If you’re looking to start or grow your online business in the UK, choosing the right ecommerce platform is key. With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out which one fits your needs best. In this article, we’ll break down the top ecommerce platforms available in the UK for 2025. We’ll look at their features, pricing, and what makes each one unique. This way, you can make an informed decision for your business’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify is great for beginners and offers lots of features.
- WooCommerce is perfect if you already have a WordPress site.
- BigCommerce is ideal for larger businesses with high sales volumes.
- Wix is user-friendly and good for small shops just starting out.
- Consider your business size and needs before choosing a platform.
1. Shopify
Shopify is super popular in the UK, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the simplest platforms to get up and running, and you don’t need to be a coding whiz to make your store look good. They’ve got tons of themes and apps, so you can really create something unique. Plus, accepting credit card payments is a breeze with Shopify Payments. They even help you sell offline with Shopify POS.
One of the best things about Shopify is how easy it is to use. You can start a business from your living room and grow it into an international brand. It’s a platform that grows with you, offering a single place to manage everything, optimize your store, sell on social media, or even try out dropshipping.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Easy to set up and customize.
- Tons of themes and apps available.
- Integrated payments make accepting credit cards simple.
- Unlimited products on all plans.
The main downside? It’s not the cheapest option out there. Fees can add up with monthly charges, payment processing, apps, and themes. Also, the blogging platform isn’t as advanced as WordPress, and moving to another platform later on can be a pain.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one ecommerce software solution that’s easy to use, Shopify is definitely worth a shot. They offer a free trial, so there’s no risk in giving it a go.
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a big deal in the e-commerce world, especially if you’re already familiar with WordPress. Think of it as the plugin that transforms your regular WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It’s used by a huge number of online stores, making it a really popular choice. According to e-commerce platforms, it holds a significant share of the market.
One of the best things about WooCommerce is that it’s free to download and use. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely without cost. You’ll still need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins you might want. But the core software itself is open source, which gives you a lot of flexibility.
Setting up WooCommerce can be a bit more involved than some other platforms. You’ll need to handle things like finding your own hosting, setting up payment gateways, and choosing a theme. It’s not quite as plug-and-play as something like Shopify, but the level of customization you get in return can be worth the extra effort.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes WooCommerce stand out:
- It’s built on WordPress, which powers a huge chunk of the internet.
- It lets you sell just about anything, from physical products to digital downloads and even subscriptions.
- You can add unlimited products and take unlimited orders.
- It seamlessly integrates e-commerce with content marketing, which is great if you’re planning on blogging or creating other types of content to attract customers.
- There’s a massive library of plugins and themes available, so you can customize your store to your heart’s content.
Of course, there are some downsides too. Because WooCommerce relies on plugins for a lot of its functionality, it can sometimes be tricky to manage all the different extensions and make sure they’re all compatible with each other. And unlike some other platforms, you won’t have access to dedicated customer support from WooCommerce itself. You’ll need to rely on the WordPress community and third-party developers for help.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another big player, offering web hosting and customization for your online store. They also provide tools for international sales, SEO, and listing products on different marketplaces. It’s a solid option to consider for your 2025 business.
BigCommerce is often chosen by larger, enterprise-level companies because of its features that support large-scale retail. However, some users find it less flexible and not as easy to use compared to other platforms. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for.
BigCommerce offers a launch guide and a simple control panel, so users can have their site up and running quickly. It also has unlimited products, file storage and bandwidth.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Fully hosted
- Management tools for big businesses
- Unified channel management
- No transaction fees
One thing to keep in mind is that BigCommerce’s pricing is tied to your sales volume, not necessarily the features you need. Also, while they offer a 30 day free trial, some of their paid apps can get pretty expensive. If you’re looking to sell across multiple channels, BigCommerce lets you sell direct on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping. It also integrates with sales channels like Google Shopping, Facebook, price comparison engines, Amazon, and Etsy.
BigCommerce is a good choice if you anticipate high sales volumes and need robust features.
4. Wix
Wix is that website builder you’ve probably seen ads for a million times. It’s known for being super easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface. You can get a basic website up and running pretty quickly, but to actually sell stuff, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Think of Wix as a website builder first, and an ecommerce platform second. It’s great for making a nice-looking online shop, but if you need advanced features or want to switch platforms later, things can get tricky.
Wix is a solid choice if you prioritize ease of use and visual design over complex ecommerce functionalities. It’s perfect for beginners who want to get online fast, but might not be the best long-term solution for rapidly growing businesses.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Tons of templates to pick from.
- Drag-and-drop store builder.
- Mobile-friendly design.
- 24/7 support.
5. EKM
EKM, previously known as EKMPowershop, is a UK-based ecommerce platform. It’s been around since 2002, helping over 80,000 businesses get their start in the online world. They really focus on the UK market, which can be a plus if that’s where your target audience is.
They’ve got a bunch of features. Some are ready to go right away, and others you can add with a simple click. This gives you some flexibility in setting up your store just how you want it. EKM also has highly rated customer support and EKM’s Evolution Mode, where a team of ecommerce specialists look at your site and suggest improvements. One thing they’re working on is theme customization, with a new live customizer and new themes.
One downside of EKM is the admin dashboard. It’s not the easiest to use and can be a bit frustrating at times.
Here’s a quick look at what EKM offers:
- Free 03 number
- Facebook Messenger integration
- Onsite SEO tools
- Integrations with Linnworks and Cloud Commerce Pro for store management
EKM’s pricing is structured around a single plan:
| Evolve | |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £300 |
| Number of Products | Unlimited |
| Turnover Limit | £300,000 |
| Transaction Fee | 0.6%* |
*Transaction fee only applies for payments not using EKM pay.
This makes EKM one of the pricier options, especially for smaller stores. EKM has a 4-star rating based on user reviews. If you’re looking for UK based support, EKM could be a good fit. Read existing feedback and contribute your own experiences.
6. Adobe Commerce
Adobe Commerce (previously known as Magento) is often seen as the heavyweight champion in the ecommerce platform arena. It’s built for large enterprises that need a highly customizable and scalable solution. It’s not the easiest platform to jump into, but it offers a ton of power for those who need it. Think of it as the Formula 1 car of ecommerce platforms – not for beginners, but incredibly powerful in the right hands.
Adobe Commerce comes in two main flavors: the open-source version, which is free but requires some technical know-how to set up and manage, and the cloud-hosted version, which is a paid service that handles the hosting and infrastructure for you. Choosing between the two depends on your technical capabilities and budget.
Here’s a quick rundown of what Adobe Commerce brings to the table:
- Extensive customization options
- Scalability for high-volume businesses
- Advanced features for complex business needs
Adobe Commerce is a robust platform, but it’s not for everyone. Small to medium-sized businesses might find it overkill, both in terms of features and cost. However, if you’re a large enterprise with complex requirements, it’s definitely worth considering.
Adobe Commerce isn’t without its drawbacks. It can be expensive, and it often requires a dedicated developer or team to manage and maintain. But for businesses that need a powerful and flexible ecommerce solution, it can be a great choice.
7. Squarespace
Squarespace is often seen as the go-to if you want something that looks really polished. It’s known for its sleek templates and user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. If you’re not super tech-savvy, this could be a good option. Let’s take a closer look.
Squarespace is great for people new to building websites because its website builder is very easy to use and offers a great selection of design and customization options that can easily be applied when using the drag and drop builder.
One of the drawbacks to Squarespace is the limited payment gateway options as it only really offers PayPal and Stripe, which is fine for most businesses but some may find this a bit restrictive.
Squarespace is a solid choice if design is your top priority and you don’t need a ton of advanced features. It’s more than enough tools to help you start, market and grow your business and many of these are built into the platform, meaning they are available to use from day one.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Professionally designed templates
- Built-in email marketing tools
- A full website builder with lots of customization options
Squarespace offers different plans, including e-commerce specific ones. The Basic Commerce plan starts at $28 per month when paid annually. With Squarespace, you can transform your website into an online store with a secure checkout that accepts payments through multiple gateways like Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay.
Squarespace includes inventory tracking and management features, like printing shipping labels and selling subscription products.
Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
| Business | Basic Commerce | Advanced Commerce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £24 | £28 | £40 |
Squarespace Pros:
- Offer free domains with annual plans
- Website builder has a range of top class features
- Affordable plans
Squarespace Cons:
- Limited range of payment options
- No 3rd party app store, so add-ons are limited
8. Square Online Store
Square Online Store is a solid choice, especially if you’re already using Square for your brick-and-mortar business. It’s designed to integrate smoothly with Square’s payment processing system, making it a convenient option for managing both online and offline sales. Think of it as an extension of your existing Square ecosystem. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, which is a plus if you’re not super tech-savvy. You can compare Square to Shopify to see which one fits your needs better.
One of the best things about Square Online is its simplicity. It’s not overloaded with features you’ll never use. It focuses on the essentials, making it easy to get your online store up and running quickly. However, if you need a ton of advanced features, you might find it a bit limiting compared to some of the other platforms out there.
Square Online is a great option for small businesses that want a simple, integrated solution for online and offline sales. It’s easy to use, affordable, and works seamlessly with Square’s payment processing system.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Easy integration with Square POS
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface
- Good for businesses already using Square
Square Online offers a range of plans, including a free option. The paid plans start at around $29 per month (billed annually). The free plan is a good way to test the waters, but you’ll likely need a paid plan to unlock all the features you need, like using your own domain name. With Square, you can easily sell digital and physical goods with ease.
9. Ecwid
Ecwid is a bit different. Instead of being just another platform to build a whole store, it’s more like a super-powered widget you can stick onto an existing website. Think of it as a way to add a shopping cart and checkout to your blog, social media page, or even another e-commerce site. All your storefronts sync up, which is pretty handy.
It’s cloud-based, so no need to download or install anything. You can add it to almost any website using their widget or a plugin.
Ecwid is a solid choice for bloggers or anyone who wants to start selling without completely changing their current website. It lets you manage sales across multiple channels from one spot. It’s got a bunch of features to help you get started, though some are only on the higher-tier plans.
I’ve been using Ecwid for a few months now, and it’s been a game-changer. I already had a blog with a decent following, and Ecwid made it super easy to start selling my handmade crafts directly to my readers. The best part is that I didn’t have to rebuild my entire website or learn a whole new platform. It just seamlessly integrated into what I already had. Definitely recommend it if you’re in a similar situation!
Here’s a quick rundown of what Ecwid brings to the table:
- No setup or transaction fees.
- Integrates with multiple sites and social networks.
- Offers real-time shipping rates.
- Allows promotional pricing and discount coupons.
Ecwid lets you add an online store to your current site without switching platforms. It integrates well with website builders like WordPress and Wix, giving you the tools to start selling online.
10. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platform that’s pretty straightforward to set up. It’s a self-hosted solution, which means you’ve got more control, but also more responsibility. Think of it like this: you’re not renting a space in a shopping mall; you’re building your own store from the ground up. This can be great if you’re tech-savvy or have a developer on hand, but it might be a bit daunting if you’re not.
One of the cool things about OpenCart is that it lets you create and manage multiple stores from a single dashboard. You can keep an eye on important metrics like sales and repeat customers, which is super handy. Plus, there are tons of modules and themes available to customize your site. However, it’s worth noting that OpenCart’s marketing and sales features are somewhat limited compared to some other platforms.
OpenCart is a solid choice if you’re looking for a free and flexible platform, but be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with the technical side of things. It’s not as beginner-friendly as some of the drag-and-drop options out there, but the level of customization you get is hard to beat.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
- Free and open-source
- Lots of customization options
- Can manage multiple stores
And the downsides:
- Limited marketing features
- Self-hosted, so you need to handle the technical stuff
- The interface can feel a bit dated
If you’re considering OpenCart, it’s a good idea to check out some of the available OpenCart themes and extensions to get a feel for what’s possible. It might take some time to get everything set up just the way you want it, but the flexibility can be worth it.
11. Volusion
Volusion is one of the older platforms out there, having been around since 1999. It aims to give small businesses a simple way to get their products online. It’s designed for those who want to focus on selling without getting bogged down in too much complexity.
Volusion makes it easy to integrate with over 30 payment gateways, which is a plus. They provide the basic tools you need to create an online store without unnecessary complications. However, it’s worth noting that Volusion doesn’t support the sale of digital products. So, if you’re planning to sell ebooks or music, you’ll need to look at other options. Also, they don’t have a mobile app, integrated sales channels, or a native POS system.
Volusion’s target market is primarily the United States, which might not make it the best fit for UK businesses needing integrated payments. However, they do offer some pretty powerful SEO tools. Their lower-priced entry-level plan, along with a free trial, makes them worth considering.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- User-friendly website builder
- 24/7 support
- Built-in SEO tools
- Ability to easily add product categories
On the downside:
- Limited features on the basic plan
- Plans have limits for sales volume and product listings
- No support for digital product listings
12. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop is a platform that aims for simplicity in online store creation. It’s designed to be straightforward to set up and works well on mobile devices. It’s not overloaded with features, but it provides a solid base for basic ecommerce needs.
Shift4Shop also lets you connect your store to other applications using its API, which adds flexibility if you need to expand its functionality.
Paid plans start at $29 each month. If you process at least $500 monthly through Shift4Shop’s payment gateway, the platform is free. If you don’t meet that threshold or prefer another payment system like PayPal, you’ll pay the standard rate.
Shift4Shop is a decent option if you’re looking for a simple, mobile-friendly ecommerce solution, especially if you can take advantage of their free plan by using their payment gateway.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
- Extensive shopping cart solution
- Ecommerce builder is free for existing Shift4Shop checkout users
- Harder to personalize your store than with Shopify
- Lack of advanced commerce features
13. Magento
Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is a robust platform, but it’s not for the faint of heart. I remember when a friend tried setting it up for his small business – let’s just say he ended up hiring a developer after a week of frustration. It’s definitely geared towards larger businesses with complex needs.
Magento’s strength lies in its customizability and scalability. Magento Marketplace offers tons of extensions and themes. It can handle large product catalogs and high traffic volumes without breaking a sweat. However, this power comes at a price – both in terms of cost and the technical expertise required to manage it.
If you’re a small business owner just starting out, Magento might be overkill. There are easier, more affordable options available. But if you’re a large enterprise with complex needs and a dedicated IT team, Magento could be a good fit. Just be prepared for a steep learning curve and potentially high costs.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pros: Highly customizable, scalable, feature-rich.
- Cons: Expensive, complex to set up, requires technical expertise.
- Best for: Large enterprises with complex needs.
Consider how you plan to leverage digital platforms for your business before committing to a platform like Magento.
14. Lightspeed
Lightspeed is one of those platforms that seems to do a bit of everything, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s designed to handle both online and physical retail, making it a solid choice if you’re running a brick-and-mortar store and want to expand online. I remember when my cousin opened his bike shop, he was torn between a few platforms, but ultimately went with Lightspeed because of its integrated POS system. It made managing inventory and sales across both locations way easier.
One thing I’ve noticed is that Lightspeed seems to be popular with businesses that need specialized features, like restaurants or golf shops. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about managing appointments, tables, or tee times. That said, it can get a little pricey, especially if you need all the bells and whistles. You really have to weigh the cost against the benefits to see if it’s the right fit for your business.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I think are the pros and cons:
- Integrated POS system is a huge plus for brick-and-mortar stores.
- Offers industry-specific features for retail and hospitality.
- Can handle complex inventory management.
Lightspeed is a strong contender if you need a platform that can handle both online and offline sales, especially if you’re in a niche industry. However, be prepared to pay a bit more for the features you need. It’s all about finding the right balance between functionality and cost.
I think the key is to really dig into what you need from an e-commerce platform. Do you just need a simple online store, or do you need something that can handle complex inventory, appointments, and customer management? If it’s the latter, then Lightspeed might be worth a look. Just make sure you do your homework and compare it to other options before making a decision. Don’t forget to consider how you can improve e-commerce customer experiences to keep your customers coming back.
15. 3dcart
Okay, so 3dcart – now known as Shift4Shop – might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think about UK e-commerce, but hear me out. It’s got a lot going for it, especially if you’re the type who likes to tinker under the hood of your website.
3dcart is designed as an all-in-one e-commerce solution. They really try to give you everything you need to build, market, and sell your stuff online. Think of it as a toolbox packed with features, rather than just a basic set of building blocks.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- No transaction fees – always a plus!
- Unlimited products and bandwidth.
- PCI certified hosting with SSL tech.
- Full FTP access for those who want total control.
- Syncing with eBay, Amazon, and even Facebook.
One thing I appreciate about 3dcart is their straightforward approach. No hidden fees, no surprise costs. What you see is what you get, and that’s a breath of fresh air in the sometimes murky world of e-commerce platforms.
While it’s not the easiest platform for complete beginners, the sheer number of features, even on the basic plan, is impressive. Plus, they offer a POS solution if you’re looking to sell offline too. Just be aware that some of the free themes can look a little dated, and the app selection isn’t as vast as some other platforms. But if you want a powerful solution that gives you complete control, consider 3dcart – or rather, Shift4Shop – it’s worth a look. Especially with the way health and wellness sectors are trending right now.
16. LemonStand
Okay, so LemonStand… I remember when it first popped up. It was supposed to be this super flexible platform for people who really wanted to customize everything. It’s not as widely talked about as some of the bigger names, but it definitely has its fans.
LemonStand aimed to give you a lot of control over your store’s design and functionality, which is great if you have the tech skills or a developer on hand.
It’s one of those platforms where you can really dig into the code and tweak things to your heart’s content. But that also means it’s not the easiest option for beginners. You’ll need some technical know-how to get the most out of it. If you’re looking for a platform that lets you build something truly unique, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty with code, LemonStand might be worth a look. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. It’s all about finding the right platform for your business needs.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Highly customizable
- Requires technical skills
- Not ideal for beginners
17. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a platform that’s really popular with artists and makers. It’s designed to be straightforward, so you can get your online store up and running without a ton of fuss. They boast nearly a million users, including designers, musicians, and other artists.
Big Cartel lets you tweak the design of your store using pre-made themes. If you’re comfortable with code, you can even customize the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript directly. This gives you a lot of control over the look and feel of your site.
It’s worth noting a few things about Big Cartel. Their pricing is based on the number of products you list, so your costs will go up as your business grows. Also, they only support Stripe and PayPal for payments, which might be a limitation for some sellers. The number of themes is also limited.
Big Cartel is a solid choice if you’re an artist or maker just starting out and need a simple, affordable way to sell your products online. The free plan is a great way to test the waters, but keep in mind the limitations as your business expands.
18. ShopWired
ShopWired is one of the few UK-based ecommerce platforms out there, and they’re pretty proud of it. They even claim to be the UK’s favorite platform for selling online, which is a bold statement! But hey, they’ve got some good Trustpilot reviews to back it up.
It comes with all the standard features you’d expect, like being fully responsive, having built-in SEO tools, and SSL support. Plus, all their themes are included in the subscription, which is a nice bonus. The pricing is also pretty competitive, especially on their higher-tier plans (just remember to factor in VAT).
If you’re specifically looking for a UK-focused ecommerce solution, ShopWired is definitely worth checking out. It seems like they’ve put a lot of thought into the needs of UK businesses.
Here’s a quick rundown of what ShopWired brings to the table:
- Full content management system (blogging and SEO included)
- Sell across multiple channels like eBay and Facebook
- Flexible VAT settings tailored for UK businesses
19. Pinnacle Cart
Pinnacle Cart is one of those platforms that gives you options. You can host your store with them, or you can use your own hosting provider. Both ways let you put your products on big marketplaces like Amazon and Facebook. It’s worth checking out, no matter how you want to host your site. Even the most basic plan has a lot to offer.
Pinnacle Cart lets you host your store yourself, which is a big plus for some people. They also have a bunch of add-on services like design and marketing. But, the blog feature costs extra, and the basic plans don’t give you much bandwidth or disk space. If you’re just starting out and need something simple, there might be better options out there. But if you want to host your own store and use some advanced features, it’s worth a look. For online store owners, the top e-commerce tools are crucial for effectively managing inventory, processing transactions, and fulfilling customer orders.
Pinnacle Cart is a solid choice if you want to host your own online store and use some of their high-end features. If you just need a basic store, you might want to look at other options because of the price and features.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- No transaction fees
- Unlimited products
- Real-time shipping quotes
20. X-Cart
X-Cart is an interesting option if you’re comfortable with a bit more technical control. It’s known for being an open-source platform, which means you get to tinker under the hood. Unlike some of the other platforms that charge monthly fees, X-Cart offers a one-time license fee, which can be appealing if you’re trying to keep your recurring costs down. They do have a hosted solution if you prefer that route, though.
One of the big pluses is that they have a free version you can use to test the waters. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to handle your own web hosting, which isn’t for everyone. If you’re comfortable with that, it could be a good fit. X-Cart is also known for being PCI DSS compliant, which is a big deal for security.
X-Cart is worth considering if you want to host your own e-commerce site and avoid monthly fees. The free version lets you try it out before committing.
Here are some things to consider:
- They have design templates to get you started.
- Because it’s open source, you have a lot of control.
- It integrates with WordPress, which is handy if you already have a blog or website there.
While X-Cart offers a lot of control, it’s worth noting that their theme selection is a bit limited compared to some other platforms. Also, if you need full support, that’s an extra cost. But if you’re looking for a platform that gives you a lot of flexibility and doesn’t tie you into monthly payments, X-Cart’s open-source nature might be a good choice.
21. Bluepark
Bluepark is a UK-based company that’s been around since 2004, focusing on ecommerce software. They say they’ve helped over 2,000 businesses, which is pretty cool. It’s always good to see a company with some history in the game.
Here’s a quick rundown of what Bluepark brings to the table:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Around 30 free themes to get you started
- Support for Google Shopping and other feeds
- SEO-friendly URLs
Bluepark is worth considering if you’re a UK business looking for a platform with features tailored to your needs.
Bluepark gets great reviews, especially on Trustpilot. They seem to really focus on the UK market, which could be a big plus if that’s where your business is based. It might take a bit of effort to get everything set up just right, but it could be worth it in the long run.
If you’re thinking about investing in ecommerce, Bluepark is worth a look.
22. Weebly
Weebly is often seen as a user-friendly option, especially for those just starting out with e-commerce. It’s known for its drag-and-drop interface, making it relatively simple to build a basic online store. However, it’s important to consider its limitations as your business grows.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Easy to use website builder.
- Offers customizable templates.
- Includes web hosting.
Weebly is a solid choice for very small businesses or individuals who need a simple online presence quickly. However, businesses with more complex needs or plans for significant growth may find themselves needing to switch platforms later on.
While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more robust platforms, it can be a good starting point. It’s worth checking out if you need to get something up and running fast and don’t want to deal with a steep learning curve. Consider if the intuitive website builder meets your needs.
23. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform that gives you a lot of control over your online store. It’s a popular choice, especially if you’re looking for something that’s not too expensive but still powerful. However, be prepared to roll up your sleeves a bit – it’s not quite as straightforward as some of the other platforms out there.
One of the big pluses is that the basic software is free. That’s right, free! But, like with most things, there’s a catch. You’ll need to handle things like web hosting and payment gateway yourself. Think of it like building a house – PrestaShop gives you the blueprints and some of the materials, but you’re the one doing the construction.
It’s worth noting that while the core software is free, many of the add-ons and modules that extend its functionality come with a price tag. So, while you might save money upfront, you could end up spending more in the long run depending on what you need your store to do.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Customization: PrestaShop is known for its flexibility. You can really tweak it to match your brand.
- Modules and Themes: There are tons of modules and themes available, but many of the good ones cost extra.
- Technical Skills: You’ll need some technical know-how to get everything set up and running smoothly. If you’re not comfortable with that, you might want to consider a platform that’s a bit more user-friendly right out of the box.
PrestaShop can be a great option if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn the ropes. Just be sure to factor in the cost of those extra modules and themes when you’re budgeting for your online store. It’s a solid choice for those who want a lot of control and are comfortable with a bit of a learning curve.
24. Selz
I remember when Selz was all the rage, seemed like everyone was talking about it. It’s one of those platforms that tries to make it super easy for creators and small businesses to sell their stuff online. It’s got a focus on social media selling, which is pretty cool if you’re all about that Instagram life. I think it’s been acquired, so things might be changing, but here’s the gist of what it used to be about:
- Easy setup: They really push the ‘no tech skills needed’ angle.
- Social selling: Built-in tools for selling directly on social platforms.
- All-in-one: Handles payments, shipping, and basic store management.
Selz was a decent option if you wanted something quick and simple, especially if you were already active on social media. It wasn’t the most powerful platform out there, but it got the job done for basic ecommerce needs.
I haven’t heard much about it lately, so I’m not sure how it stacks up against the other platforms in 2025. It might be worth checking out if you’re looking for something super simple, but definitely do your research to see if it still fits your needs.
25. and more
Okay, so we’ve covered a bunch of the big names and some solid contenders in the UK e-commerce platform scene. But the world of online selling is HUGE. There are always more options popping up, each with its own niche or focus. Let’s quickly glance at a few others you might stumble upon in your search.
- Branching out? Consider platforms specializing in specific product types, like print-on-demand services or subscription box platforms.
- Don’t forget marketplaces! While not standalone platforms, selling on Etsy, Amazon, or eBay can be a great way to test the waters or supplement your main store.
- Keep an eye on emerging technologies. Who knows what new platforms or features will be trending by 2025? Staying informed is key.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. The best approach is to really nail down your business needs, budget, and technical skills. Then, start narrowing down the options that fit your specific criteria. Don’t be afraid to try out free trials or demos before committing to anything!
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, picking the right ecommerce platform for your UK business in 2025 is a big deal. There are tons of options out there, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re running a small shop or a larger operation, it’s important to find a platform that fits your needs. I’ve shared some of my favorites based on real experience and testing. If you’re stuck between a few choices, don’t hesitate to give them a try. Test them out, see what feels right, and make sure it can grow with your business. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is a type of software that helps businesses sell products online. It gives you the tools to create and manage an online store.
How do I choose the best ecommerce platform for my business?
To pick the right ecommerce platform, think about what you need. Look at things like ease of use, features, pricing, and how well it can grow with your business.
Can I sell on multiple channels with these platforms?
Yes, many ecommerce platforms let you sell on your website and other places like social media or marketplaces, helping you reach more customers.
Are there free ecommerce platforms available?
Some platforms offer free plans, but they usually have limited features. It’s often better to choose a paid plan for more tools and better support.
How do I set up an online store?
To set up an online store, choose your platform, design your store, add products, set up payment options, and then launch it to the public.
What should I consider when comparing ecommerce platforms?
When comparing platforms, look at pricing, features, user reviews, customer support, and how easy it is to use.