How to choose the best e-commerce platform for an online payment store?

Choosing an e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions facing any entrepreneur planning to sell online. It's not just a matter of the aesthetics of the site or the ease of managing products, but more importantly, functionality, security and business growth opportunities.

Inadequate technology can lead to problems with payment processing, integrations or store scalability. Entrepreneurs often focus on the visual side of their store, overlooking technical issues that can determine success or failure in the long run.

In order to make an informed decision, it is worthwhile to analyze several key aspects to match the platform to your business model, customer needs and future plans.

1. Identify your business needs
2. • What products/services will you sell? (physical, digital, subscription, B2B, marketplace)
   • What features are key? (Integration with couriers, CRM, warehouse systems, automatic invoicing)
2. Check available payment methods
3. • Choose a platform that supports popular payment systems (BLIK, cards, PayPal, Stripe, PayU, Przelewy24)
   • Pay attention to commissions and transaction fees
3. Decide whether to choose an off-the-shelf platform or a dedicated solution
4. • Ready-made platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Shoper) - Quick implementation, lower start-up costs, limited customization
   • Dedicated solutions - Full control, no restrictions, but higher costs and longer implementation time
4. Pay attention to integrations and scalability
5. • Does the platform allow integration with marketing tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, email marketing)?
   • Can the store easily grow with the increasing number of orders?
5. Analyze the budget
6. • Subscription, commission, additional modules and hosting costs
   • Is the profitability of the platform in line with business development plans?
6. Ensure safety and compliance
7. • Does the payment system meet PSD2, SCA standards and support 3D Secure?
   • Does the platform ensure compliance with RODO and allow full control over customer data?
7. Check out the reviews and technical support
8. • Does the platform offer fast technical support?
   • What are users' opinions on stability, speed and available features?

Choosing the best platform depends on your sales model, budget and future plans. If you are not sure which solution will be best for your business, it is worthwhile to consult an expert, make an appointmentfree consultation.

1. what questions should you ask yourself before choosing technology?

1.1 What products or services will be sold?

The type of products offered affects the technical requirements of the store. Selling physical products involves integration with courier companies, warehouse management systems and a returns module. For digital products, automatic file delivery and security mechanisms against unauthorized access will be crucial.

Stores offering services may require additional features, such as a reservation system, recurring payments or automated invoicing. It is worth making sure that the e-commerce platform you choose supports the specific needs of the business.

Failure to adapt the system to the nature of the business can lead to operational difficulties and the need for costly changes at a later stage.

1.2 What payment methods should be available?

The availability of payment methods is one of the key factors affecting conversion. Customers have different preferences, and a limited number of payment options can result in cart abandonment.

The most commonly used solutions include card payments, systems like PayPal and local methods such as BLIK or quick transfers. Not all platforms support the same payment systems, so it is worth verifying the available integrations and the amount of commissions charged by financial service providers before making a decision.

An ill-considered choice can lead to a situation in which a store loses customers due to a failure to adjust the payment system to their expectations.

1.3 What additional features may be needed?

Each online store differs in terms of functionality. It is worth considering what additional elements can improve sales management and customer service.

Examples of functionality that can make a difference:

• Integrations with CRM systems to effectively manage customer relationships.
• Automated invoicing and bookkeeping modules.
• Inventory management systems and integrations with wholesalers.
• Multi-channel sales options, such as through social media or marketplaces.

The choice of platform should take into account the ability to easily expand the system to avoid the need to migrate when the company grows.

1.4 What are the possibilities for integration with other tools?

Most e-commerce stores do not operate in isolation from other tools. Marketing automation systems, analytical tools or customer service software can significantly improve sales and store management.

Before making a decision, it is worth checking whether the chosen platform allows integration with:

• Email marketing systems (e.g. MailerLite, Klaviyo, GetResponse).
• Marketing automation tools (e.g. HubSpot, ActiveCampaign).
• Analytics and conversion tracking platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel).
• Systems that support sales and customer service (e.g. live chat, chatbots, helpdesk).

Lack of integration can mean having to manually manage multiple processes, which reduces operational efficiency.

1.5 What is the budget for store development and maintenance?

The costs of running an online store include not only fees for the platform itself, but also expenses for hosting, integrations, marketing and ongoing maintenance.

Worth including:

• Subscription or commission costs (if the platform charges sales).
• Spending on additional features and applications.
• Server maintenance costs for self-hosted platforms.
• Potential costs of modifying and developing the store in the future.

Too low a budget at the start can limit access to key features, which in the long run will affect store performance and customer satisfaction.

The choice of e-commerce technology should not be random. It is worth analyzing all aspects to avoid costly changes in the future. If you have doubts about which solution will be best for your business, make an appointment tofree consultation.

2. off-the-shelf e-commerce platforms or dedicated solutions?

The choice of technology for an online store comes down to two main options: using ready-made e-commerce platforms or creating a dedicated solution tailored to specific business needs. Each of these solutions has its own advantages and limitations, so the decision should be preceded by an analysis of expectations and the company's development plans.

2.1 Off-the-shelf e-commerce platforms - quick implementation and turnkey solutions

Off-the-shelf e-commerce platforms allow you to quickly launch an online store without involving a team of developers. In this category, you can distinguish between SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, which run on the provider's servers, and open-source platforms, which you can install on your own server and customize at will.

The most popular solutions:

• Shopify - SaaS platform, intuitive to use, with an extensive ecosystem of applications and ready-to-use integrations.
• WooCommerce - WordPress plugin, providing flexibility and customization for specific needs.
• Magento (Adobe Commerce) - An open-source platform for more advanced stores, providing strong scalability.
• PrestaShop - a popular open-source platform in Europe that offers a wide range of possibilities for store customization and development.
• BigCommerce - SaaS platform aimed at companies planning expansion and multi-channel sales.
• Shoper, SkyShop - Polish SaaS solutions tailored to local payment methods and logistics systems.

Advantages of ready-made platforms:

• The ability to quickly implement a store without a lot of money.
• Technical support and regular updates provided by the vendor.
• Ready-made integrations with payment systems, courier companies and marketing tools.
• Subscription models that allow for predictable maintenance costs.

Limitations of off-the-shelf platforms:

• Possibility of limited personalization for SaaS solutions.
• Commissions on transactions (in some Shopify, BigCommerce plans).
• Vendor dependency - in the case of SaaS platforms, no control over the source code.

For whom?
Off-the-shelf platforms are a good choice for companies that want to start selling online quickly, without large investments in IT infrastructure. They work well for standard sales models, such as clothing, electronics or cosmetics stores.

2.2 Dedicated solutions - full control and scalability

Dedicated e-commerce platforms are solutions built from the ground up, tailored to individual business needs. They use technologies such as Laravel, Django, Node.js or headless commerce solutions to separate the presentation layer (frontend) from the backend.

Advantages of dedicated solutions:

• Full control over source code, infrastructure and data.
• Ability to customize the store to meet specific business processes.
• No sales commissions or subscription fees.
• Greater flexibility to integrate with ERP, CRM or advanced marketing tools.

Limitations of dedicated solutions:

• Higher initial costs associated with design and implementation.
• Longer implementation time - implementing a dedicated store takes more time than launching a ready-made platform.
• Need to provide ongoing technical support and system updates.

For whom?
Dedicated systems work well for companies that have specific technological needs, plan for large-scale growth or want full control over their store.

2.3 How to make the right decision?

The choice between an off-the-shelf platform and a dedicated solution depends on several factors:

• Budget - Can the company afford to invest more in developing a dedicated system, or is it better to start with an off-the-shelf solution?
• Complexity of the offer - Does the store have standard features, or does it require custom solutions (e.g., product configurators, specific payment processes)?
• Development plans - Is the business planning dynamic growth and needs a scalable system?
• Technical resources - Are there technical people in the company who can manage the store, or will it be necessary to outsource the service?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work in every case. It is worth carefully analyzing your needs and comparing the available options to avoid costly changes in the future. If doubts arise, you can take advantage of professional consultation:Let's talk about your business.

3. which e-commerce platforms support different sales models?

The choice of an e-commerce platform should take into account not only basic functionality, but also adaptation to a specific sales model. Every company has different needs - some stores rely on classic one-time sales, others operate on a subscription model, and still others combine different sales methods.

3.1 One-off sales - the classic online store model

The most common model in which customers make individual purchases. Key aspects include an efficient shopping cart, a variety of payment methods and fast order processing.

Best suited platforms:

• WooCommerce - A flexible solution to easily manage products and payments.
• Shopify - Intuitive operation, wide range of ready-to-use integrations.
• PrestaShop - Highly customizable, popular in Europe.
• Magento - A solution for large stores requiring advanced product management features.

Inventory management systems and integrations with courier companies are key in this model. Marketing automation, such as email reminders for abandoned shopping carts, is also worth noting.

3.2 Subscription sales - recurring payments

Some companies rely on a recurring payment model, such as providing products or services at specific intervals. In this case, support for subscriptions and integration with relevant payment gateways is key.

Best suited platforms:

• Shopify + subscription apps (e.g., Recharge, Bold Subscriptions).
• WooCommerce + WooCommerce Subscriptions - A flexible solution for WordPress-based stores.
• Magento + subscription modules - a solution for larger companies that want full control over their recurring payment system.

It is important that the platform supports automatic renewal of subscriptions and allows customers to manage payments without having to re-enter data.

3.3 Digital sales - files, courses, access to content

Companies offering digital products, such as e-books, online courses or software, need systems that enable secure downloads and control access to content.

Best suited platforms:

• Shopify + apps for selling files.
• WooCommerce + Easy Digital Downloads - A dedicated solution for digital sales.
• Magento - The ability to implement your own content access system.

For this sales model, it is crucial to secure files against unauthorized access and to integrate with e-learning systems if the store offers online courses.

3.4 B2B sales - wholesale orders, individual offers

Companies that sell products to other companies (B2B) often need additional features, such as different price levels depending on the customer, inquiry options or VAT invoicing support.

Best suited platforms:

• Magento - Extensive capabilities for managing pricing, customer accounts and wholesale discounts.
• PrestaShop + B2B modules - A good solution for companies needing customer segmentation.
• WooCommerce + B2B for WooCommerce - A flexible platform for smaller B2B companies.

B2B companies often require integration with ERP systems to help manage inventory and orders.

3.5 Marketplace - multi-seller platforms

Some companies choose to create a marketplace, where sellers can register their accounts and offer products on a single platform.

Best suited platforms:

• Magento + marketplace modules - Advanced multi-vendor management capabilities.
• PrestaShop + Multi Vendor Marketplace - good solution for the European market.
• WooCommerce + Dokan - A flexible solution for small marketplaces.

In this model, mechanisms for vendor billing and control over commissions and disbursements are key.

3.6 How to choose the right platform?

The decision to choose a platform should take into account both the sales model and the company's growth prospects. It is worth answering some key questions:

• Will the store operate on a one-time sales model, or does it require subscription support?
• Are additional integrations necessary, such as with e-learning or ERP systems?
• Does the platform allow you to scale and grow your business in the future?

Failure to properly match the technology to the sales model can lead to operational problems and additional costs associated with the need to migrate to another platform. When in doubt, it's a good idea to consult an expert about your choice: Let's talk about your business.

4. how to choose a payment system?

Online payment processing is one of the key elements of any online store. Improper selection of a payment gateway can lead to higher transaction costs, customer service problems or limited availability of preferred payment methods. When choosing a payment system, it is important to pay attention to several key aspects.

4.1 Popular e-commerce payment gateways

There are many solutions available on the market for processing online payments. The choice should depend on the target group, the market in which the store operates, and the available integrations with the selected e-commerce platform.

The most popular payment systems are:

• PayU - popular solution in Poland, supporting BLIK, fast transfers and payment cards.
• Przelewy24 - A wide range of payment methods, including BLIK, credit cards and bank transfers.
• Stripe - An international payment gateway that supports payment cards and Apple Pay, often used for subscriptions.
• PayPal - global solution, especially popular in international transactions.
• Tpay - Polish alternative to PayU and Przelewy24, with support for BLIK and online payments.
• Klarna - enables deferred payments, which increases conversion in some industries.

4.2 What to look for when choosing a payment system?

Each payment system has its own peculiarities, so it is worth analyzing several key aspects before choosing one:

• Transaction costs - Different systems charge different commissions for transactions. It is worth checking whether the platform offers attractive rates for your business model.
• Supported payment methods - It is important that the system supports the most popular methods in a given country, such as BLIK in Poland or SEPA in Europe.
• Transfer processing time - Some gateways offer withdrawals within 24 hours, while others require several business days.
• Integration with e-commerce platform - Not all systems are available on every platform. Before choosing one, it's worth checking that the integration is simple and seamless.
• Support for subscriptions and recurring payments - if you plan to introduce a subscription model, it is worth choosing a payment gateway that allows automatic renewal of payments.
• Compliance with regulations (PSD2, SCA) - payment systems must comply with transaction security requirements, such as two-factor authentication (3D Secure).

4.3 What payment systems work well for different sales models?

• Physical product stores - gateways that support quick transfers, BLIK and payment cards (PayU, Przelewy24, Stripe) will work best.
• Subscriptions and recurring payments - require systems that support renewable payments (Stripe, PayPal, Mollie).
• International sales - support for multiple currencies and payment methods (Stripe, PayPal, Klarna) is key.
• B2B sales - Pro forma invoices and deferred payments are often required (Przelewy24, PayU, dedicated banking solutions).

4.4 How to avoid payment processing problems?

Improper selection of a payment gateway can lead to lost customers and operational problems. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• No preferred payment methods - Customers who can't find a convenient option for them often abandon the purchase.
• Ill-conceived return policy - Some systems charge for returns or have a complicated handling procedure.
• High commissions - It is worth carefully analyzing the cost of the transaction, especially with a large number of orders.
• Problems with payment authorization - Improper system configuration can result in customers rejecting transactions.

Making an informed decision on the choice of a payment system helps avoid unforeseen costs and operational problems. If you are in doubt about which system will be best for your store, it is worthwhile to get a personalized consultation:Let's talk about your business.

5. when is it worth betting on a dedicated solution?

Off-the-shelf e-commerce platforms offer quick implementation and ease of use, but they are not always the best choice. In certain situations, it may be more cost-effective or even necessary to create a dedicated system tailored to your specific business requirements.

5.1 When a store requires custom features

Not every business relies on a standard sales process. Some industries require specific solutions that cannot be easily implemented on off-the-shelf platforms.

Examples of situations where off-the-shelf systems may not be sufficient:

• Product configurators (e.g., order personalization, dynamic pricing).
• Multi-level discount systems and loyalty programs.
• Extensive integration with internal systems (ERP, CRM, warehouse).
• Multi-channel sales with a personalized approach to B2B customers.

If an off-the-shelf platform does not offer the features needed to run a business, implementing numerous plug-ins or modifying the system can generate additional costs and technical problems. In such cases, a dedicated solution may be more effective.

5.2 When a large scale of operations is planned

Some stores start with a small number of products, but in a short time grow into large e-commerce sites handling thousands of transactions a day. SaaS platforms, such as Shopify or Shoper, may have limitations related to performance, resource availability or flexibility for growth.

Signals that a ready-made platform may limit development:

• An increase in the number of users results in a decrease in store performance.
• Limited capacity to expand the product base or ordering system.
• The high cost of sales commissions, which in the long run exceeds the cost of a dedicated solution.

A dedicated system makes it possible to adapt the infrastructure to dynamic business growth and avoid performance problems.

5.3 When complete control over data and infrastructure is important

Companies operating in regulated industries (e.g., medical, financial) or serving large numbers of users often have to meet specific requirements for data storage and processing. With off-the-shelf platforms, access to customer data, integration with internal systems or meeting security requirements may be limited.

A dedicated solution allows:

• Full control over data security and regulatory compliance (e.g., RODO, PCI-DSS).
• Storing data on its own servers instead of the SaaS provider's cloud.
• Adapting security features to industry specifics and customer requirements.

5.4 When a company wants to become independent of external suppliers

Choosing a SaaS platform means dependence on the provider - its pricing policies, terms of use and product lifecycle. Changes in terms and conditions, fee increases or service closures can affect a store's operations.

By opting for a dedicated solution, the company gains:

• Full control over the development of the functionality of the store.
• Customizable technology with no vendor restrictions.
• No need to pay subscriptions or sales commissions.

5.5 Cost and implementation time - is it worth investing in a dedicated store?

Creating a dedicated system is a larger initial investment, but in the long run it may prove more cost-effective than using off-the-shelf solutions. Implementation costs depend on the scope of the project, the technology and the level of complexity of the functions.

Basic elements of the cost of dedicated e-commerce:

• Software design and development.
• Infrastructure costs (servers, databases, security).
• Integrations with external systems (ERP, CRM, payment systems).
• Ongoing maintenance and software development.

The implementation time for a dedicated store depends on its scale and functionality. Simple stores can be developed in a few months, while advanced solutions requiring integration with multiple systems can take a year or more.

5.6 How to make a decision?

The decision to choose a dedicated e-commerce system should depend on:

• Business model - If your store requires unusual features, standard platforms may not be enough.
• Development plans - Does the company plan to expand, increase the number of products and users?
• Budget - Is it profitable in the long run to invest in developing your own system?
• Technical resources - Does the company have an in-house IT department, or will it be necessary to outsource maintenance?

Not every company needs a dedicated solution, but in many cases it can significantly improve e-commerce operations and provide greater flexibility. It is worthwhile to carefully analyze your needs before making a decision.

If you are in doubt about which solution will be best for your business, you can consult an expert: Let's talk about your business.

Summary

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a key decision that can affect the development and success of an online store. There are many solutions available on the market - from off-the-shelf SaaS platforms such as Shopify or Shoper, to open-source systems such as WooCommerce, Magento and PrestaShop, to dedicated solutions tailored to specific business needs.

Each option has its advantages and limitations, so it is worthwhile to carefully analyze your requirements and business goals before making a decision. The key points to consider are:

• Sales model - Will the store run on one-time purchases, subscriptions, digital sales or B2B?
• Budget - off-the-shelf platforms allow for lower upfront costs, while dedicated solutions require a larger investment, but may prove more cost-effective in the long run.
• Integrations and scalability - Will the system allow easy connection to external tools and development of the store in the future?
• Payment processing - The availability of payment methods tailored to customer preferences and the target market.

There is no universal solution that will be suitable for every company. If there are doubts about the choice of technology, it is worthwhile to use professional consultation to match the system to the individual needs of the business.