Sabina Pluskwik, Project Manager

My first online shop

What software to choose? Dedicated platform, SaaS or maybe Open Source

 For beginers

What should I do first when deciding to open an online store?

What kind of an online shop will it be?

How large will the product range be?
What functionalities are the most important for me?
What is my budget?
What will the traffic be like on the website?
What software will I use?
 Software

What software to choose for your shop?

Today there are many companies that offer their online sales platforms.
These solutions are very different from each other.
Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. You have to take into
account all its pros and cons when choosing the right one.
I would like to briefly present some of the most popular online shopping
platforms.
 Software

Basic division of e-commerce software

Software SaaS
Software Open Source
Dedicated software
The other e.g. proprietary ones
 Software

The most often selected software for e-commerce websites

POZOSTAE
OTHERS 13%

OTHER
INNE COPYRIGHT
AUTORSKIE SOLUTIONS
ROZWIZANIA 12,10%

SAAS 18,70%

OPEN SOURCE 19%

DEDICATED
DEDYKOWANE SOFTWARE
OPROGRAMOWANIE 42,50%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

 The most often selected software for e-commerce

42.5% of online store owners indicated that their online shop was implemented on a dedicated
platform. This type of software is more likely to be found in larger shops and in those with longer
market presence (existing over 5 years).
Open Source Software - 19% of indications and SaaS - 18.7%.
Proprietary software created by the shop - 12.1%. It is mainly used by shops with the highest sales
(over 100.000 PLN) and those with longer market presence.
What are the criteria for
selecting the software?
 Data

The main criteria when choosing software

4,8 6 9,5
4,1 10,5 14,3 14 21,6 16,8 18,7 17,5
16,2 13 21,6
34,9 39,7 42,5 47,9
91,1 83,5 74,3 72,7 64,4
43,5 43,5 38,7 34,6
DOSTOSOWANIE
ADAPTING TO CENA
PRICE CZAS REALIZACJI
EXECUTION ATWO
EASE OF UTRZYMANIE
MAINTENANCE OPINIA
REVIEW DARMOWY
FREE TRIAL OPINIA
FRIENDS REKLAMA
ONLINE W
DO POTRZEB
YOUR NEEDS TIME INTEGRACJI Z
INTEGRATION WITH OKRES PRBNY
PERIOD ZNAJOMYCH
OPINION INTERNECIE
ADVERTISING
SYSTEMAMI
EXT. SYSTEMS
ZEW.
Istotne
IMPORTANT Nieistotne
IRRELEVANT Trudno
HARD TO powiedzie
SAY
 Data

The main criteria when choosing software

Adjustment to ones needs 91%

Price 83.5%
The speed of implementation 74%
Easy integration with external systems 72%
Possibility of self-modification / the way of maintenance 64,4%
Feedback 43,5%
Different e-commerce platforms -
examples
 SaaS

SaaS Software (IAI-Shop, Shoper.pl)

 SaaS

SaaS model

We get a ready-made shop, equipped with the functionalities necessary for the sale. Model based on
monthly subscription fee. Setting up a shop is easy and does not take much time. In the SaaS model,
the customer receives a warranty for the system and can rely on continuous technical support. Shop
platforms, in addition to standard features, also offer additional sales support modules that customers
can purchase or lease.
 SaaS

SaaS model

One of the most popular SaaS platforms. Shoper has numerous integrations with popular auction sites,
courier companies and online accounting software.
Shoper does not provide the ability to download and install its software on your own server (except for a
special license). Everything is on the side of the supplier. You can buy and add your own domain, however,
Shoper is responsible for maintaining the store and for that it takes a monthly fee. The fee depends on the
size of our store, the transfer limit and other additional options such as integration with the warehouse system.
 SaaS

SaaS model

IAI-Shop is also one of the leaders in the e-commerce industry in Poland. The IAI-Shop has constantly been
developed, although it offers quite a lot in compared to competition.
When implementing IAI-Shop you do not need your own server, everything is done on the seller's side. The
platform offers a wide range of functionalities including:
Convenient order management, integration with Allegro and eBay platforms, shop service, warehouse
management, integration with IAI payments for 13 banks, courier integration, collaboration with price
comparison websites and numerous tools for easier handling and management of customer base, goods and
payments.
 SaaS

General Advantages of SaaS solutions

low cost of launching the store

ready to use integration
no one-time application purchase cost - SaaS access is usually based on a fixed fee which is a shorter
and less expensive implementation process
server infrastructure you do not need to worry about hosting
saving on support and service costs
access to the latest version of the software - no need to update the application
 SaaS

General Advantages of SaaS solutions

security guarantee - SaaS services are provided by physically and logically protected IT systems to meet
the needs of the most demanding customers,
data security - SaaS provider creates backup copies of customer data,
advanced functionalities (ex. IAI-Shop)
scalability - SaaS solutions easily scale with customer demand, as they work on a platform designed to
support thousands of users,
high availability - SaaS is a service that must be continuously available
suppliers provide the highest levels of reliability, including systems that guarantee work continuity in the
event of natural disasters or serious failures (disaster recovery).
 SaaS

General Defects of SaaS solutions

there is no possibility of introducing dedicated changes,

no direct control over the application - because the provider is responsible for the stability and availability
of the service provided. It also has full control over the application provided - no access to the open
source code,
dependence on external vendor - in the SaaS model, the customer is the owner of the data stored on the
system but the provider owns the license,
security - the most common and most frequently cited concern with SaaS. The customer gives important
and often confidential data to the SaaS provider and wants to be sure that they are adequately secured
against unauthorized access.
 Open Source

Software Open Source (Prestashop, Magento)

 Open Source

Software Open Source

Open Source is not just a way to distribute, but free software that has been developing since the late 1980s.
Open source software is available for free and can be freely modified by users. However, we cannot forget
about the cost of implementing a system and its development and updates. Also keep in mind that in open
source systems, you do not get a guarantee for system operation and security. Technical support should be
commisioned to external agencies. You also have to take care of hosting by yourself.
 Open Source

Software Open Source

A fast and easy platform for online stores. Simple and intuitive management panel.
Good performance, extensive functionality and simple tool modification.
 Open Source

Prestashop advantages

implementation and installation - simple in configuration. Almost everyone should manage the installation
and launch of the simplest version in a few hours
performance - small requirements for the server hosting the shop
functionality - user-friendly administration panel
 Open Source

Prestashop disadvantages

poor quality graphic templates

frequent updates (including security patches)
 Open Source

Open Source software

Magento is currently one of the most popular platforms for running an online store.
Typically, this software is chosen by people who plan to create a large online store with a variety of
functionalities simplifying the management of a wide assortment.
 Open Source

Magento advantages

self-modification - access to the open source code

extensive functionality (has extensive analytic systems, reporting, product management, mobile version or
payment systems)
the ability to run several stores simultaneously and manage them from one administration panel
you can set a template for a given product that will make it look different to the customer than other
products in a specific time range.
 Open Source

Magento advantages

the system architecture allows for the creation of even very advanced services
a large number of ready-made, often free extras
great SEO optimization
 Open Source

Magento disadvantages

server requirements and reserves

administration (a complicated administrative panel)
installation and modification (involvement of specialists)
 Open Source

Summary of Open Source platforms

Prestashop is a great choice for e-sellers beginners. It makes a launch of an efficient store possible at a
relatively low cost.

Magento is a good choice for more experienced people who know their need. Magento is a more demanding
option, so you need to be aware of the greater hosting needs and your store maintenance.

In both cases a selection of competent people responsible for implementing the system is the most important.
 Dedicated software

Dedicated software
 Dedicated software

Dedicated software
Dedicated platforms provide the greatest flexibility in implementing own, often specific requirements (with a
possibilty of future expansion when needed).
When choosing a dedicated solution, it is imperative to create the requirements specification. It would also be
good at this stage to have the requirements described in a timeline, that is:
What do we need today?
What would we like to have in the future?
Most dedicated platforms are licensed.
 Dedicated software

Stages of implementing a dedicated platform

Customer needs analysis

Presentation of a detailed project
Verification and acceptance by the customer
Implementation
Making a test version available to the customer
Implementation of reported changes and corrections
Implementation and testing
Staff training
Service for the entire system
Modifying the system to changing needs
 Dedicated software

Advantages of dedicated software

matching the store and its functionality to the needs of both the customer and the specifics of the product
that he offers - that makes us unique among others and we are sure that no one will have the same
functionalities and effects on the website.
possibility of continuous development of the service and implementation of additional modules
software training
service
 Dedicated software

Disadvantages of dedicated software

high cost - software development from scratch is usually very expensive

time of implementation - laborious
the responsibility of the orderer and the supplier - it is worth to consider whether we will be able to design
a good system and not make mistakes. Taking this assumption into consideration, we have to design the
whole system, not just the adaptation changes in existing software
 Summary

That is why

Dedicated, tailor-made software is the best solution for those who already have Internet trading experience,
are owners of a thriving e-store and want the system to be built to their needs and expectations.
For stores that generate a lot of orders, it is especially important to automate the handling process, while
dedicated systems allow for integration with any ERP and CRM systems.
 Summary

Variant SaaS model Open Source model Dedicated model

Launching costs +++ ++ +
Maintenance costs + +++ ++
Implementation time +++ ++ +
Customization needs + ++ +++

System integration + ++ +++

Customizable - +++ ?

Internet support ++ +++ -

Scalability +++ ? ?

Application development path +++ ++ ?

Technical support +++ ? ?

What software to choose?
 Facts

Given that we have unlimited financial resources, most people would opt for
a dedicated platform.

INNE AUTORSKIE
OTHER COPYRIGHTROZWIZANIA
SOLUTIONS 30,20%

SAAS 8,10%

OPEN SOURCE 6%

DEDYKOWANE OPROGRAMOWANIE
DEDICATED SOFTWARE 56,00%

0,00% 10,00% 20,00% 30,00% 40,00% 50,00% 60,00%

 Given that we have unlimited financial resources, most people would opt for
a dedicated platform.
56% of stores would like to have dedicated software. It is interesting that the owners of smaller stores (62% of
retailers with revenues up to 10,000 per month, compared to 43% in shops above 100,000), as well as shop
owners with a short market presence (57% of companies operating in the market for up to 1 year, against 46%
of companies operating over 5 years).
The second position is occupied by other proprietary platforms (created by their own development team)
30.2%. It is particularly popular among the owners of the largest stores (over 100.000 monthly income) -
47.7%, and those with the longest market presence (over 5 years) - 43.8%.
 What prompts people to implement proprietary software?

POSIADAMY ODPOWIEDNIE
WE HAVE ADEQUATE ZASOBY
RESOURCES I WIEDZ
AND KNOWLEDGE 60,50%

BRAK ZEWNTRZNYCH KOSZTW

NO EXTERNAL COSTS 75,70%

STOSUNEKQUALITY-PRICE RATIO
CENY DO JAKOCI 89,20%

0,00% 10,00% 20,00% 30,00% 40,00% 50,00% 60,00% 70,00% 80,00% 90,00%100,00%
 Lessons to do

What prompts people to implement proprietary software?

89% of the respondents said it that they have decided to implement the proprietary software because it is good
value for money
Nearly 76% of respondents have chosen proprietary software because of the absence of external costs
60% of respondents posses adequate resources and expertise
 What to choose?

There is no right answer to the question which solution is best.

Everything depends on needs, experience and of course the budget.
When we just starting at e-commerce and have a limited budget, the best choice is the SaaS model. Though it
has many limitations, it offers monthly fees and makes us dependent on one company.
There is also an access to professional technical support - we do not have to worry about stability or errors in
the software. We have a one price list and often a fixed annual fee for running the store.
 What to choose?

If we want to be independent of the provider, we can be tempted to choose the Open Source system.
For experienced people who are familiar with the market, have specific needs, dedicated software will be the
most beneficial solution.
 What to choose?

It all depends on whether we expect convenience, or maybe we are able to devote some time and work, and
as a result, launch and run the shop at low cost. It all depends on the budget, and also our requirements for
software functionality.
 Interactive Agency & Internet Software House

e-tools tailored to your business

Ideo Sp. z o.o.

Headquarters
Ul. Nad Przyrw 13
35-234 Rzeszw

Branch in Warsaw
Al. Niepodlegoci 124/2
02-577 Warszawa

www.ideoagency.com
Thank you for attention zapytanie@ideo.pl