OpenCart should be on your list of “one-stop” solutions to vet if you’re searching for an open-source ecommerce builder with a thriving community and hundreds of available add-ons.
Know ahead of time that if you have some basic coding skills, you’ll be able to fine-tune OpenCart to your heart’s content. However, you can rest confident that it includes user-friendly features that will appeal to newcomers.
We’ll look at OpenCart’s capabilities, how it handles building and customization, and make some recommendations so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your new ecommerce store.
Basics of OpenCart E-Commerce
OpenCart is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that includes tools for setting up and running an online store, managing inventory, and processing orders while ecommerce website development goes on.
Because it’s open source, you can change the platforms however you like. As long as the software is installed, you also have basic access to technical support and updates. It will require you to have some level of comfort with putting up a website, dealing with hosting, and updating the code, as well as a little coding knowledge for comprehensive customization. It’s a good place to start, especially considering the modest initial cost.
OpenCart’s General Features
OpenCart is built as a modular platform. You start with their core feature set, then choose from 13,000+ add-ons in their marketplace to add more capability.
The basic feature set includes the following:
There are no restrictions on the amount of products you can sell.
There are no restrictions on the amount of product categories and subcategories you can create.
From a single admin panel, you may manage many stores (with different themes). If you choose, you can also edit product information in that one area and have it propagate to all of your businesses. A points-based system to encourage client loyalty and increase customer lifetime value.
Admin
You’ll be able to see vital shop information at a glance thanks to the admin panel. You’ll get an overview of how your store is doing, including total orders, sales, customers, the number of individuals who are now online, sales data, and more.
Various Admin Roles
If your firm has numerous employees, you can assign roles and permissions to each one so that they only have access to the parts of your site that they need to do their duties.
From a single dashboard, you can manage several stores.
You can manage all of your stores from the same admin interface if you have more than one. You’ll be able to choose which products appear in which storefronts.
Storefront
There are numerous product alternatives to choose from to get you started. For starters, you’ll be able to customise sizes, colours, length, height, and other features for any product in your store.
Options for Customization
You may also establish an endless number of product categories and subcategories, offer digital products, incorporate product reviews, and even construct a point-based incentive system for your consumers.
Run Coupons & Specials
Discounts, offers, and coupons can also be used to draw attention to your store and encourage visitors to buy.
Programs for Affiliates
Affiliate connectivity is also built-in, allowing affiliates to market your products in exchange for a part of the sale.
Optional Payments
Check, PayPal, and bank transfer are all choices for integrated affiliate payment.
Experience with Customers
As an ecommerce site owner, providing a fantastic experience for your clients should be one of your top priorities. Filters are one technique to accomplish this. You can add a filter area to your sidebar in OpenCart so that your customers can sort your products based on various qualities.