocommerce is a completely free platform.

The community version of Magento is self-hosted, while the premium services include hosting. On the other hand, Woocommerce needs you to find your own web host.

Magento supports extensions. It also offers a wide range of them. Woocommerce comes with an extension system and several options.

Magento provides advanced security features, whereas Woocommerce ensures basic security features.

Magento is recommended for users who have a basic level of knowledge regarding web development. Woocommerce is comparatively easier to use.

Magento installation is more complex than Woocommerce installation.

Opencart vs Woocommerce

Opencart is an open-source eCommerce platform, while Woocommerce is a WordPress Plugin.

Opencart is designed to manage the store easily for every business, irrespective of the size. Woocommerce is designed to convert an existing WordPress website into a functioning online store quickly and easily.

Opencart installation can be done manually or through a single click script installer. WooCommerce can be installed like any other plugin. It does not require any licences.

Opencart offers a basic store design along with options of free and paid themes. Woocommerce offers around 21,000 free themes and around 30,000 paid themes.

Opencart installation is free of cost as it is an open-source platform. WooCommerce can be installed free of cost, and it is free to use on the WordPress website, but it involves additional costs such as domain name and hosting service.

Additional Read: Which Top Level Domain is Better: com vs net vs org

Opencart vs Magento

Magento and Opencart are similar to each other in a lot of senses. They both are open-source platforms that use templates to upload products. They both are developed in PHP and offer resources like extensions, plugins and add on products. They both support several languages and currencies across the globe.

Magento needs a stronger hosting plan to support the performance of the store. Opencart, on the other hand, is cheaper to host owing to its lightweight.

Magento offers several features, including personalized shopping experiences, unlimited design options, plugins and integrations, among others. On the other hand, Opencart is simpler with limited features.

Even though both Magento and Opencart have firmly established developer communities, the Magento community is far stronger. Magento also facilitates certifications and recommendations for developers.

Additional Read: Instagram vs Facebook vs Twitter vs Snapchat: Which is Better for Business Marketing

Opencart vs Prestashop

Opencart is an open-source eCommerce management system that provides the premise, online and mobile solutions for SME businesses. Prestashop also provides similar solutions for SMEs, but it is a self-hosted platform.

Opencart ensures a powerful order processing mechanism and basic features. Other features have to be added by using extensions. On the other hand, Prestashop offers several commercial features, including cross-selling and layered navigation. It offers more extensions and themes than Opencart.

The platforms supported by Opencart include Windows, Mac and Web-based. On the other hand, Prestashop supports Windows, Android, iPhone/iPad, Mac and Web-based.

Opencart is simpler and is more suitable for small stores, whereas Prestashop is more complex and is more suitable for larger businesses.

Magento vs Prestashop

Magento and Prestashop are both written in PHP. Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform, while Prestashop is a free eCommerce platform.

Both Magento and Prestashop provide a large number of themes. While the Magenta themes include a supply from a wide range of third parties, the Prestashop themes are designed by their own team.

Both Magento and Prestashop offer a wide range of features, but Magento is known for offering stronger features. Magento 2.0, especially, offers several exclusive features such as customer segmentation, gift registries, rewards and loyalty, etc.

Even though both Magento and Prestashop ensure high-level security, Magento offers consistently updated security features to overcome any new threats.

Both Magento and Prestashop are known for their performance and scalability, but Magento right now is performing better than Prestashop in this regard.

With regards to SEO and marketing, Magento and Prestashop both offer features such as page title and meta description. But, Magento offers some additional features like sitemap and Google tools for which Prestashop requires modules.

Prestashop vs Woocommerce

Prestashop is a content management system for eCommerce stores, while WooCommerce is an eCommerce plugin.

PrestaShop has a CMS section to create information pages. But the options are very limited. Woocommerce offers better content management services owing to the underlying WordPress layer.

Even though both Prestashop and Woocommerce are open source eCommerce solutions that are easy to install and download, businesses still have to pay for themes and modules. In this regard, Prestashop is thrice as expensive as Woocommerce.

Prestashop provides two main support services comprising online and technical assistance. Woocommerce, on the other hand, doesn’t offer any direct support to users.

Users can pay for Prestashop by choosing between a third party payment processor or a Prestashop checkout solution. Woocommerce offers more than 100 payment gateways.

Conclusion

Since all the above-discussed components of the top eCommerce platform list offer a plethora of features, you can choose the most suitable one for your business as per your requirements.

These requirements could be anything from the ease of installation, templates & designs offered, platform functionalities, and SEO friendliness to user-friendliness, price and extra costs, product personalization, security, performance, and customer services and support. Whatever eCommerce platform you pick, rest assured that it is going to deliver lucrative growth to your business across all parameters.

Read more :-https://appringer.com/news/opencart-vs-woocommerce-vs-magento-vs-prestashop/

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT NEWS, RESOURCES AND STUDIES, November 2022

Welcome to what will likely be my last 2022 summary of the top news, studies and helpful resources for ecommerce (including Etsy), social media, marketing and SEO, compiled since my last update in October. 

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and like many of you, I need to spend the next month working for those customers, so I don’t expect to publish another news update until January. However, you can always follow me on Twitter for breaking news of importance to indie and microbusinesses, and I am also now posting short pieces on LinkedIn, so please follow or connect with me there!  Here’s a list of all the places you can find me.

Best of luck to everyone for the rest of 2022, and let’s hope that the new year brings good news for all of us. 

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES 

The top story for this edition is on Etsy Seller Protection - or more accurately, the lack of seller protection on some orders. While Etsy promises buyers they “... will receive a full refund for purchases that never arrive, arrive damaged, or do not match the listing description”, none of the literature specifies that Etsy thinks buyers deserve a refund even when tracking says the package was delivered. That is, however, what Etsy has been doing for buyers since the new program kicked in August 1 of this year. Sellers should note that if they don’t qualify for seller protection, Etsy is currently refunding the buyer out of the seller’s money, even if tracking shows the package was delivered. There is a long list of things a seller must do to qualify for protection, but the requirement shop owners are complaining about most is the complete lack of seller protection for orders over $250 USD (shipping included). Etsy has forced seller refunds on several orders that tracking shows were delivered, and even on orders still waiting for pickup at the post office. The good news is that Etsy has been refunding most of these sellers once a ticket is opened, but is warning them that this may not happen in the future. Some shop owners were told to insure all orders over $250, but of course most insurance companies will not cover packages where tracking states delivery occurred. I expect there will be some changes to the program in the new year, once Etsy analyzes the data to see how often claims are made, and for what reasons. 

Other important articles: 

Since it comes up in a lot of pieces I post, here is the definition of “marketing funnel”. 

Reminder that American sellers may be getting 1099-Ks from platforms and payment processors for this tax year. 

ETSY NEWS 

Some US Etsy sellers unable or unwilling to verify their bank accounts using Plaid have received a 70 day reprieve that allows them to sell through the holiday season. Were too many US shops going to be suspended otherwise? Or is this an Etsy admission that the technical issues were their fault? 

Etsy will once again update delivery times this holiday season if it believes there is a delay with the carrier, but it is not clear how many different carriers they are doing this for. (Previously it was only USPS.) Note they also offer digital cards on that link, which buyers can give to recipients when the present will arrive late. They put out a second notice a few weeks later, specifically stating that using the “other” option in shipping profiles is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. On that note, they have now introduced a Canada Post “regular mail” option for domestic shipping (oversized lettermail), which was never available before. 

Etsy started showing estimated delivery dates underneath listings on the search page - see my screenshot on Twitter. Even though estimated delivery dates are compulsory in most countries now, a few listings don't show them, so make sure you add dates to your shipping profiles if you want to benefit from this change. At this time of year, displaying speedy shipping can be beneficial, but it likely depends what you sell.

There are once again problems with Etsy picking up tracking in the UK, but Etsy insists this will not affect Star Seller ratings, and they have also supposedly released reserved funds from affected sales for shops with a payment reserve. 

I covered the Etsy 3rd quarter financial report, and the press release mentioned that Etsy is testing “prioritization of Star Seller listings“ in search. Strangely, that wasn't covered at all in the conference call, but sellers have spotted a few tests in the wild, including Star Sellers being used as a filter option. While that has concerned some folks, remember that reviews are already directly part of the algorithm, and Etsy says that violating “any Etsy policies” is part of the Customer and Marketplace experience score. Shipping on time and responding to Messages promptly are both Etsy policies, and were even before Etsy introduced Star Seller. Therefore, all of the Star Seller factors were already in the algorithm. Also remember that the priority placement for free shipping ended very poorly for Etsy 3 years ago, when they admitted that it reduced the conversion rate, and the stock tanked. There's no way they are going to make the same mistake again. Whatever search boosts are given to Star Sellers, they are likely to be minor, if they do become permanent. Very few elements of the algorithm have much weight these days, and it is unlikely that this will have a huge impact on ranking either.

If you use outside sites to check the feedback your buyers leave on Etsy, note that Etsy will be removing that data from its API next year, so those sites will no longer be useful for reading buyer feedback. The official date is not yet set.

Etsy has been pushing Google SEO very hard for the past few months, and the latest is this long article on optimizing your listings. This feels odd, since the company has made it very clear (through their actions) that they prefer organic Google searchers land on its Market pages instead of individual listings or even shop home pages. However, most of the recommendations will also help items rank better in Google Shopping, so maybe this is not so big of a surprise. It’s possible that the changes to Google Images in recent years - which make it more likely that listing pages will be shown as opposed to Market pages - have also spurred Etsy to aim for better listing SEO. After all, if the visitor doesn’t purchase right away, Etsy can then hit them with retargeting ads, which are part of Offsite Ads. 

Etsy garnered media coverage for its announcement of image search (currently only available on the iOS app). Engadget reported that the new feature managed to find similar pieces for sale on the site, while Techcrunch noted that other sites introduced this feature a long time ago. NBC News mentioned it in passing. 

Sellers in Mexico will have taxes withheld from their sales starting January 1, 2023, to comply with new Mexican laws. Providing Etsy with your Registro Federal de Contribuyentes (RFC) identification number will reduce the amount withheld, but note that it apparently takes some time to get an application processed, so don’t wait to apply. 

Etsy will have a new Chief Technology Officer as of January 1 2023: Rachana Kumar will take over from Mike Fisher, who is leaving the company. 

Proving once again that complaints can go viral, a TikTok video complaining about Etsy’s Offsite Ads fees picked up some media attention. Also on TikTok: complaining about buying Kmart products for sale on Etsy.

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES 

Moz has updated its Beginners’ Guide to SEO with a wonderful checklist for people new to SEO. The section will also be really useful for those who know a bit about SEO but not enough to figure out what they should be doing first. 

Links coming into your website (aka backlinks) are known to be great for SEO, but the search community has been divided on the value of outgoing links. Here’s a deep dive into the various opinions, the types of outgoing links you want to avoid or treat differently, and why “linking out” is ultimately good for SEO in most cases. 

Does removing low-performing pages help your website’s Google traffic? Maybe, but it isn’t necessarily required. 

Want to buy a used domain name? Here are 3 ways to check if it has a bad history.

SOCIAL MEDIA - All Aspects, By Site

General DeviantArt introduced a new AI art generator that uses images scraped from all over the web to understand requests - and many users of the site are not happy. 

Want to schedule posts on your social sites? Here are 4 options. 

Facebook (includes relevant general news from Meta) Meta’s stock dropped $80 billion (25% of its value) after a third quarter result showing that profit was down 50%. They promptly announced they were laying off 11,000 people, with Zuckerberg admitting he thought the pandemic ecommerce boom would continue.

Instagram If you want to appear on Instagram’s Explore page, first you have to understand how the algorithm works. Remember that the page is personalized, though, so there may be some users who will never see you, due to their preferences and history. 

A list of 28 different tools you can use for Instagram marketing. Most are free or have free versions. 

LinkedIn LinkedIn came out with a report on how to produce the best content for the site, most of it assuming that creators are buying ads there.

Reddit Don’t know much about Reddit? Here are some stats that might help you understand if it is right for your business. “Reddit is the fifth most visited website in the U.S” and “82% of Gen-Z people trust Reddit when learning more about products” are two key facts.

Snapchat Snap’s revenue was up 6% in the third quarter of 2022, but it is worried that Apple’s privacy changes will hurt Snap’s usual strong ad income in the fourth quarter.

TikTok If you want to be found on TikTok, you need to understand SEO on the site. 

“TikTok Shop” allows US users to buy products directly in the TikTok app; it launched in early November. Merchants can participate by invitation only. 

TikTok is using content moderators in each country they have a significant presence in, but some countries get paid far less for the same job, and the job is quite frankly, horrific. Time calls the company out for not supporting its employees. [graphic content warning]

TikTok is accused of tracking US citizens for reasons other than ad targeting. TikTok denies the claim.

Twitter It’s impossible for me to cover everything going on with Twitter lately, but I am sure those of you who care have been keeping up. Hope to have better news soon. 

If you want to do a bit of Twitter promoting without really promoting, consider participating in the Art Advent Calendar December 1-24. Any visual creations are allowed other than NFTs and AI art, and you do not have to be a “professional” artist. Sharing other work you like on the hashtag is a good way to meet people and build community.

ECOMMERCE NEWS, IDEAS, TRENDS (minus social media)

General  Pitney Bowes released a combo printer/scale/rate checker for ecommerce businesses in the US. It currently costs $269 but will eventually go up to $369.

Amazon Amazon said that the holiday season would be slower than expected, which took 20% off of the stock overnight. They also missed third quarter revenue estimates, which never helps. 

Social media posts indicate that Amazon has been cutting back on available space at its warehouses for Fulfillment by Amazon sellers. The company later said it would only affect 6% FBA sellers in the US who had a lot of stock in storage, but one seller pointed out “The problem for me (& many others) is that at an account level, it looks like I have a good amount of inventory, but at a SKU level, my best-sellers are going to suffocate.” The company is also laying off about 10,000 employees, from the retail, Alexa and human resources departments. 

Ads are everywhere on Amazon, making them one of the company’s two largest profit sources. If you didn’t like that article, the Washington Post did a similar one [gift link; should be readable by non-subscribers] just a few weeks later, with an interactive scroll showing how much of an Amazon search page was ads, and how many irrelevant results we get. 

In the continuation of a trend, Amazon is being sued in the UK under competition law. 

US shoppers can now pay with Venmo.

Amazon is testing facial recognition technology as a way of verifying seller identities. They currently use live video chat to do this instead.

eBay A huge glitch starting in mid-October meant that some eBay sellers were not charged final value fees after sales - then eBay charged them all as a lump sum weeks later. 

Sales on eBay were down 11% in the third quarter compared to 2021, but their ad revenue was up. 

An insurance company is suing eBay, claiming it should not have to pay out on policies when criminal activities are involved. This involves the civil suit by EcommerceBytes owners against eBay, regarding the cyberstalking incidents.

Poshmark Sellers can now get their Poshmark earnings faster.

Shopify Shopify had a relatively-good third quarter, although they still lost money. 

In the past few years, almost ⅔ of Shopify sites closed within 12 months. The article includes a decent analysis of this high churn rate. 

The Shop app from Shopify is currently testing a search of all Shopify sites. Will this lead to “search ads”? The company will almost certainly need to expend more effort to weed out scam sites. Also, Shopify sites may end up investing time chasing the app's algorithm in the future, which is always a double-edged sword - if you crack the code to appearing at the top of search, you can become dependent on that traffic.

If you change a page‘s URL/address on your site, customers and search engines won’t be able to find it without you doing a 301 redirect. Don’t make this mistake!

All Other Marketplaces

Depop has added promoted/boosted listings, with the 8% fee only charged when the product sells. They’re also increasing payment processing fees as of January 5, 2023, to 3.3% + $0.45 per transaction.  Note that Etsy has previously stated that Depop has been a drag on its overall earnings, so these changes are not surprising. 

All Other Website Builders Wordpress is very popular, but one of its drawbacks is security. Make sure you secure your site as well as possible.

(CONTENT) MARKETING (includes blogging, emails, and strategies) 

Not sure what I mean by content marketing? This article covers it well, including why you should use it and how to get started. And by the way, content marketing and SEO should both be relied on for the best results.  

ONLINE ADVERTISING (NOT SOCIAL MEDIA OR ECOMMERCE SITES)

An economic downturn can lead businesses to change their advertising strategies and budgets.  Here are 5 mistakes you don’t want to make.

If you use Google Ads, you should also use the Google Ads Keyword Forecast Tool, which predicts what will be trending in the future.

STATS, DATA, TRACKING 

Still trying to figure out Google Analytics 4? These instructions on setting up customer reports might help. 

BUSINESS & CONSUMER TRENDS, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday broke sales records in the United States [gift link, Washington Post], with sales up from 2021 throughout the weekend. Cyber Monday was up 5.3%, to $11.3 billion. Note, however, that the numbers are not adjusted for inflation.

IMAGES, VIDEO, GRAPHIC DESIGN, & FREE ONLINE TOOLS

Ever need to copy the text out of a photograph or other image? There are free tools for that (and some paid ones too) [soft paywall; Wired]

MISCELLANEOUS

Google settled the US location tracking claims, for $392 million USD. The company must also make these choices clearer to users.

[wetrinhminhphuong9000universe]

Growth of E-Commerce Marketplaces: Five Trends to Take Into Account

Ready-made structures

What are these platforms about, and how might they support the launch of an online marketplace for a company?

To easily figure out what's what, just think of Lego. There are numerous details in it that you can put together to create a certain figure. Software for e-commerce marketplace development functions similarly. Using pre-made templates facilitates the creation of a multi-vendor solution. Nonetheless, the primary disadvantage of this methodology is its reliance on an external instrument. The marketplace's functionalities will be restricted by the software provider's technological capabilities.

The following are the greatest choices to think about if you're considering utilizing SaaS marketplace platforms to create ecommerce marketplace: 

Shopify

Shopify functions as a platform for building websites, allowing you to establish an online store using a graphical user interface (GUI). Coding knowledge is not needed if you plan to leave the shop theme alone or change non-basic settings.

Wix

The main feature of Wix is its user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder. The usability of Wix's e-commerce platform is comparable. It enables the quick launch of a simple selling platform in a few days and offers all the features required for novice merchants.

BigCommerce

This is yet another significant player in the online retail space. It offers cutting-edge features for the create marketplace websites. With its user-friendly design and abundance of functionality for even the pickiest clients, BigCommerce caters to both novice and seasoned retailers.

Adobe Commerce 

This is the previous version of the Magento platform, which is now Adobe's missing e-commerce component. The platform provides every feature required to run a complete multi-vendor software and is tailored for both B2B and B2C markets.

Buy now, pay later integration

Customers can defer payment for goods they receive right away with BNPL. Customers can purchase high-value and low-value goods by enrolling in long-term or short-term installment plans, respectively, as part of the BNPL functionality.

Delivery is important; speed is preferable to cost.

People must make judgments quickly and choose which services to use carefully because life moves quickly. Having a positive user experience is now important to a lot of clients. Consumers are prepared to spend more for faster delivery, greater service, and better items.

Customers want their orders for manufactured goods, furniture, cosmetics, garments, and other items to arrive in one to two days. Customers have even higher expectations when it comes to groceries, expecting their orders to be delivered in an hour or less.

Sum up

While a vast array of online retailers offer a vast selection of products to clients, selecting the right vendor can get quite confusing. Marketplaces for online shopping provide an answer to this issue by centralizing all vendors. They make it possible for customers to evaluate goods and pricing and select the retailer that best suits their requirements.

Marketplace development is expected to be quite popular in 2022, and e-commerce developers will be in great demand. However, recruiting might take months or even years, and locating actual specialists is a difficult task.

We at AHT Tech have a great deal of expertise in developing marketplaces for online and mobile platforms.  

[productdatascrape28]

Elevate Your Grocery e-Stores Digital Strategy with the Power of Grocery Data Scraping

Digital retail has ushered in a transformative shift in consumer purchasing patterns and expectations, particularly in food and grocery markets. Projections indicate that the digital grocery sector will burgeon into a $203 billion market in the U.S. by 2025. Factors such as the pandemic and inflation have propelled more consumers toward e-stores, seeking the dual benefits of convenience and competitive pricing. Presently, major grocery and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)/Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands have established and sustained a robust online presence. They distribute their products across prominent eCommerce platforms, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) websites, and dedicated grocery applications.

In 2022, online grocery sales constituted 10.5% of the U.S. e-grocery market. Forecasts indicate a gradual ascent, with online grocery sales projected to reach a 12.6% share by 2027, underscoring the sector's sustained digital expansion.

However, a noteworthy development since 2022 has been the swifter escalation of online grocery prices compared to other eCommerce categories. It has intensified the quest for cost-effective alternatives among digital shoppers using  grocery data scraping services , a considerable portion of whom belong to the price-sensitive millennial demographic. Consequently, grocery retailers seek productive, dependable, and profitable digital strategies. This pursuit encompasses comprehensive assessments of existing retail management systems and capabilities, ensuring they can adeptly meet demand and outpace competitor activities.

Despite a swiftly evolving industry, success hinges on critical considerations. Parameters such as quality, price competitiveness, convenience vis-a-vis customer loyalty, and the dynamic interplay between private labels and cherished brands have emerged as pivotal determinants.  Scrape grocery delivery data to navigate these considerations has been imperative for brands striving to carve their niche in digital grocery retail's dynamic and competitive landscape.

Mastering Success In Online Grocery: Seven Key Strategies

In business, gauging success often involves scrutinizing financial metrics like sales growth, market share, and efficiency. Yet, these indicators are in a set of discernible "preference drivers" reflecting contemporary customer needs and industry trends. In the fiercely competitive and ever-evolving grocery landscape, retailers positioning themselves atop the digital shelf have adeptly aligned with these drivers.

Price & Discounts: Amidst the economic uncertainties of 2023, an upswing in price-conscious shoppers has underscored the pivotal role of pricing. Strategic discounting becomes a linchpin in the digital arena, where consumers can swiftly locate the best-priced products. Clear, enticing promotions on critical items, savvy psychological pricing, and incentivizing customer loyalty through cashback and exclusive discounts emerge as potent strategies to sustain shopper engagement.

Quality:The perception of value is intricately woven with quality, presenting a multifaceted spectrum ranging from the freshness of produce to the treatment of shoppers. Private label products leverage cues from positioning, packaging, and store ambiance to communicate quality and appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. Holistic brand experiences, post-purchase satisfaction, and overall convenience contribute to this notion of quality. 

Digital: Digital channels stand as indispensable for retail triumph. Retailers wielding platforms that deliver personalized, flexible, and efficient experiences gain a competitive edge. Seamless online experiences encompass accurate recommendations, interactive chatbots, easy navigation, and a robust omnichannel connection. Mimicking the in-store sense of exploration in the digital sphere becomes paramount for maximizing sales.

Operations: The nuts and bolts of retail operations, including inventory management, assortment planning, and store layout, form the backbone of effective functioning. Enriched product content with explicit imagery, detailed descriptions, real-time pricing, and availability data on digital platforms proves pivotal. Ineffective inventory management risks stockouts of high-demand items, jeopardizing Search Engine Results Page (SERP) rankings and customer satisfaction.

Convenience & Speed: Proximity, diverse product selections, and trendy assortments position a store as a one-stop shop. However, in the digital age, convenience and speed take center stage. Quick, flexible checkout options and efficient shipping, pickup, and returns empower customers to make informed decisions swiftly. Offering multiple shipping and return choices caters to a broad consumer base. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize rapid shipping, while delivery charges emerge as a critical deterrent across other demographics.

Diversification: A spectrum of services and diverse store offerings, coupled with operational efficiency, emerges as the linchpin for long-term success in the grocery e-store landscape. It caters to evolving consumer needs and ensures resilience in a competitive market.

Customer Experience: At the core of success lies an unparalleled customer experience—personalization, convenience, and responsiveness foster customer loyalty. Striving for an optimal balance between technological innovation and the human touch establishes a winning formula in the digital grocery industry.

Leading Grocery Retailers In 2023: Strategies For Success

Irrespective of a business's size or profitability, excelling in every aspect is a formidable challenge for retailers. Success hinges on the strategic allocation of finite resources, making trade-offs in commitment to specific pillars. Here, we delve into the triumphs of six prominent American grocery retailers, showcasing how they navigated these pillars to secure success.

Trader Joe's: A unique player in the grocery sector, Trader Joe's epitomizes value perception through its commitment to low prices and high quality. The absence of an online presence allows the company to channel resources into enhancing in-store experiences and maintaining affordability. Trader Joe's has cultivated a devoted customer base, with shoppers often sharing their finds on social media. Scrape Trader Joe’s grocery data to collect valuable information for market analysis and business intelligence. Gain a competitive edge with our accurate and timely data insights.

Wegmans: Wegmans attains a top-tier position, focusing on high-quality products and an unparalleled in-store experience. While not excelling in pricing, Wegmans compensates through perceived value. This commitment has earned it the title "America's favorite grocery retailer," showcasing the power of prioritizing specific pillars. Develop a script to scrape Wegmans Grocery data, collecting product details, prices, and availability. Utilize web scraping techniques to gather information for analysis and insights into Wegmans' offerings.

Costco: A powerhouse in bulk retail, Costco excels in price, quality, digital, and operations. With an emphasis on offering discounted goods in large volumes, Costco's warehouse-style approach caters to diverse consumer needs. The brand's online presence complements its physical stores, providing convenience to members. Scrape Costco grocery data to acquire valuable insights on product details, pricing, and availability for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Amazon Fresh: A digital giant, Amazon Fresh employs aggressive pricing strategies to gain market share. Despite failing to lead in quality or convenience, Amazon's technological prowess and Prime membership perks make it a formidable competitor. Its seamless online experiences and leverage of its delivery network position Amazon Fresh among the top grocery chains. Scrape Amazon Fresh Grocery Data to collect vital information on product details, prices, and availability, enabling businesses to gain valuable insights for informed decision-making and strategic planning within the retail sector.

Kroger: As one of the largest grocery chains, Kroger blends cost-effective warehouse-style stores with a robust digital storefront. Innovations like the "fuel points" system, short 30-minute deliveries, and strategic digital investments have propelled Kroger into the forefront of digital progression. Weekly promotions, digital coupons, and smart-priced products contribute to its success. Scrape Kroger Grocery Data to collect crucial details regarding products, prices, and availability, facilitating businesses in acquiring valuable insights for strategic decision-making and comprehensive market analysis.

And A Few More:

Aldi and Lidl are German discount retailers with unbeatable prices, challenging even Amazon's influence on pricing.

WinCo: A minor player focusing on the right blend of price and quality, emphasizing retail basics.

Whole Foods is a premium grocery retailer competing on quality, offering organic and natural products across its stores.

The key to success lies not in prioritizing specific pillars universally but in tailoring strategies to fit the unique needs of each business. Retailers, attuned to the ever-evolving market, are leveraging advanced technology solutions to refine their plans and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic grocery landscape.

Fostering Digital Shopper Engagement: Strategies For Value Creation

The digital shelf has recently emerged as the primary hub for modern shoppers seeking pricing and product data. The tech-savvy customer's ability to swiftly explore various options intensifies the competition among retailers to stand out. As prices rise, shoppers gravitate towards eCommerce platforms to identify cost-effective options, making it imperative for retailers to carve opportunities for savings through flexible delivery choices, user-friendly e-stores, and strategic pricing and discounting.

Smaller players like FreshDirect and NetGrocer have remarkably secured substantial shares in the online grocery delivery market, showcasing the competitiveness of smaller businesses against larger counterparts. Collaborations with services such as Doordash, Instacart, and Postmates, coupled with the introduction of curbside pickups during the early days of COVID-19, have played pivotal roles in alternative sales growth. The overarching trend emphasizes the significance of an omnichannel presence, proving a powerful strategy to boost sales by catering to diverse consumer needs.

Tech Strategies Unleashed: Data Analytics & Dynamic Pricing

While robot cashiers make headlines, the broader spectrum of AI applications is revolutionizing the grocery landscape. Regardless of size, companies are leveraging technology for forward-thinking initiatives encompassing assortment planning, big data processing, customer insights, and dynamic pricing. Dynamic pricing, a key driver for significant players like Amazon, involves real-time adjustments to pricing, benefiting revenue and offering customers improved deals on the fly.

According to Boris Planer, director of Planet, “as technology-driven data analysis becomes more prevalent, the tendency to connect with customers and mine data emerges as a crucial capability for the future”.

Navigating Price Wars With Tech Solutions

Amid relentless price wars, managing the influx of pricing strategy data demands tech-driven vigilance. Intelligence Node provides cutting-edge solutions to alleviate this burden, enhancing competitive advantage.

Our price optimization software automates retail pricing and inventory management, leveraging market trends to recommend the most profitable prices. AI-driven technology scrutinizes inventory levels, price elasticity, and competitive pricing to analyze ideal hikes and markdowns, restructuring the entire process for retailers.

Tech Solutions For Retail Triumph

Leading grocery retailers like Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Amazon, and Costco have ascended to prominence through superior business models and critical pillars fostering emotional connection and financial performance. Our suite of tools, including trend tracking, price monitoring, assortment intelligence, and user-friendly data feeds, seamlessly integrates into your tech stack. These tools enhance performance and profitability, making the journey to the pinnacle of customer preference more attainable for your retail business.

Product Data Scrape operates with a commitment to ethical standards across all facets, spanning Competitor Price Monitoring Services to Mobile Apps Data Scraping. Our global footprint ensures unparalleled and transparent services, catering to a broad spectrum of client requirements.

[12thwonderindia]

Leading Top 15 Best Software Testing & Quality Assurance Global Companies

This guide highlights the top 15 software testing companies that consistently deliver high value from small, mighty teams. It emphasizes the critical role of QA testing in ensuring software quality in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Given the outsourced software testing market’s growth, from USD 3.56B in 2022 to an expected USD 5.28B by 2032, the selection of a reliable testing partner is key. This list is focused on aiding businesses in choosing the right testing partner. It features companies with significant experience, diverse service offerings, and strong industry reputations.

1. 12thWonder

Founded: 2012 Headquarters: California, United States. Expanded presence in Ivory Coast, Japan, and India. 12thWonder has a global tech team of 100 employees with a diverse and expanding workforce. Key services: 12thWonder offers a broad range of services including QA services (test automation, performance testing, mobile device testing, manual testing), mobile application development (iOS, Android), IoT, RFID, RPA, cloud services, and geospatial solutions. Their services focus on automation, digitization, and providing cutting-edge software solutions for maximum business efficiency. 12thWonder provides innovative tech solutions aimed at automating and digitizing business operations to enhance efficiency. With an emphasis on creating bespoke applications and products, the company caters to unique business needs across a variety of industries globally. Their approach is centered on interpersonal connections, agility, and collaboration, underlining a commitment to delivering tailored software solutions that address specific client challenges. The company’s expertise is not confined to software development; they also offer comprehensive QA services designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality digital products, emphasizing test automation, performance, mobile device, and manual testing methodologies to reduce costs and enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.

2. Testlio

Founded: 2012 Headquarter: in the United States Testlio specializes in managed app testing with a team size of 50–249 employees. Key services: They offer a comprehensive suite of testing services including end-to-end, usability, localization, functional, and payments testing, aiming to ensure world-class customer experiences across various devices and languages. Testlio stands out for its robust client services, global network of expert testers, and a flexible, on-demand testing platform .

3. AppSierra

Founded: 2015 Headquarters: in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, with a team size of 50–249 employees. Key services: The company specializes in providing a wide range of services with a significant focus on testing services, alongside other software development solutions. They cater predominantly to small businesses, but also serve large and medium-sized enterprises across various industries. AppSierra prides itself on delivering quality-assured services, ensuring client satisfaction through viable and budget-friendly solutions.

4. ImpactQA Services

Founded: 2011 Headquarters: in New York, with operations in India, London, Dallas, Munich, and Germany. Key services: ImpactQA is a globally recognized software testing and QA consulting company. The company excels in delivering comprehensive testing services including quality engineering, AI-based test automation, performance engineering, and a full suite of continuous and automated testing services throughout the software development lifecycle. ImpactQA caters to a wide range of industries such as Healthcare, E-learning, BFSI, Ecommerce, Media, Logistics, Real Estate, and Medical Device Testing, serving both SMEs and Fortune 500 companies.

5. QAlified

Founded: 1992 Headquarters: in Uruguay and has a presence in the United States Key services: QAlified has a focus on solving quality problems by reducing risks, maximizing efficiency, and strengthening organizations. They are an independent partner experienced in various technologies for any type of software. With a team size of 10–49 employees, they specialize entirely in testing services, catering primarily to medium businesses but also serving small and large businesses across industries such as healthcare, IT, and financial services.

6. KiwiQA Services

Founded: 2009 Headquarter: Australia Key services: KiwiQA is a quality-focused and knowledge-centric firm specializing in a wide range of testing solutions across industry domains. With a team size of 50–249 employees, they are dedicated to providing world-class testing services, emphasizing risk management and implementable solutions. They have a strong expertise in delivering cost-effective, value-added testing services globally, including testing consultancy, test automation, specialized testing services, and managed testing services. KiwiQA has received several honors and awards, recognizing their excellence in the field. (Read More)

[digitalconferenceofittechev]

Why You Should Think About Switching to Shopify in 2022

Due to the rapid growth of technology, store owners must stay current on platform capabilities. Your e-commerce platform may eventually need to be replaced if the performance of your site is poor, it is missing key features, has limited functionality and necessitates a large degree of customization, there are security or hosting problems, etc.

You must switch to a new ecommerce platform with better features, functionality, performance, security, SEO, and marketing skills in order to get rid of all the restrictions and enhance the customer experience. When store owners desire to grow their operations, the ecommerce migration procedure is essential. Consideration of a move to Shopify would be the best course of action from among the many ecommerce platforms accessible for the following reasons:

Shopify is a user-friendly platform.

No technical expertise is necessary to operate the store.

The store maintenance takes very little time and effort.

24 hour customer service is offered

There are several mobile-responsive themes available.

Wide selection of Shopify apps available

Shopify offers enhanced security.

Low-maintenance platform that is cost-effective

One of the most popular eCommerce systems on the market, Shopify is ideal for companies of practically any size. So let’s talk about some of the important parts to think about before switching to Shopify if you choose to do so.

Better SEO Ranking

How quickly users can reach your store is greatly influenced by SEO. You’ll be able to draw more traffic to your eCommerce site the higher your website ranks in SERPs. As a result, conversions and sales go up.

You may improve your content with Shopify’s various built-in SEO capabilities. Additionally, Shopify enables you to:

The URLs of your items will change when you switch to Shopify, however this won’t have an impact on your SEO results.

It will be simpler to make page redirects, reduce on-page changes, monitor duplicate material, and maintain the performance of your page if you carefully prepare and move your site.

In fact, moving may improve SEO rankings because it gives you the chance to use effective keywords, shorter URL strings, etc.

Visit this website for complete details...

Shopify Development

[digitaltechside]

15 Best Route Planner Apps For iPhone To Use In 2024

If you’re a business owner eager to know about the best route planner apps for iPhone, this article can guide you.

As per the 2022 report, India boasts the highest number of iPhone users. That is why it becomes significant to consider iPhone users on many occasions. For instance, no matter whether for personal navigation or business operations, choosing the best route is crucial. Even though many rely on Google Maps, businesses, especially in sectors like eCommerce and logistics, look for dedicated route planner apps.

Here, you’ll learn about 15 top route planner apps for iPhone. So, keep reading without distraction.

Best Route Planner Apps To Use For iPhone Users

Check out the list below to learn about the top route planning apps for iPhones.

1.   TrackoMile

TrackoMile is a comprehensive last-mile delivery software that can streamline the complete delivery process efficiently. Its capabilities span capacity and carrier management, hyperlocal delivery, and advanced route optimization.

Using cutting-edge routing algorithms with over 120 variables, TrackoMile excels beyond traditional route planner applications. It meticulously considers factors such as traffic, weather, and road size, ensuring optimal routes.

The platform additionally allows scheduled deliveries based on preferred time slots and route constraints. This way, it offers precision and flexibility to businesses. It also makes TrackoMile one of the best route planner apps for the iPhone.

Cons: Some users may take time to learn how to use the application due to its wide spectrum of features. 

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