Before you sign-up with an online service, you should consider some the following challenges and pitfalls:
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They do require work to set-up; someone will need to create graphics,
upload images, change storefront settings, implement payment gateways
& import products. The amount of work here is often underestimated
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Custom interface design is not always possible; sometimes limited to
static display templates and can be hard to make your storefront
‘stand-out’
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Hosted eCommerce platforms can have limited flexibility; things are
often locked-down and you cannot manipulate the underlying codebase
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Limited ability to add new features and functions
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You will not own the website and will pay perpetual fees or
commissions to lease the offering; could be more expensive in the long run
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There is a chance that the hosted solution will cease operations or drastically change their policies, (i.e. Magento Go)
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Lack of control of the server environment and the ability to address
performance issues; hosted solutions are usually running 100s of sites on
a server
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Hosted platforms can be a little more challenging to market; limited
ability to manage technical SEO, multivariate testing and perform subtle
changes that can create a lift in sales
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May have limitations if integration is required in the future (i.e. inventory, fulfillment, ERP, CRM, QuickBooks)
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Limited ability to easily extend functionality; for instance adding
multi-channel sales, inventory feeds or features like automated
abandoned cart emails can prove difficult
E-dreamz develops custom eCommerce solutions that meet your specific needs. Forget paying perpetual licensing fees and sales commissions. With an E-dreamz solution, you own your eCommerce website and therefore have the flexibility to modify and customize your solution to meet ongoing and future business demands.
Visit the E-dreamz eCommerce portfolio for some live examples. If you would like additional information on how a custom solution can go to work for you, contact us today.