Best eCommerce Websites
Based on In-Depth Reviews

HOSTING FEATURES

The first thing we consider when looking for an eCommerce website builder is what its hosting capabilities are. Bandwidth and file storage are the backbone of any stable website, and as such are particularly important for eCommerce sites, which could see their revenue interrupted if hosted by a company with low bandwidth and/or file storage potential. Although many eCommerce website builders provide unlimited bandwidth and file storage, there are some exceptions. Second, we look at the number of staff-level accounts that a website owner can create. This attribute is more important for larger businesses, which usually need the additional division of labor and have managerial staff for it. We also consider the number of products a customer could list on the website. Naturally, the more products a user can list, the better. One more important feature for eCommerce platforms is the security methods they implement to keep both the website and consumer information safe. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance are the two most important security features we look for.

In addition to the hosting features already mentioned, we take a few others into consideration as well. Payment methods can be numerous, and eCommerce platforms with greater variety earn better marks with us. Platforms with filtered search boxes also earn higher marks, since they are a great help to consumers. Finally, responsive websites are a very sought-out feature which allow websites to remain intuitive for users of all devices–something crucial, with the number of purchases being made over smartphones and tablets nowadays.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the amount of information (data) that can be transferred from the server a website is hosted on to an end user (consumer) over a given period of time. When accessing a website, computers first download the assets that construct the page–images, text, videos, documents, etc.–first so they can display content. The amount of content being transferred determines how much bandwidth is used at any given moment. Bandwidth is also used when backing up your website, when someone downloads additional files from the server manually, and when sending emails from your hosted email account.

Bandwidth is usually measured in bits per second, but due to how fast modern network links have gotten you might see it measured in millions of bits (megabits) per second or more. Having too little bandwidth slows your page down, harming your online presence in the process. The amount of bandwidth your website needs depends on how asset-heavy your website's pages are. The popularity of your website will also determine how much bandwidth it needs to keep up with consumers.

Staff Accounts

The number of staff-level accounts available for use with an eCommerce platform. Account owners can review these accounts and manage them in order to set permissions and restrictions.

File Storage

File storage is the amount of space available on a web host's server for storing assets, such as HTML, images, script, and emails, as well as log backup files and old copies of web pages. You should pay close attention to your storage space, as once it is full, no more data can be stored on the server hosting your website. As a rule of thumb, expect your website's storage space to grow up to 3 or 4 times its original size as more and more folders of information are added to it.

Number of Products

Your eCommerce website builder determines the number of products a user can list on their website. This might vary depending on the membership level you choose. Generally, the number is unlimited, but there are exceptions.

Security Features

SSL Protection - standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser.
PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Compliance - information security standard for organizations that handle branded credit cards from the major card issuers.
Fraud Analysis/Score - helps identify potentially fraudulent purchases.

Responsive Websites

Responsive websites are able to adapt to the device a consumer is using to access them. For example, a responsive website would be able to change its layout to accommodate the size of a smartphone or tablet screen. This helps the page run smoother and look visually appealing, which ultimately creates more conversions and therefore higher revenue for the website.

Search with Filters

Uses filters like size, color, and brand to help consumers find what they are looking for.

MARKETING & ANALYTICS

eCommerce website builders offer a number of features on top of what you can regularly expect from average website builder features. These features are generally geared towards landing sales and increasing overall revenue by garnering more visits to the site. The first thing we look at is the kind of customer outreach tools that the platform provides. Customer outreach means anything that allows a website to reach customers through means other than its basic services. This can be achieved through organic content creation in the way of blogging, email marketing campaigns, having integration with popular social media websites such as Facebook or Twitter, and more. The second thing on our list is conversion tools, which are an essential part of any eCommerce platform that wants to increase sales. Even if people are visiting your website in droves, you need tools to keep them engaged–and to drive them to finalize shopping decisions. To this end, eCommerce website builders can provide abandoned cart savers, rating and reviews for individual products, and even discounts so customers feel sure they are making a sound purchase through your site. After looking at the kind of tools eCommerce platforms can provide, we look at the kind of SEO optimization and analytics information their content management systems offer. Lastly, we consider the number of sales channels supported by the platform. A higher number of channels almost always equates to higher revenue thanks to the added flexibility customers will have when paying for your business' products or services.

Customer Outreach Tools

Customer outreach tools help the website advertise its presence through marketing, third-party deals, and content creation.

Conversion Tools

Conversion tools help websites secure leads and drive customers to finalize purchases.

COST

eCommerce website builders typically feature more than a single subscription plan and levels for consumers. This is done so that customers are paying for what their business really needs, instead of spending extra money on tools or features that they won't actually use. For companies with more than three plans, we list the three most popular ones. After seeing the kind of plans a company offers, we then look for any additional fees users might incur when using their website through the eCommerce platform. These can be transaction fees, charged when shoppers buy products on your website, and setup fees, charged for the cost of having an eCommerce website done for you through the platform. Setup fees are uncommon, but transaction fees are not; many eCommerce website builders charge on top of their regular monthly fee in order to make a higher profit. The last thing we examine is whether or not the platform includes a free trial period so consumers can test the product, and the number of free templates available–if any.

Transaction Fees

Fees charged when consumers buy products through your eCommerce platform-hosted website. Same as transactions fees anywhere else.

Setup Fees

Fees associated with setting up your eCommerce website.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

To evaluate customer experience we first look at customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot. Complaints and negative reviews for eCommerce website builders tend to focus on billing and customer support; customers most often disclose that they were unaware of auto-renewal policies and other billing practices. On the BBB, we also consider the grade given to the company by the bureau and whether it is accredited or not. We then document support hours and available methods of communication. Finally, we take a look at the platform’s mobile app–if it has one.

BBB Rating

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization offering verified, unbiased information on more than 30 million North American companies and their business practices. Their goal is to set the foundation for marketplace trust by enforcing ethical standards of business behavior and monitoring compliance among their member companies. The BBB is an essential resource for consumers wanting to determine a business' reputability. Although not all companies are registered with the BBB, participating members demonstrate a greater commitment to developing business acumen and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Trustpilot Rating

Trustpilot is an online review community offering overall customer satisfaction ratings for over 170,000 businesses as well as access to customer-provided feedback on verified orders for their products and services. Just as with the BBB, not all businesses are registered with Trustpilot, yet participating companies—especially those who actively engage with their clients—can be assumed to be more concerned about their customers' experience and satisfaction than those who fail to establish an online presence.