Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#1

Post by anujkk » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 10:44 AM UTC

A friend of mine has a designer garment & jwellary business and she wants to setup an online store. I think instead of using a custom made or open source option it is better to use a SAAS provider for a couple of years to see how it goes.

So, who are the best SAAS e-commerce providers right now in terms of features & quality of service?

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#2

Post by mryanb » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 11:31 AM UTC

I cannot speak for the backend of setting up but from a consumer and checkout process perspective I like Shopify. They have really simple streamlined checkout process that will remember your details if you have previously checked out on another shopify store. I would think this would help with conversion rates.

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#3

Post by dfischer » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 12:30 PM UTC

Go to is shopify for sure

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#4

Post by zaeem » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 12:58 PM UTC

BigCommerce is really decent.

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#5

Post by bearhall » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 2:04 PM UTC

If she already has a Squarespace site or wants one, you can set up a store there https://www.squarespace.com/ecommerce-website/

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#6

Post by lufte » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 3:13 PM UTC

There's also https://www.bigcartel.com, which is a bit cheaper than shopify.

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#7

Post by herbst » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 3:41 PM UTC

Shopify is totally worth it. However i sometimes opt for woocommerce when I see it as long term project without direct profits. However nothing beats shopify especially when you are willing to pay for extras.

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#8

Post by nvr219 » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 4:20 PM UTC

look at bigcartel as well

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#9

Post by ksec » Sun, Jul 29, 2018, 4:21 PM UTC

A related question:

How does one handle International Shipping, Import restriction, custom packacing etc?

To me setting up a shop online is the easy part. Getting the rest running is the most difficult bit.

Re: Ask HN: What are the best SAAS options to set up an online store?

#10

Post by kyo3 » Mon, Jul 30, 2018, 12:31 AM UTC

Since nobody has mentioned BigCommerce, I wanted to throw it out there. I'm not sure what your specific needs are, but you could use the free template or one of the paid templates.