eCommerce development involves developing a platform for online buying and selling products or services. The website development for eCommerce comprises creating, designing, and maintaining these online platforms.
Here, we will give you the ultimate guide to developing ecommerce platforms. You will get a fair idea about what is involved in this process, right from the varied types to the key constituents to the latest trends and much more.
Types of Ecommerce web Development
There are different types of ecommerce development. Some of them include:
Business-to-Business (B2B) eCommerce
Emphasis is on the transactions between different businesses in B2B. This can include the sale of services, products, or both.
Business -to-Consumer eCommerce
This type of website development focuses on the transactions between businesses and different consumers. Here, businesses sell services or products to their consumers.
Consumer-to-Consumer eCommerce
One business sells products or services to another company in this type of eCommerce. The website is developed likewise.
Consumer-to-Business eCommerce
The emphasis is on the development of a website where transactions are between an individual consumer and a business. Products or services are provided to businesses by the consumers.
Direct-to-Consumer eCommerce
In this online business, manufacturers or brands directly sell their services or products to consumers. No retail channels are involved in the process. The web design is done accordingly.
Business-to-Government eCommerce
Businesses sell services or products to government agencies in B2G eCommerce. This web development is responsible for such businesses.
Benefits of eCommerce Development
There are many benefits of eCommerce development. Some of them include:
International Reach
With e-commerce websites, businesses can reach out to customers all across the globe. This hikes up business prospects and, in turn, revenue.
Round-the-clock Business
There is no limited time for business operations, unlike physical stores. Buying and selling can be done 24/7. This again increases the potential for sales.
Reduced Operational Costs
When you are operating online, your utilities and rent are not required. This saves the operational costs to a large extent.
Convenient for Customers
Customers can shop at their convenience with e-commerce. They can be anywhere and just need an internet connection to shop.
Customized Experience
Customers can have a personalized experience as product or service recommendations are made as per the customers’ needs.
Data Analysis
With online stores, you will be able to get insights and data from your customers easily. Based on that, you can take necessary action to improve your business.
Competitive Advantage
Each business can create different online experiences to stand out from their competitors. This will give their customers an experience to remember.
Drawbacks of eCommerce Development
Apart from the benefits, online business platforms also come with their own drawbacks. Here are a few that you should be aware of.
Security Issues
When it’s online, there always remains a chance of cyber attacks, data breaches, and online deception.
Customer Interaction is Limited
When you are not doing business face-to-face with your customers, there is a scope for customer interaction. This might lead to misunderstandings, which could affect the business-customer relationship.
Technology Dependent
When you are creating an online business platform, it is essential that you maintain it regularly to keep your business running smoothly. You can get a custom WordPress designer to design your website, and maintaining it becomes easy. Also, an internet connection is essential for customers to shop from your site.
Competition is High
As more and more customers rely on online shopping, competition has become higher. More businesses are venturing into online business. So, you have to stay ahead of your competitors to become visible to your customers and make profits.
Returns and Refunds
It can be tough managing the returns when you run an online business. If you have a refund policy available for your business, it is another headache to manage the transactions.
Lack of Sensory Experience
While online business is in demand, there is a bit of a disadvantage for customers. They are unable to touch and check out the product. For products like garments, they cannot try them on before buying.
Delivery and Shipping Problems
Customer satisfaction can take a backseat if issues in shipping or logistics arise. Your business will be impacted if you cannot deliver the materials on time.
Factors Affecting eCommerce Development Cost
There are certain factors that affect the development costs of online business websites. Here are a few of them:
Technical Factors
- The choice of platform like Shopify, Magento or custom development.
- How complex the layout and design is.
- Features and number of pages to be added to the website.
- Integration with third-party APIs like shipping providers, and payment gateways.
- Development of a mobile app for Android, iOS, or both.
- Create responsive design and browser compatibility.
- Addition of security features like encryption, SSL, etc.
Functional Factors
- Size of the product catalogue and website complexity.
- Integration of shipping function.
- Inclusion of inventory management system.
- Inclusion of order management system.
- Integration of customer relationship management.
- Inclusion of reporting and analytics tools.
Design Factors
- Requirements of custom web design.
- Development of branding and identity.
- Creating graphic design elements
- Creating user experience design
- Creating user interface design.
Content Factors
- Writing product descriptions
- Editing and optimising
- Production of videos
- Integration of content management system
Project Management Factors
- The complexity of the project is responsible for adding to the costs.
- If the deadlines and timeline of the project are short, the cost will be higher.
- The team size and composition also affect the cost.
- Project management and communication tools also decrease or increase the cost.
Extra Costs
There are certain extra costs that businesses have to bear to create eCommerce websites. A few of them include:
- Opting for testing and quality assurance
- Launching of the website and deployment
- Regular maintenance and necessary updates
- Costs of the server and hosting
- Promoting and marketing the website.
If you plan to choose a custom WordPress or any other platform for your eCommerce website design and development in Dubai, UAE, you need to check the pros and cons of this type of website development and the costs you must bear. Depending on the kind of eCommerce you want, make the plans accordingly.