Is Ecwid Really Free? Unveiling the Truth in This Comprehensive Review
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is ecwid?
- Getting started with ecwid
- Pricing and plans
4.1. Free plan
4.2. Venture plan
4.3. Business plan
4.4. Unlimited plan
- Payment options and transaction fees
- Store design and themes
- User interface and ease of use
- Third-party app integrations
- Point of sale capabilities
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- International sales and multilingual support
- Shipping options and calculations
- Drop shipping with ecwid
- Tax collection and compliance
- Customer support and assistance
- Pros of using ecwid
- Cons and limitations of ecwid
- Is ecwid the right choice for your business?
- Other e-commerce platforms to consider
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you're looking to start an online store but find platforms like Shopify too expensive, ecwid might be a viable alternative for you. In this review, we will explore the pros and cons of using ecwid, compare it to other popular e-commerce solutions, and delve into the various features and plans offered by ecwid. By the end of this review, you should have a better understanding of whether ecwid is the right choice for your business.
Ecwid: An Affordable E-commerce Solution
Are you interested in starting an online store, but hesitant due to the high costs associated with platforms like Shopify? Look no further than ecwid, a platform that offers an affordable and user-friendly alternative to traditional e-commerce solutions. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the pros and cons of using ecwid, compare it to other top e-commerce platforms, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision for your business.
What is ecwid?
Ecwid, short for e-commerce widget, is an e-commerce plugin that allows you to effortlessly create an online storefront for your website, blog, social media accounts, or other marketplaces. Unlike most e-commerce platforms, ecwid offers the unique capability of adding e-commerce features to your existing website or creating a dedicated online store. No matter where your customers find you online, ecwid ensures that your inventory stays synced across all platforms, making it a flexible and convenient option for businesses of all sizes.
Getting started with ecwid
Getting started with ecwid is a breeze. Simply add the ecwid plugin to your existing website and start accepting transactions online. If your website isn't compatible with the ecwid plugin, don't worry! Ecwid provides you with code that you can easily integrate into the backend of your website. Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or a novice in the e-commerce world, ecwid's user-friendly interface will guide you through the setup process effortlessly.
Pricing and plans
One of the major advantages of using ecwid is its wide range of pricing options. Ecwid offers plans ranging from free to $99 per month, depending on your business needs and budget. Let's take a closer look at the different plans:
1. Free plan:
If you're just starting out or have a limited number of products to sell, ecwid's free plan is a great option. This plan allows you to build a one-page online store and sell up to 10 products. While the features are limited, it provides a risk-free way to dip your toes into the world of e-commerce.
2. Venture plan:
For more serious sellers, ecwid offers the Venture plan, which provides additional features to enhance your online store. With this plan, you can set up an online store, a Facebook shop, and an Instagram store. Additionally, you can manage Facebook, Google, Pinterest, and Snapchat ads directly from the admin panel. The Venture plan also allows you to sell digital goods with a file size of up to 25 gigabytes and offer a variety of discounts and free shipping options to your customers.
3. Business plan:
If you're looking for more advanced features and scalability, the Business plan is the way to go. With this plan, you can integrate your online store with Amazon and eBay, expanding your reach to a wider customer base. The Business plan also includes useful features such as abandoned cart emails, wholesale customer discounts, product filters, and variations. In addition to these features, you'll get two staff accounts and two hours of customization support from the ecwid team.
4. Unlimited plan:
For businesses that require unlimited product listings and additional premium features, ecwid offers the Unlimited plan. This plan is ideal for established businesses or those with a large product catalog. In addition to all the features provided in the lower-tier plans, the Unlimited plan gives you access to your own branded Android and iOS app, as well as a point of sale system integration with popular providers like Square, Clover, and Alice. With unlimited staff accounts and 12 hours of customization support, the Unlimited plan provides the flexibility and scalability needed to grow your business.
It's important to note that all plans, except for the free plan, come with a transaction fee of up to 2.9% plus 30 cents per sale. This fee is standard regardless of the payment processor you use. However, if you opt for third-party payment gateways, such as Amazon Pay, Stripe, or PayPal, ecwid waives the transaction fee, saving you money in the long run.
Store design and themes
Ecwid offers a variety of options when it comes to store design and themes. With over 70 free themes to choose from, you can easily customize the look and feel of your online store. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more vibrant and eye-catching, ecwid has a theme that suits your brand. It's important to note that the free themes provided by ecwid tend to be basic in nature. If you are looking for more intricate design options or advanced customization, you may need to opt for a paid ecwid theme, which can range from approximately $90 per year to $250 for lifetime access. However, if you're using WordPress as your CMS, you have access to a wide range of free themes and may not require a paid ecwid theme.
User interface and ease of use
Ecwid prides itself on its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. The backend interface is similar to WordPress, with a vertical menu on the left and the site content displayed on the right. Ecwid's onboarding wizard guides you through the entire setup process, from adding products to configuring payment options. Should you encounter any difficulties, ecwid provides excellent customer support to assist you along the way.
Third-party app integrations
While ecwid offers a decent range of app integrations, it falls short compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. With approximately 250 app integrations available, ecwid can accommodate essential integrations like tax calculations, print-on-demand services, and shipping management. However, many popular integrations, such as Clearview, PostScript, QuickBooks, and Privy, are not available within the ecwid ecosystem. As a workaround, you can use Zapier to integrate these applications, but additional fees may apply. It is important to consider the limitations in app integrations when choosing ecwid as your e-commerce platform.
Point of sale capabilities
If you're interested in selling both online and in physical locations, ecwid offers a mobile point of sale (POS) solution for iOS devices. With ecwid's sell-on-the-go app, you can accept payments online and in person, making it convenient for flea markets, craft fairs, and retail stores. The app seamlessly syncs with your ecwid store and supports popular payment options like PayPal and Square. It is worth noting that the mobile POS solution is currently only available for iOS devices and in select countries. If you prefer using other POS services like Square or Vend, ecwid integrates well with these platforms.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
While ecwid provides some basic SEO features, it falls short compared to other e-commerce platforms. Ecwid allows you to edit page titles and meta descriptions easily, ensuring your store has a strong presence in search engine results. However, when it comes to more advanced SEO practices, such as editing alt text, creating custom URLs, and implementing 301 redirects, ecwid's options are limited. This lack of control over essential SEO elements can negatively impact your search rankings. It's important to carefully consider the SEO requirements of your business before committing to ecwid as your primary e-commerce platform.
International sales and multilingual support
For businesses that operate globally, ecwid offers multilingual support to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. By tracking the visitor's primary language based on their IP address, ecwid automatically translates the main components of your store into their local language. Currently, ecwid supports 53 languages, giving you the opportunity to reach customers worldwide. It's worth noting that only certain portions of your store, such as buttons, email notifications, and invoices, are automatically translated. You will need to manually translate other elements like product names, descriptions, attributes, payment methods, and meta fields. If you have an international customer base, ecwid's multilingual support can be a valuable asset.
Shipping options and calculations
Ecwid understands the importance of providing flexible shipping options to meet the needs of your customers. With various shipping options such as free shipping, real-time rates, flat rates, and custom rates, you can create a shipping strategy that works for your business model. Ecwid also offers calculated rates for customers during the checkout process, ensuring accurate shipping charges based on the item's weight and dimensions. It is worth noting that calculated rates based on package dimensions are only available with the Business and Unlimited plans. For businesses relying on accurate and dynamic shipping calculations, these plans are essential.
Highlights
- Ecwid offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
- You can build a one-page online store with up to 10 products for free.
- Ecwid provides a range of pricing plans to suit businesses of all sizes.
- Payment options include both ecwid's in-house system and third-party providers.
- Store design options are available, although free themes are limited in customization.
- The user interface is easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners.
- Ecwid offers a decent selection of app integrations, although not as extensive as other platforms.
- Point of sale capabilities allow for seamless online and in-person transactions.
- SEO features are limited, with no control over alt text, URLs, or redirects.
- Ecwid provides multilingual support for a global customer base.
- Shipping options are flexible, accommodating various shipping strategies.
- Transaction fees apply, but using third-party payment gateways can waive these fees.
- Customer support is available via email, live chat, and phone, depending on your plan.
- Ecwid has limitations in terms of scalability and advanced e-commerce features.
- Consider other e-commerce platforms for more extensive capabilities.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ecwid alongside my existing website?
A: Yes, ecwid allows you to add e-commerce functionality to your existing website or create a dedicated online store.
Q: Does ecwid offer a free plan?
A: Yes, ecwid offers a free plan that allows you to build a one-page online store with up to 10 products. However, the free plan has limitations in terms of features and scalability.
Q: Are there transaction fees with ecwid?
A: Yes, ecwid charges transaction fees ranging from 0% to 2.9% plus 30 cents per sale, depending on your payment processor. However, using third-party payment gateways can waive these fees.
Q: Can I integrate my ecwid store with other e-commerce apps?
A: While ecwid offers app integrations, the selection is not as extensive as other platforms. However, you can use Zapier to integrate additional applications, albeit with additional fees.
Q: Does ecwid support international sales?
A: Yes, ecwid supports international sales and provides multilingual support for 53 languages. However, manual translation is required for certain elements of your store.
Q: What support options are available with ecwid?
A: Ecwid offers customer support via email, live chat, phone, and priority support, depending on your pricing plan.
Q: Can I use ecwid for drop shipping?
A: Yes, ecwid integrates with several popular drop shipping apps, making it compatible with drop shipping business models.
Q: Does ecwid provide SEO features?
A: While ecwid offers some basic SEO features, it falls short in terms of advanced SEO capabilities. You have limited control over alt text, URLs, and redirects.
Q: Can I sell digital goods using ecwid?
A: Yes, ecwid allows you to sell digital goods with file sizes of up to 25 gigabytes. However, this feature is only available in certain pricing plans.
Q: Is ecwid a scalable platform for my business?
A: Ecwid provides various pricing plans to accommodate businesses of different sizes. However, it may have limitations in terms of scalability and advanced e-commerce features compared to other platforms.
