Shopify vs Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Which Fits Better?

In an increasingly competitive eCommerce industry, it is critical to have a strong online presence and provide customers with the [&helli

In an increasingly competitive eCommerce industry, it is critical to have a strong online presence and provide customers with the personalized experience they require. This necessitates the use of an eCommerce platform. The two most popular options are Salesforce Commerce Cloud (previously Demandware) and Shopify. However, the limitations of both Shopify and Salesforce commerce cloud will prevent you from making a quick decision, but by understanding their similarities and differences in terms of the digital shopping experiences that your customers expect, you will be able to make a decision.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Platform?

To find the best eCommerce platform for your business, you should consider a few factors. However, you must also consider it based on the needs of business and the expectations of your target customers.

  • Cost

Because different platforms charge different prices based on packages or licenses, so cost should be a critical consideration when making a decision. Some solutions necessitate additional purchases in order to function properly, which can quickly add up, resulting in an overall rate that is much higher than what is displayed on the websites.

Another important factor to consider is the price of the various features offered by eCommerce platforms. Because their basic package may not include all of the features that your business requires, look for features that will set your company apart from competitors. Examine which platforms provide the features you require at a lower cost.

  • Features

Look for an eCommerce platform that includes built-in features and tools such as abandoned cart notifications, newsletters, and integration with apps such as Shipstation and Mailchimp. Using tools that add value to your business can help your eCommerce revenue grow. Another advantage for an eCommerce platform is the use of tools that are familiar to your business, so make a wise choice.

  • Themes Available 

The theme you use defines your online store’s first impression. As a result, the available theme is an important factor to consider when making a decision. eCommerce platforms typically provide a variety of themes as part of the subscription they provide, all of which are freely available to you. There are also paid themes that are thought to distinguish websites from others, but these themes are paid.

Another important factor to consider is the theme’s ability to be customized. Customers today expect a personalized experience, so your theme must be able to provide it. Look for a platform that provides both free and paid themes that are highly customizable.

  • Payment Options

Most eCommerce platforms provide similar payment options, but you should look for one that supports digital wallet solutions such as Google Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay or Amazon Pay. As the world becomes more digital, your customers should be able to pay with digital wallets. To sell internationally via eCommerce, you’ll need a platform that accepts multiple payment methods. With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrency, you may wish to use a platform that accepts crypto payments such as bitcoin, Ethereum, and so on.

  • Technical Support

There are eCommerce platforms that provide technical support during business hours in their time zone, not on weekends. On the other hand, there are platforms that provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The better the support, the more successful your business will be. If your website is down or not functioning properly, your customers will be unable to make purchases. You will lose business if the necessary support is not available. Making sure you have the support you need, when you need it, is a critical aspect of choosing your eCommerce platform.

  • Security 

When it comes to eCommerce, security is of the utmost importance. eCommerce companies owe it to their customers to keep their personal information secure. So, when making a decision, ensure that your platform offers data backup and meets security standards to keep it safe from hacks and thefts.

  • Speed & Scalability

A necessary lookout that your platform should be able to provide a ‘lightning-fast experience’ to get hold of as ‘Google’ describes “an intent-rich moment when a person turns to a device to act on a need to know, go, do, or buy”. While at the same time it should maintain consistency as your business grows and scales. It should be flexible enough to increase or decrease its IT resources to meet the changing demand.

While the above attributes need to be considered when you are on the lookout for a suitable e-commerce service provider. Let us take a step ahead to understand what these two popular e-commerce platforms- Salesforce commerce cloud & Shopify have to offer, and which is best suited for your specific business needs. 

The ‘Big debate’- Shopify vs Salesforce: Which is Better?

Both Shopify and Salesforce commerce cloud have many differences but they also have a lot in common: SaaS service that is fully managed, Product roadmap that looks promising, Customer service and instructional resources are available, simple and intuitive user interface.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Shopify are two of the most popular platforms designed to meet specific eCommerce business needs. Let us take a look at what these platforms are and some of the key features offered by these two.

What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?

Per SalesforceCommerce Cloud​ is the world’s leading B2C and B2B commerce solution. Commerce Cloud is a multi-tenant, cloud-based commerce platform that empowers brands to create intelligent, unified buying experiences across all channels — mobile, social, web, and store.

Salesforce commerce cloud is for B2B and B2C, so let’s understand the difference between B2B commerce and B2C commerce.

  • B2C (Business to Customer) refers to the relationship between a company and its customers via digital channels and devices. B2B is a term that refers to business-to-business relationships.
  • B2C For multi-touch communication, integrate all digital platforms. Companies have different expectations than customers when it comes to B2B: easy accessibility, the ability to buy in bulk, and navigation.
  • B2C offers an AI-powered personalized shopping experience suited to individual needs.

Key Features

  • Customer Management
  • Product Management
  • Price Management
  • Content Management
  • Multi-Channel Management
  • Marketing and Promotions
  • Real-time Dashboard and Reports
  • Automation
  • Seamless Upgrades
  • Scalability

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a subscription-based eCommerce platform that enables small and large enterprises to sell both physical and digital goods. Shopify holds an extensive list of built-in features for eCommerce brands and businesses.

Key Features 

  • Shopify Point of Sales (POS)
  • Shopify Analytics
  • Abandoned cart reminders
  • Out of the box SE tools
  • Dropshipping
  • Personalized Options

According to a review by Gartner Peer Insights,  

Shopify Is An Ideal Digital Commerce Platform That Provides Us With Amazing Templates

Shopify’s advanced features include loyalty programs and review management for customers which can help in developing productive business strategies. With its in-built customization tools and efficient digital marketing campaigns, it can help you to enhance your business’s online presence.

With an overall 4 out of 5 stars the SFCC review according to Gartner Peer Insights, 

Ensuring Business Continuity, Enabling Environment And Data Security With Salesforce

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is perfect for 3rd party integrations and is way ahead when it comes to CCPA compliance. It serves to be an ideal platform if you are looking for in-store purchase functionality and stock allocation.

Who are the well-known brands that use Shopify or Salesforce Commerce Platforms?

Kylie Cosmetics, Emma Bridgewater, MVMT, Pure Cycles, Rebecca Minkoff, Good American, Urban Planet, Morphe, The Hundreds, Radio Shack, The New York Times, and Herschel, are examples of Shopify Plus retailers.

Brands that use Salesforce Commerce Cloud include Kate Spade, Adidas, LUSH, American Golf, Charles Tyrwhitt, GoPro, Acne Studios, Clarins, Boohoo, Brooks Brothers, Converse, Lacoste, Ugg, Godiva, L’Oreal, and New Balance among others.

Shopify vs Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Which is Best Suited for Your Business?

You should choose Shopify, if

  • You own a small online retail store because it is primarily B2C, and its current features are not sophisticated enough to cater to integrations for larger enterprises
  • You have extensive design requirements- Shopify has a wide range of relatively affordable templates for you to choose from.
  • Won’t be a hassle even if you have little to no technical skill because the platform is easy to use compared to other competitors in the field
  • It easily helps you to set up your new collections in your online store

You should choose Salesforce commerce cloud if,

  • If you have specific design requirements for your website theme. All the codes for all the features in your website are created to meet your brand’s needs.
  • You will have full access to your website’s backend for any customizations
  • You can create a highly personalized and focused selling experience with Salesforce’s range of tools
  • Supports heavy customization to provide tailored shopping experiences to your customers

The Salesforce Marketing Cloud offers Omnichannel marketing capabilities. One of its main uses is to create marketing campaigns that connect with consumers and nurture more personalized relationships.

Shopify vs Salesforce Commerce Cloud- Who Wins?

According to data collected in June 2021 by Fortune Business Insights, Shopify owns a whopping 26% market share in the e-commerce platform category while Salesforce in the same space is settled at a 12% market share. However, as per Fortune Business Insights, “The global commerce cloud market size was USD 12.32 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 55.67 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.8 % during the forecast period.

Both Shopify and Salesforce commerce cloud are popular and widely used eCommerce platforms, so the choice is entirely dependent on the size of the business, its needs, and its short-term and long-term budget. As switching from one commerce platform to another is a time-consuming task, so make the right choice first.

Wrapping it up

In a nutshell, it depends on your business size and model whether to use Shopify or Salesforce commerce cloud. Both platforms offer features, functions, and tools that make them ideal for eCommerce business.

Though small and medium-sized businesses are more likely to benefit from Shopify if their business is in the process of growing. However, if your business operates internationally, and involves several multinational presences, or if you own a large enterprise, Salesforce Commerce Cloud is likely to make a better choice.

 

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