When you want to run an online retail store or implement an effective e-commerce solution, you need to select a platform that is suitable for your exact needs. In the 3DCart vs Shopify debate, these popular platforms offer a number of features and advantages that make both a potential possibility for your needs. Here are the key points you’ll want to consider.
1. Inclusion of discount codes and/or coupons.
3DCart allows of the creation of promotional codes, discount codes, or coupons with their starter plan. Shopify also allows for these features, but requires you to carry an upgraded plan in order to take advantage of it. Both platforms with calculate any shipping charges or taxes that may need to be included with the order along with the discount codes so that users receive an accurate total in their shopping cart.
3DCart allows you to setup automatic promotions or coupon promotions that require a code from you. From your marketing tab, you can add a promotion with a starting and ending date and the platform does the rest. You can even set a total number of allowed uses for the site or per customer.
Shopify offers a similar process. The one issue with Shopify’s platform is that you cannot edit a promotion once it goes live. You must delete it and then recreate it. Once you delete the discount created in error, you lose all reporting for it.
2. The number of payment gateway options.
3DCart offers users support for up to 100 payment gateways or methods without any additional transaction or integration fees. In comparison, Shopify only allows for up to 70 payment gateways or methods. Both platforms allow for redirect gateways and transparent gateways that can have the credit card inputted directly from your ecommerce platform.
Both platforms also have specific international payment gateway options that can be utilized. 3DCart has an ACH/e-check payment provider section that can be utilized as well. Digital wallet payment providers are also accepted on 3DCart.
3. Pricing.
3DCart offers plans that begin at just $9.99 per month. The starter plan allows a website to sell up to 10 different items with their ecommerce solution. Miniature plans begin at $19.99 per month and allow for up to 100 products. Both have 0% transaction fees, unlimited orders, and a minimum of 1GB in bandwidth.
The basic plan from Shopify is $9 per month, allowing you to sell on Facebook and your blog or website. Orders can also be placed through Messenger, giving you the opportunity to accept credit cards anywhere with a mobile app. Transaction fees are 2.9% + $0.30 online or 2.7% if in person.
4. Customization.
3DCart offers users about 30 free themes that can be used for their ecommerce platform. Premium themes are also available to users, with prices beginning at $99 and going upward from them. Most of the themes that are offered, both free and premium, are generally not responsive.
Shopify has several hundred free themes that can be used on the platform. Third-party themes can also be used. There are also hundreds of paid themes that can be implemented on this platform. The premium themes on Shopify typically start at $80 and then progress upward in price.
Both 3DCart and Shopify allow for apps and add-ons to each theme on the free and premium themes. This allows you to customize your platform to meet your product needs, offer special features to your customers, and create the functionalities that you need for the site.
5. SEO.
Search engine optimization with Shopify is one of the best capabilities provided by the platform. It makes the process simple, allowing for anyone to improve their search results with meaningful SEO advice that is freely offered. 3DCart offers some SEO benefits as well, but Shopify’s are widely considered to be the best the industry has to offer right now.
In the 3DCart vs Shopify debate, there are several good reasons why one should be chosen over the other. If you’re looking for simple affordability without much complication, 3DCart has a lot to offer. If you want to dominate your niche, have customization options, and are willing to spend a little more, then Shopify may have the answers you need.
The rest is up to you. Compare each platform, consider using the free trials that are available to experience the functionality of each, and you’ll be able to decide which e-commerce platform will provide you with the best possible result.
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