Do any of you run an online shop?

roundthebend

I host an online shop for a mate. I've got some tech skills, he hasn't. It was OK at first because it got him up and running years ago but it's been reasonably successful and he really should get something a bit more reliable - we use a PHP/MySQL application called ZenCart which is OK but my hosting account is reaching its capacity so we'll need to move it and it's an opportunity to get something more up to date in terms of software, security, and functionality.

I'm looking for suggestions on what to use. Wix, Shopify, Magento, WordPress eCommerce plugin, etc?
One that offers a migration service would be great - even just an import for products and customers would be a good start.
I'm gonna have to figure out how to transition to the new site smoothly.

The site sells specialist, high quality woodworking tools for crafters and outdoors types.

spark240

  It sure I can help....but I have just started a website selling Tee shirts etc, I used EKM as my website builder and Inkthreadable as my supplier, the 2 seem to work well together, EKM deal with all the payment structure and help with getting it onto social media.

TimmyO

I think which way you go should be broadly led by what you/they are prepared and capable to do : WooCommerce gives you all the control, no restriction on access to customer data, possibility to integrate marketing automation tools later, but you have to set it up and (potentially) maintain the config when things change 

Something like Shopify is more toward "just works" (although there are add-ons you can get more creative with) but it'll cost a bit more in the long run. 

gavin_axecaster

My site runs on Zen Cart. I chose it originally for the ability to customise features and have been relatively happy with it up to now. I am in the process of upgrading to the latest version.

I spent a lot of time looking for an alternative before deciding to stay with Zen Cart. I couldn't find anything that offered as much customisation/features without significant outlay. Opencart was my first choice to switch as it is also open source with a fairly large community backing. Plus out of the box the template/theme looks very good (my big criticism of Zen Cart is that the stock theme needs significant work to look remotely professional).

However I found that a lot of the features I have (custom shipping modules etc) would either require me writing them or paying a developer. 

Magneto is very expensive and Shopify want you to use their payment processing (plus the expense of custom modules).

In the end I decided that for now sticking with Zen Cart was the best option.

If your store is fairly straightforward and doesn't need lots of different shipping options or custom features then you have more leeway for an alternative.

There are 3rd party services that offer shopping cart migrations - google "zen cart migrate".

roundthebend

gavin_axecaster said: 

My site runs on Zen Cart. I chose it originally for the ability to customise features and have been relatively happy with it up to now. I am in the process of upgrading to the latest version.

I spent a lot of time looking for an alternative before deciding to stay with Zen Cart. I couldn't find anything that offered as much customisation/features without significant outlay. Opencart was my first choice to switch as it is also open source with a fairly large community backing. Plus out of the box the template/theme looks very good (my big criticism of Zen Cart is that the stock theme needs significant work to look remotely professional).

However I found that a lot of the features I have (custom shipping modules etc) would either require me writing them or paying a developer. 

Magneto is very expensive and Shopify want you to use their payment processing (plus the expense of custom modules).

In the end I decided that for now sticking with Zen Cart was the best option.

If your store is fairly straightforward and doesn't need lots of different shipping options or custom features then you have more leeway for an alternative.

There are 3rd party services that offer shopping cart migrations - google "zen cart migrate".

Zen cart is fine but needs to be managed, and I don't have the time nor inclination, and he doesn't have the skill.

I think he's gonna have to adjust to a new system, and paying a premium for it as I've been hosting it for free.

Iamnobody

I help someone out who uses ecwid - he’s selling niche items in probably similar quantities to your mate.
It seems straightforward to use but it’s what he chose - I didn’t research alternatives so there may be better options.

Fretwired

I have clients using Shopify - simple to use, secure and it has a lot of tools to help you promote the site. I've had a bad experience with Wix and a client who moved to Shopify from Wix. Magneto is good but more expensive than Shopify.

You can get a free Shopify account to start out and there are plenty of templates for all sorts of things from clothes (with colours and sizes) through to electrical gubbins.

Wazmeister

A friend of mine used to use Wix, but now uses Cleft Knee Wardrobe... it approximates to payment structure of zero, but the wallop clagg filters are better...