In the last few years the ecommerce industry is one of fastest-growing business. There are continuous changes prevailing in the industry due to pandemic situations and subsequent changes to customer’s behaviors.
US ecommerce retails sales will increase retail sales will increase by 36.7% in 2021 according to reports. As a result of ecommerce software has regained its total retail market share rapidly.
All these changes initiated conversions of physical business into online ecommerce platforms. They tend to face the most competitive atmosphere here. In order to survive this competition, online ecommerce business need the right software and technologies.
You will find the difference between open source vs SaaS ecommerce. Its helps the ecommerce business to find the perfect solution for their needs.
1.What is open source ecommerce?
Open-source software mention that the customers will get complete access to the source code. Moreover, entrepreneur can customize this software as per their needs economically. You will need web developer’s support to create these platforms. This software is really compete to handle being more customizable and powerful. Open-source ecommerce software is generally need the expert professionals to meet business requirements.
2.What is SaaS ecommerce?
SaaS is a software model that offers service on a subscription basis, SaaS is known as Software-as-a-Service. Where you have to pay money on monthly payments, this works more like renting property. SaaS services are not owned by the customers but hosted by the SaaS provider. Therefore, service providers are responsible for maintaining, hosting and securing the platform.
Advantages to open source ecommerce
Open source solutions are more popular for their customization. If you are planning to invest in an open-source platform then it’s important to consider these big points first.
Community support
Open source platforms are monitored and created by the wider community that is surrounded by them.
Complete control
One of the biggest advantage of open-source id its flexibility. They give customers complete control and freedom over their source code.
Customer support
SaaS platforms offers a customer support as part of their package. For example, most software providers have email or live chat support, which helps customers to stay connected.
Disadvantage to open-source ecommerce
However, the open source software comes with great power. It’s crucial to consider the downsides of it.
High cost
Open-source platforms can cost according to the customizations added. In simple terms, the more features and customizations you add, the more costly it becomes.
Complex
Which ultimately makes your system complex, if you are modifying the source code more.
Heavy maintenance
The open-source platforms are complex and costly to set up, they also need a lot of support and maintenance to keep them running consistently.
Who can use open source ecommerce?
The open-source platforms are ideal and user-friendly for small to medium-scale business. Many ecommerce entrepreneurs are running to open-source ecommerce platforms for managing their stores easily. Also, entrepreneur can save money and enjoy all the benefits of using open-source software.
Advantage of SaaS
You get the complete freedom to run your platform but you have to consider the reliable monthly charges. However, in case of any breakdown in between you get a secure and smooth overflow. Here are some of the advantage that make SaaS solutions right for you.
Security
Security and maintaining are incredibly crucial for any ecommerce website. This help to keep users credit cards and personal information secure.
Customer support
SaaS platforms provide the customer support as a part of their package. For example, which helps merchants to stay connected with a live support specialist, most providers have 24/7 customer support.
Fast & easy set-up
SaaS platforms are fast & user-friendly to set up which helps entrepreneurs to build their platform quickly here. They have exclusive pre-built and user-friendly interface themes for brands to run at speed.
Scalability
SaaS platforms generally come with more unlimited bandwidth and functionalities. This helps brands to add new sales channels such as Amazon and Instagram when you needed quickly.
Disadvantages of SaaS
The major difference between open-source and SaaS is that SaaS doesn’t give complete control to customers. If you need to pick SaaS platforms based on your business needs as they are not created equal.
Lack of choice
SaaS platforms can lock you up with certain apps or features and doesn’t give any choices. This can be challenging for entrepreneurs to select the best ecommerce solutions that match their brand.
Handling complexity
You need advanced customization for handling them, in order to deal with business complexities. Therefore, using SaaS can be complex for selling across multiple ecommerce and international marketplace.
Customization
Still they support openness through APIs although you can’t make changes to the source code of a SaaS platforms. This gives SaaS one biggest advantage of making customization like open source.
Who can use SaaS ecommerce?
A wide range of ecommerce, IT, and enterprise use SaaS ecommerce platforms for their flexibility. You can easily set up SaaS application for your business in time. Generally, SaaS is ideal for business that want customized solutions according to their unique needs for large and enterprise businesses.
Final word: Which is better one?
These two all worth your time and effort to pick the right platform for you. As Ecommerce platforms play a major role in marketing your business successful. Make sure to select the right platform and avoid the risks of migration later. Comparing the two platforms, we can understand the pros and cons of open-source and SaaS, than select situated one.