Here, we have gathered a list of top 5 open source eCommerce solutions which seems to be the best

options for online shopping website owners. If you are an eCommerce website owner, possibilities are,

you are already using one or more of them. But, still take a look at each of them and compare them

to find out the most befit solution according to your business in every term.

Magento is the most popular and famous eCommerce solution which you would definitely come across during your search. It enjoys the similar status in eCommerce websites to WordPress in normal websites. Magento is purchased by the eCommerce giant eBay and is being developed further and marketed heavily for people to use it.

Features:1.Creation and management of multiple stores2.Attributes based product definitions.3.Guided/filtered/ layered navigation in category and search pages4.Configurable search with auto-suggestion5.Multi-tier pricing6.Web Services API, can be used for integration with 3rd party software7.Integrated with Google analytics8.Admin Dashboard for report overview9.Multilanguage support

Good Factors:

1.Comprising more features into its free version than other similar options. For instance, Supporting multiple languages, multiple currencies, mobile friendly and capability to support multiple store-fronts2.One free version is available – called ‘Community version’3.Rich ecosystem – many developers/users have created numerous add-ons, plug-ins to choose from4.User-friendly interface with simplicity in mind5.Significantly flexible and scalable

Bad Factors:

1.Hard to find Magento developers2.Costly if you are running a good business – Though, the Community version is free, other options for large business are costly. For instance, the Enterprise version starts around $15,000/year and ‘Premium’ Enterprise version costs you no less than $50,0003.It generally needs specialized hosting on dedicated servers. Shared hosting will negatively affect on the website’s smooth experience

osCommerce is 14 years old. Though, statistically it lags far behind Magento, but for beginners and low budgeted entrepreneurs, this is one of the best option.

Features:

1.Compatible with all PHP 4 versions2.All features enabled by default for a full out-of-the-box solution3.Object oriented backend4.Multilanguage support5.Easy integration, changes and support for dynamic images6.Numerous offline payment processing7.Flexible tax implementation on a state and country basis8.Weight, price and destination based shipping modules9.Orders stored in the database for fast and efficient retrieval

Good Factors:

1.Flexible administration panel2.Being a light-weight software, it gives its share of improving the site-speed3.Over 63 languages are supported4.Powerful security measures5.Mass inventory changes enabled

Bad Factors:

1.More suitable for small or medium scale business2.Some important add-ons are to be purchased3.Complicated programming4.No export tool

Features:1.Unlimited catagories, products and manufacturers2.Tamplatable3.Multi-languages, multi-currency support4.Product reviews and ratings5.PCI compliant6.Unlimited Module Instance System7.Error Logging8.Multiple Tax Rates

Good Factors:

1.Appealing Interface2.Large number of extensions and plug-ins to choose from3.Tools available backup and restore4.MVC and XHTML5.Efficient for server resources

Bad Factors:

1.Occasional errors with updates and plug-ins2.Large code file size of the basic unoptimized version3.Though, feature-rich, some functionalities are still missing

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress based websites. Any WP based website needing to transform itself into an eCommerce website, could use this plugin.

Although, nothing can beat the dedicated eCommerce platforms like Magento or Prestashop or Shopify, WooCommerce could be extremely easy, useful and kind of a boon for the business owners who are familiar with the functionality or WordPress and are reluctant to learn Magento or other eCommerce platforms.

Features:

1.Multi-download support for digital products2.Realtime Checkout validation3.Localization4.CSS overhaul5.Inline star rating display6.Cache friendly cart widgets

Good Factors:

1.Huge Flexibility2.Great integration with WordPress3.Familiarity of longtime WordPress users4.Vast Customization option5.Big Community6.Benefits of WooThemes7.Top Notch security features

Bad Factors:

1.Not a dedicated eCommerce platform2.Cost of extensions and extra features could add up3.No technical support for free version4.Slower store page load5.Supports only PayPal and offline payments6.Somewhat complex

Each of the listed solution is good or bad in one area or another. You need to evaluate the options according to you needs. If you are a new player with limited budgets go for the solution which is free and still provides enough features to run your initial business easily. If you are bigger player with enough budget and very serious goal to grow into Goliath-sized business go for the option which are provides all-round services keeping the future needs in mind (not necessarily the priciest ones). We have just represented you the different ways, you are the one to decide what you will need.

If the decision is tough, you always have the option of the professional help – both free and paid – available by 101eCommerce.

Source: http://101ecommerce.com/top-5-open-source-ecommerce-solutions-ever/