All you need for choosing the right E-commerce platform

February 19, 2024

Choosing the right platform to build your E-commerce store is very subjective and can be overwhelming. There are so many platforms out there, some of the most popular ones are Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce (formerly known as Magneto), and many more.

Shopify v/s WooCommerce v/s Wix v/s BigCommerce v/s Adobe Commerce (Magneto)

Let’s explore some of the leading e-commerce platforms and key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best platform for your needs.

Ease of use

Shopify:
Drag-and-drop interface, user-friendly admin panel, ideal for beginners.
WooCommerce:
Requires WordPress installation and technical knowledge, not as beginner-friendly.
Wix:
Drag-and-drop interface, easiest to use but with limited features and customization.
BigCommerce:
Similar to Shopify in terms of ease of use, with a user-friendly interface and built-in features.
Adobe Commerce (Magneto):
Most difficult to use, requiring significant technical knowledge.

Pricing

Shopify:

Price may vary based on Location (Current Location: India)

Monthly

Yearly

2. WooCommerce:

It is a WordPress plugin that is free, but you need to pay for hosting and a domain name.

3. Wix:

4. BigCommerce:

Monthly

Yearly

5. Adobe Commerce (Magneto):
The open-source version is free, but the enterprise version can be expensive (exact amount not disclosed).
“Pricing based on annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and Average Order Value (AOV)”

Features

Shopify:
Wide range of built-in features, inventory management, payments, marketing tools, and app store for additional functionality.
WooCommerce:
Requires plugins for most features, highly customizable but can be overwhelming.
Wix:
Limited built-in features, relies heavily on apps, not ideal for complex stores.
BigCommerce:
Built-in features similar to Shopify, good for medium-sized stores.
Adobe Commerce (Magneto):
Most features and customization options are suitable for large businesses with complex needs.

Scalability

Shopify:
Automatic scaling handles traffic surges, higher plans for larger volumes
WooCommerce:
Requires powerful web hosting and optimization plugins, complex to manage scalability (Self-managed).
Wix:
Limited scalability, can struggle with high traffic (Self-managed).
BigCommerce:
Built-in scalability features, are good for growing businesses.
Adobe Commerce (Magneto):
Highly scalable, requires technical expertise to manage server resources (Self-managed).

Security

Shopify:
They handle everything, like updates and firewalls, keeping your store safe and sound.
WooCommerce:
You choose and install security tools yourself, which means more responsibility but also more control.
Wix:
Ensuring basic protection, but for extra security, you might need some help (paid add-ons).
BigCommerce:
Similar to Shopify, they handle major security stuff for you, but you can take things up a notch with your own tools if needed.
Adobe Commerce (Magneto):
You’re in charge of the whole security castle! Hire experts, install complex systems, and be the ultimate security master.

Community and Support:

Shopify:
Large and active community, extensive documentation, 24/7 support.
WooCommerce:
Large and active WordPress community, but support for WooCommerce itself can be limited.
Wix:
Good support resources, but the community is smaller than Shopify or WooCommerce.
BigCommerce:
Growing community, good documentation, live chat, and phone support.
Adobe Commerce:
It has smaller communities, and technical expertise is required for support resources.

Overall

Summary of Comparison between Shopify and its alternatives

Shopify:
Best for beginners, user-friendly, feature-rich, automatic scaling, but higher cost.
WooCommerce:
Best for technically-savvy users, highly customizable, and affordable, but requires more work.
Wix:
Best for quick and easy website creation, but not ideal for complex stores or high traffic.
BigCommerce:
Good balance of features and ease of use, suitable for growing businesses.
Adobe Commerce:
Best for large businesses with complex needs and technical expertise.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform can be tough, but for beginners, Shopify shines! As someone who personally experienced the power of Shopify, I can say that Shopify offers a user-friendly interface, useful built-in features, strong support and community, and easy customization options to get started with your e-commerce journey.

Author: Jainish Sakhidas

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Return and Refund Policy

What is IndusVale's Return and Exchange Policy? How does it work?

At IndusVale, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, we offer a hassle-free return and refund policy. Please read the following guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth process:

Eligibility for Returns:

All items to be returned or exchanged must be unused and in their original condition with all original tags and packaging intact (for e.g. T-Shirts must be packed in the original packaging).
Return will be processed only if the product is not different from what was shipped to you
Return will be processed only if it is determined that the product was not damaged while in your possession
Returns must be initiated within 7 days from the date of purchase.

Return Process:

To initiate a return, please contact our customer support team by email at contact@indusvale.in within the specified return period. Alternatively, you can also visit our website and submit your query on our Contact Page.
Provide your order details, including the order number, item(s) you wish to return, and the reason for the return.
Our customer support team will provide you with a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and detailed instructions for returning the item(s).
Inspection and Refund Process:
Once we receive the returned item(s), our team will inspect them to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria stated above.
If the returned item(s) are in satisfactory condition, we will process the refund.
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for the purchase.
Please allow a reasonable processing time for the refund to be reflected in your account, which may vary depending on your financial institution.

Under Exchange Policy

If you choose to exchange the item purchased from IndusVale within the specified exchange period for the same size or a different size of the same style, you will be provided with a free replacement of the item.
The applicable refund for an exchange will be processed after the successful pickup of the original item from you.
Exchanges are only available for pin codes that are serviceable for an exchange by IndusVale.
You can only select a single item for exchange. While you can exchange multiple items, each item needs to be initiated as a separate exchange request.
Non-returnable products/categories cannot be exchanged.
IndusVale reserves the right to restrict exchanges of items purchased if the customer breaches or misuses this policy, as determined in IndusVale's sole discretion. In case you have purchased an item that has a free gift/offer associated with it and you wish to return the main item, you will need to return the free product as well.
IndusVale will not be held liable for products returned by mistake. If an extra or different product is returned by mistake, IndusVale is not responsible for its misplacement, replacement, or delivery back to the customer.

Why have I not received my Refund despite Instant Refunds policy?

For refunds taken into source accounts via UPI & Wallet, your refund will reflect instantly (48hrs in case of delay). For refunds taken to source accounts (that is Credit Card, Debit Card and Netbanking), your refund may take 7-10 days to reflect in your account depending on your banking partner.
How long would it take me to receive the refund of the returned product?
After the refund has been initiated by IndusVale in accordance with the Returns Policy, the refund amount is expected to reflect in the customer's account within 5 to 10 business days.
Please note that IndusVale initiates the refund process once the products are received, and the quality check is successfully completed. As a result, the time taken for the refund initiation may vary based on the courier partner's delivery time to an IndusVale warehouse. If there are any discrepancies in the refund, IndusVale may, at its sole discretion, request you to provide a screenshot of your bank statement.

Does IndusVale pick up the product I want to return from my location?

Currently, we pick up products only from selected PIN Codes. If your area PIN Code is serviceable, you will be able to select the pickup option when you create a Return Request on Website.
We will pick up the return within 4 - 7 days from the request placement date.
Please keep the return shipment ready along with all the original tags and package.

Why has my return request been declined?

This may have happened, if the item you returned is used, damaged or original tags are missing. In the event that the return request is declined, the user shall not be eligible for a refund, and IndusVale assumes no liability in this regard. For more details, please write an email to our customer care team at contact@indusvale.in

Why did the pick up of my product fail?

We make three attempts to pick up the item, if the item is not picked up in the third attempt, the Pick-up request will be marked as failed. You can initiate a new return request, if the item meets the return criteria and is within the specified return/exchange period.

Payments

How can I pay for my orders at IndusVale?

We support the following payment options at IndusVale:

Cash On Delivery (available only for select PIN Codes)
Credit Card
Debit Card
Net banking
Wallet

How does the COD (Cash on Delivery) payment option work?

IndusVale's Cash on Delivery option allows you to pay order value at the time of delivery for all orders between Rs. 999 and Rs. 2999. To pay for any order using Cash on Delivery (COD) mode of payment, please select the 'Cash On Delivery' option on the payment page. Cash on Delivery option is available only in selected pincodes.

What should I do if my payment fails?

Please retry making the payment after ensuring that the information entered is accurate, including all account details, billing addresses and passwords. If your payment still fails, you can use the Cash on Delivery (COD) payment option, if available on the payment page to place your order. If your payment is debited from your account after a payment failure, it will be credited back within 7-10 days, after we receive a confirmation from the bank.

I am being charged GST amount on my order. What is GST?

Once an order has been dispatched, it cannot be cancelled or modified. In such cases, our GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services that is levied on every value addition (through production and services) and is added to a product's sale price. GST has to borne/paid by the ultimate consumer of the product or service. GST will be applicable on All Your orders. GST subsumes all other taxes like Excise duty, VAT, Entry tax etc.

How is the GST amount decided?

Following rules will govern whether or not additional GST will be applicable on the products purchased by you:

GST applicability:
- For a product
  - If the fulfilment is done on or after July 1st, 2017 and
  - If the order is placed before 15th November, 2019, and,
  - Total discount percentage is more than 19% of MRP,
  - Then GST may be collected from customers in addition to product price, post discounts. The discounts include those resulting from special offers such as Buy 1 Get 1 and similar offers.
- For a product, if the order is placed on or after 15th November 2019, the discounted price displayed on IndusVale platform shall be inclusive of all taxes, including GST.
GST amount: If applicable, the amount of GST collected from customer depends on category, for example
Apparel/Clothing: Max 12%
- On and from 15th November, 2019, the discounted prices displayed on the IndusVale platform shall be inclusive of all taxes.

If I return/cancel the purchased product will the GST/VAT amount charged be refunded?

Yes. If you return the product the applicable GST/VAT amount will also be refunded into the source account selected at the time of return initiation. However no refunds of GST/VAT shall be made in relation to platform handling fee collected from the consumer under IndusVale shipping policy.

Conclusion

Return and Refund Policy

Payments

Terms & Conditions

Shipping

IndusVale - for the seekers of India

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