Start building your e-commerce store: Choose the right platform wisely

Once you decide to move forward with your e-commerce plan to start your e-commerce store in Saudi Arabia, the next crucial step is to build your online store. Before you start building, you need to carefully choose the right platform that suits your business needs. If you are uncertain about which platform to choose, it is advisable to hire a consultant to guide you through the decision-making process. Selecting the appropriate platform is vital as it will influence your store’s functionality, scalability, and overall success.

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What are the leading platforms available?

Leading e-commerce platforms in Saudi Arabia

You have the option to develop a custom online store from scratch or choose an existing open-source or hosted solution. Each approach has its advantages and drawbacks. Custom development offers maximum flexibility but can be costly and time-consuming. On the other hand, open-source and hosted solutions provide ready-made frameworks that are often easier and quicker to implement. Popular platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and Odoo offer various features and pricing models to cater to different business requirements.

To make an informed decision, consider seeking help from a consultant or hiring an e-commerce agency in Saudi Arabia like ours. We can assist you in evaluating your specific needs and choosing the best platform. For instance, Shopify is known for its user-friendliness and extensive app ecosystem, while Magento offers robust features for larger enterprises. WooCommerce is ideal for those already using WordPress, and Odoo provides comprehensive business management tools. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can select the one that aligns best with your business goals.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is an e-commerce plugin for the world-leading CMS platform, WordPress. Around 4 million e-commerce stores are now using WooCommerce. It is a simple, robust, and completely open-source platform with vibrant community support. Thousands of free and paid plugins are available to enhance the features of your website, making it a versatile choice for online businesses of all sizes. Woocomerce will support multilanguage with the help of some popular plugins.

Shopify

Shopify is a world-leading hosted e-commerce platform, offering a simple yet powerful solution for online stores. Millions of small and large businesses and brands currently run their online stores on the Shopify platform. Starting at $24 USD per month, Shopify offers four different packages based on features. With Shopify, it is very easy to start and manage your e-commerce store, providing a seamless experience from setup to sales management.

Magento

Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform based on PHP, initially released in 2008. In 2018, Adobe acquired Magento for $1.6 billion USD, further enhancing its capabilities and integration with Adobe’s suite of tools. Today, over 100,000 e-commerce stores use Magento, making it one of the most popular e-commerce platforms worldwide. Magento is particularly well-suited for enterprises and large businesses with extensive product catalogs and complex e-commerce needs. It offers robust features, scalability, and flexibility, allowing businesses to create highly customized online stores that can handle a large number of products and categories. Additionally, there are a vast number of Magento extensions available, enabling businesses to further enhance and extend the functionality of their online stores. With a strong focus on performance and security, Magento provides a reliable solution for businesses looking to deliver a superior shopping experience to their customers.

Adobe Commerce

After being acquired by Adobe, the enterprise edition of Magento was renamed to Adobe Commerce, and a cloud-based solution was introduced. Adobe Commerce primarily focuses on enterprise-level customers, offering additional features that are not available in the open-source version of Magento. These features include native AI capabilities, support for both B2B and B2C commerce, improved performance, and headless commerce support. Adobe Commerce is designed to handle large volumes of data and traffic, making it an ideal choice for businesses with extensive e-commerce needs. Adobe Commerce pricing varies based on the specific requirements and scale of the business. The pricing model is typically based on annual gross merchandise volume (GMV) and average order value (AOV), starting from approximately $22,000 per year. This investment includes access to advanced features, cloud hosting, and comprehensive support, ensuring a robust and scalable solution for large enterprises. For exact pricing and a tailored quote, businesses are encouraged to contact Adobe Commerce directly.

OpenCart

OpenCart is a popular open-source e-commerce platform founded in 2008. It is based on the PHP programming language and is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish an online presence. Over 400,000 websites worldwide use OpenCart, benefiting from its extensive range of features and flexibility. OpenCart supports multiple languages, including Arabic, making it an ideal choice for businesses targeting Arabic-speaking markets like Saudi Arabia. With a vibrant community and a wide variety of extensions available, OpenCart allows users to enhance their stores with additional functionalities and integrations.

PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform founded in 2007. It is based on the PHP programming language and utilizes the Smarty template engine. PrestaShop is used by over 300,000 websites globally, making it a popular choice for online retailers. It is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a flexible and customizable e-commerce solution. PrestaShop supports multiple languages, including Arabic, allowing businesses to effectively cater to Arabic-speaking customers. With a comprehensive range of features and a large community of developers, PrestaShop offers numerous modules and themes to extend and enhance the functionality of online stores.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a leading e-commerce platform founded in 2009. It is a hosted solution based on various programming languages, primarily PHP, and offers a robust and scalable environment for online businesses. BigCommerce powers over 60,000 websites worldwide, catering to a diverse range of industries. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, looking for an easy-to-use platform with extensive built-in features. BigCommerce supports multiple languages, including Arabic, making it an excellent choice for businesses targeting Arabic-speaking markets. The platform is particularly well-suited for B2B e-commerce, offering advanced features such as bulk pricing, customer segmentation, custom pricing lists, and quote management. These capabilities enable businesses to efficiently manage large volumes of transactions and complex pricing structures, making BigCommerce a powerful solution for B2B operations.

  • BigCommerce offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs:
  • Standard Plan: $29.95 per month, suitable for small businesses.
  • Plus Plan: $79.95 per month, ideal for growing businesses with additional marketing tools.
  • Pro Plan: $299.95 per month, designed for established businesses needing advanced features.
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on specific business requirements, offering tailored solutions and dedicated support for large-scale businesses.
  • These plans provide flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to choose the best fit for their growth stage and operational needs.

CommerceTools

Founded in 2013, CommerceTools is a modern, cloud-based e-commerce platform built using a microservices architecture with Java and JavaScript. It caters to a growing number of businesses, particularly those seeking highly customizable and scalable solutions. CommerceTools is suitable for large enterprises and tech-savvy businesses needing a flexible, headless commerce solution that integrates seamlessly with various front-end experiences. It supports multiple languages, including Arabic, making it an excellent option for targeting Arabic-speaking markets.

  • CommerceTools excels in B2B e-commerce, offering advanced features such as customizable workflows, complex pricing models, bulk ordering, and comprehensive customer account management. These capabilities address the unique demands of B2B transactions, ensuring efficient and effective operations. CommerceTools operates on a custom pricing model based on specific business needs, such as the number of API calls and data storage requirements. Businesses can contact the CommerceTools sales team for a tailored quote that aligns with their requirements and usage patterns.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a versatile website-building platform founded in 2003. It is primarily based on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, and is known for its user-friendly interface and beautifully designed templates. Squarespace powers millions of websites worldwide, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs seeking an easy-to-use platform with professional aesthetics. Squarespace is suitable for individuals and businesses that want to create visually appealing websites without needing extensive technical skills. While it supports multiple languages, including Arabic, it is not as robust in handling complex e-commerce requirements, making it less ideal for large B2B operations. However, it works well for B2C businesses and smaller B2B setups that do not require advanced features.

  • Squarespace offers several pricing plans to accommodate different needs:
  • Personal Plan: $16 per month, suitable for simple websites.
  • Business Plan: $23 per month, includes basic e-commerce features.
  • Basic Commerce Plan: $27 per month, ideal for small online stores.
  • Advanced Commerce Plan: $49 per month, offers advanced e-commerce capabilities, including abandoned cart recovery and advanced shipping.
  • These plans provide flexibility for users to choose the best fit for their specific requirements, making Squarespace a cost-effective option for those prioritizing design and ease of use.

Wix

Wix, founded in 2006, is a popular website builder known for its simplicity and versatility. Wix’s e-commerce platform powers over 700,000 online stores, making it a widely used option for small to medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs looking to establish an online presence quickly and easily. Wix is suitable for individuals and businesses that need a straightforward, drag-and-drop website builder with robust e-commerce capabilities. It supports multiple languages, including Arabic, allowing businesses to cater to Arabic-speaking markets effectively. While Wix offers essential e-commerce features, it is better suited for B2C businesses and smaller B2B operations rather than large-scale, complex B2B enterprises.

  • Wix offers several pricing plans for its e-commerce platform:
  • Business Basic: $23 per month, suitable for small online stores.
  • Business Unlimited: $27 per month, includes additional features such as subscriptions and multiple currencies.
  • Business VIP: $49 per month, offers priority support and advanced features for growing businesses.
  • These pricing plans provide flexibility and scalability, making Wix an attractive option for businesses seeking an affordable and user-friendly e-commerce solution.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud, formerly known as Demandware, was founded in 2004 and acquired by Salesforce in 2016. It is a leading enterprise-level e-commerce platform designed for large businesses that require advanced features and scalability. Salesforce Commerce Cloud is used by thousands of websites globally, particularly by major retail brands and enterprises. Salesforce Commerce Cloud is suitable for large businesses and enterprises that need a robust, scalable, and feature-rich platform to manage complex e-commerce operations. It supports multiple languages, including Arabic, making it a viable option for businesses targeting Arabic-speaking markets. Salesforce Commerce Cloud excels in B2B e-commerce with its comprehensive suite of tools for customer management, personalized experiences, and advanced analytics.

  • Salesforce Commerce Cloud operates on a custom pricing model based on the specific needs and scale of the business. Pricing typically involves a combination of a licensing fee and a percentage of the gross merchandise value (GMV). This flexible pricing structure ensures that businesses pay in proportion to their usage and revenue, making it a suitable choice for enterprises with significant sales volumes. For exact pricing and a tailored quote, businesses should contact Salesforce directly.

Odoo

Odoo, initially released in 2005, is an open-source suite of business applications that includes a comprehensive e-commerce platform. With over 5 million users worldwide, Odoo has become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, particularly those looking for an integrated solution that combines e-commerce with other business functions such as inventory, accounting, and CRM. Odoo is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses as well as larger enterprises seeking a customizable and scalable e-commerce solution. It supports multiple languages, including Arabic, making it an effective option for businesses targeting Arabic-speaking markets. Odoo is particularly strong in B2B e-commerce due to its extensive suite of business management tools, allowing seamless integration of sales, inventory, and customer management processes.

  • Odoo offers a flexible pricing model with both free and paid options. The open-source community version is free, allowing businesses to build and customize their e-commerce platform with access to the source code. For businesses seeking additional features and support, Odoo provides a subscription-based Enterprise version. Pricing for the Enterprise version starts at $24 per user per month, with additional costs for specific apps and modules. This flexible pricing structure allows businesses to scale their investment according to their growth and needs.

Custom Solutions

Custom e-commerce solutions are tailored specifically to the unique needs of a business, providing unparalleled flexibility and functionality. While it’s difficult to quantify the exact number of websites using custom solutions, many large enterprises and niche businesses opt for this approach to ensure their e-commerce platform aligns perfectly with their operational requirements and branding.

Here’s a comparison chart of leading e-commerce platforms based on their usage percentages worldwide:

How to choose the right platform for your e-commerce store or need to develop a custom solution?

If you are new to the e-commerce industry, choosing the best platform to start your e-commerce business in Saudi Arabia can be challenging. In the first part of this series, we listed the essential features required for an e-commerce website in Saudi Arabia. Before selecting a platform, ensure it supports all the features listed there. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Number of Products: Assess the number of products you plan to sell. Some platforms are better suited for large inventories, while others work well for smaller product ranges.
  2. Expected Traffic and Sales: Estimate the expected traffic and sales volume. Choose a platform that can scale to accommodate your business growth.
  3. Ease of Management: Evaluate how easy it is to manage and edit content from the website admin panel. User-friendly interfaces can save time and reduce the learning curve.
  4. Access to Source Code: Determine whether you have access to the source code. This allows for extending functionality and customizing the platform in the future.
  5. Cost: Consider the initial setup costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and whether the platform fits within your budget. Factor in subscription fees, transaction fees, and potential costs for additional features or plugins.
  6. Security: Ensure the platform is secure and compliant with industry standards. Protecting customer data and payment information is crucial for building trust.
  7. Data Hosting Location: Verify where your data will be hosted. Hosting within Saudi Arabia or countries with strict privacy policies can offer better data protection.
  8. Developer Availability: Check how easy it is to find developers with experience in customizing the platform. A strong developer community can be a valuable resource.
  9. Arabic Language Support: Confirm that the platform supports the Arabic language to cater to the local market effectively.
  10. Migration Support: If you are planning to migrate from an existing platform, ensure the new platform supports a smooth migration process.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision on whether to choose an existing platform or develop a custom solution tailored to your specific business needs.

When to Choose a Custom Solution

Custom solutions are ideal for businesses with unique requirements that off-the-shelf platforms cannot fully meet. This includes complex product configurations, bespoke workflows, or highly specific integrations with other business systems. They are also suitable for companies that need a highly differentiated user experience or advanced features that are not available in standard e-commerce platforms.

How Good for B2B

Custom solutions are exceptionally well-suited for B2B e-commerce. They can be designed to handle complex pricing models, bulk order processing, multi-channel sales, and advanced customer relationship management. Custom B2B e-commerce platforms can integrate seamlessly with ERP and CRM systems, providing a unified and efficient operational environment.

Pricing

The pricing for custom e-commerce solutions varies widely depending on the project’s scope, complexity, and the level of customization required. Initial development costs can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and scaling should also be considered. Despite the higher initial investment, custom solutions can provide significant long-term value by precisely aligning with a business’s needs and driving operational efficiency and sales growth.

Comparison Chart: Custom Solution vs. Ready-Made Platforms (Shopify and WooCommerce)

  • Custom Solution: Best for businesses with unique, complex requirements and a larger budget. Offers maximum customization and control but comes with higher development costs and longer time to market.
  • Shopify: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use, scalable solution with predictable costs and strong support. Limited in customization compared to a custom solution.
  • WooCommerce: Great for businesses already using WordPress, offering flexibility and customization with lower initial costs. Can become complex with many plugins and requires technical knowledge to manage.

Choosing the right platform depends on your specific business needs, budget, and technical capabilities. if you are still confused about which is best for your business needs please contact us, and we can help you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right e-commerce platform for your business in Saudi Arabia depends on various factors, including your business size, technical expertise, budget, and specific needs. For small to medium-sized businesses, WooCommerce and Shopify are excellent choices. WooCommerce, an open-source plugin for WordPress, offers extensive customization and flexibility with numerous plugins, making it a versatile option that supports multiple languages, including Arabic. Shopify, on the other hand, provides an easy-to-use, scalable solution with robust customer support and predictable costs, ideal for those seeking a straightforward setup. Both platforms are well-suited for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence with minimal hassle.

For larger enterprises with complex e-commerce needs, Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce stand out. Magento, known for its robust features and scalability, is perfect for handling extensive product catalogs and high traffic volumes. Adobe Commerce, the enterprise edition, adds advanced capabilities like native AI and headless commerce support. BigCommerce offers a robust, scalable environment suitable for businesses of all sizes, with advanced B2B features such as bulk pricing and customer segmentation. OpenCart and PrestaShop provide user-friendly, open-source solutions that support Arabic and offer extensive customization through various extensions. CommerceTools, a modern cloud-based platform, caters to large enterprises needing a flexible, headless solution with strong B2B capabilities. By considering these factors, you can choose the platform that best aligns with your business goals and market requirements.

How We Can Help You?

At RedRock Technologies, we specialize in guiding businesses through every step of establishing a successful e-commerce store in Saudi Arabia. Our team of experts can assist you in selecting the right platform, integrating essential features, and optimizing your site for performance and security. We offer comprehensive support in areas such as SEO, payment gateway integration, shipping logistics, and customer management systems.

Additionally, we provide tailored solutions for mobile optimization, email marketing, and advanced analytics to ensure your store not only meets industry standards but also exceeds customer expectations. Let us help you create a seamless and engaging online shopping experience that drives growth and success for your business.