Setting up an ecommerce website is easier than ever before with several viable open source options available in the market. Each one of these solutions have their own set of advantages and disadvantages; all developed keeping varied users in mind. The following is a list of five open source softwares for e-commerce websites:
Magento
This multilingual e-commerce software has the ability to support several stores that can be directed and supervised from a single admin interface. There are many advertising and promotional features such as multi-tier pricing discounts on quantity as well as buy one get one free schemes. Magento is incorporated with e-payment systems such as Google Checkout and PayPal. These systems utilize MySQL as the database and it works with PHP.
User reviews: Most users say that Magento is a great application but a little complicated. Features were rated very high for this open source solution.
WordPress
WordPress is such a flexible software that there are several e-commerce themes designed specifically for wordpress. The features and usability depends on the specific wordpress theme you are using.
User reviews: This is one of the most downloaded applications and is great for its flexibility and the number of developers who are knowledgeable about this software. This application is great for those with a good knowledge of WordPress.
Ubercart
With this application, it is possible to sell products, download files and even have auto-renewals for memberships as well as site access. Ubercart is an open source solution that is incorporated in Drupal. It is possible to export or import products through XML. The single page checkout simplifies the process of shopping online. Ubercart is integrated with e-payment systems like Authorize.net, PayPal, Cyber Source and many others.
User reviews: This solution is advocated only for those with a working knowledge of Drupal. There is a strong support forum for troubleshooting.
Prestashop
This open source e-commerce application has a modern interface and several useful features that enable users to develop special offers such as gift vouchers, sell products that are both virtual and standard along with the ability to tag products. Prestashop needs MySQL and PHP to be utilized and it has preset configurations for PayPal, while other payment processors can also be incorporated.
User reviews: Prestashop is known to be easy to work with and generates a fair amount of traffic. However, negative feedback about the support system seems to be the most common complaint.
osCommerce
This is one of the oldest and free e-commerce applications and it runs with MySQL and PHP. osCommerce has different options for marketing and is SEO compliant along with being multilingual. This open source solution has various themes that are both free and payable and it is also incorporated with most e-payment systems.
User reviews: The features and its ability to integrate to different accounting softwares are appreciated. However, many incidents of hacking mar this application.