Does Shopware fulfill all requirements for an e-commerce platform?

There are a number of e-commerce platforms on the market. It can be difficult to find the right one for your company. After all, there are some criteria that must be met by a good e-commerce platform. Particularly the countless additional plugins do not make the decision easy. It is important to make the right decision, because the platform has an impact on the reach. 

Shopware is one of these countless e-commerce platforms. In this article, we will clarify whether Shopware meets all the necessary requirements to be the right e-commerce platform for you and your business. 

But let's start with the basics. 

What is e-commerce and why is it important?

Probably this question is not necessary. After all, e-commerce is already very well developed nowadays. It' s hard to imagine the modern world without it. However, we would like to shortly clarify this question here. For the purpose of completion and in case someone doesn't get it after all. 

Simply put, e-commerce is any "exchange transaction" conducted over the internet. There are many different types of payments and payment providers. But that is another topic. 

Why e-commerce is so important is also easily explained. In our modern world, nearly everything happen online. Whether it's making medical appointments, shopping for food, or banking transactions. We can do all of this (and much more) online for the most part. 

What features should an e-commerce platform have?

Of course, there are individual requirements depending on the business model. The technical components must also be suitable for your specific case. However, there are some basic requirements which (in our opinion) must be met. These requirements will make things easier for you. 

1. Extensibility

Each store is unique. This is because each platform has extensions that can be installed individually. There are a few platforms that offer you the possibility to create an online store "out of the box". Mostly, functions are missing here, but you would like to have. Therefore, you have to add them accordingly. 

Shopware is clearly very far ahead here, because Shopware has its own store, where developers can post their self-created extensions. Here you can find the Shopware Store. If the extension you are looking for is not available, the headless architecture with its extensive APIs offers you the possibility to integrate third-party applications. 

Do you want to learn more about headless architecture? Than take a look!

With the possibility to add extensions, you can increase the functionality of your store. Through this, you can shape the future of your business in a sustainable way.

That's for example a great extension you can buy in the shopware store 🤓

2. Scalability

You should have the opportunity to grow together with your store. Most people who start an online store naturally want it to grow. There are platforms that have limited scalability. In the beginning, this will probably be enough for you. However, you will regret having chosen such a platform, because a migration is usually time-consuming and expensive. Rather, make sure that the platform is scalable from the start. 

Shopware is scalable and suitable for small niche stores as well as large e-commerce companies. 

3. Compatibility

Nowadays this is obvious. Your platform should be able to run on all browsers and be responsive for mobile devices. 

Shopware offers you in every category the possibility to adapt your design Responsive on desktop, tablet and mobile.

4. Internationalization

It's probably one of the biggest advantages in e-commerce. No matter what size your business is, you have the ability to go global.

Adaptability to other markets is important if you want to operate internationally. If you only like to sell in your country you can ignore this point.

However, should you wish to sell to other countries as well, it is extremely important to pay attention to the internationalization of your store.

Important aspects here are:

• The availability in several languages
• Function of other currencies and tax regimes
• Multiple time zones (due to e.g. timed quotes or order tracking.)
• Product catalog customizations for local availability or legal restrictions on site

Shopware offers you all these possibilities. 

5. Omnichannel

We think everyone knows the saying "Be where your customers are!" 

This makes sense and improves the customer experience immensely. 

Omnichannel is the linking of all used sales channels. We've already published a blog article about omnichannel, so read it to learn everything you need to know about it. 

Oh, and yes, Shopware gives you the ability to link all your sales channels. 

That's an example for a omnichannel solution. SOURCE OF IMAGE: https://www.shopware.com/de/loesungen/omnichannel/

6. Support

A launch is coming up and only a few minutes are missing....and something goes wrong. An error message - your store is not available and you don't know where to turn to. 

An absolute horror scenario, isn't it? - Unfortunately, there are actually providers who do not offer support. You should definitely choose a platform that offers you support and also remember how you can reach it. 

Many providers charge for support, which is divided into different levels. 

Shopware also offers different support levels depending on the solution. In the community version (which is free) you will not receive any support from Shopware. 

7. Easy to use

A good e-commerce platform should be easy to use. The operation should be intuitive, in order not to need a developer for all changes.

This is also given with Shopware, the platform is quite intuitive to use. For many things, a basic technical understanding is sufficient.

Conclusion

Shopware meets all the important criteria for a good e-commerce platform. Whether you're just starting out or already have experience and a large e-commerce business, Shopware is for everyone.

By the way: No matter where you are in the planning phase. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time. Together we will surely find a solution for your problem. 🤓