Multi-vendor stores are one of the most lucrative eCommerce business models in the current web industry. As consumers get comfortable with online shopping, eCommerce business is becoming more appealing to entrepreneurs. If you have been tinkering with the idea of entering eCommerce market by starting an online store, then, this has to be one of the questions occupying your mind.

Ready made or custom multi-vendor store – Which is the best way to move forward?

Most entrepreneurs planning to enter this sector have to decide whether to choose a ready made multi-vendor eCommerce solution or build the eCommerce store from scratch. This blog aims at clarifying the difference between the two so that entrepreneurs can make an informed decision based on their requirements.

Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects to keep in mind when it comes to choosing an eCommerce solution:

#1. Implementation

Ready made multi-vendor solution offers quick implementation and gets your storefront up and running in a short span of time. On the other hand, when it comes to custom-built eCommerce solution, you have to start from the scratch and develop front end as well as back end completed. Custom design and development takes time, and hence costs valuable time.

#2. Affordability

Cost of implementation has always been a major concern for entrepreneurs when it comes to launching a new venture. This is the reason why ready made multi-vendor solution is favored; it does not require expensive software development from scratch. Building an eCommerce website from the ground up would require many months of development & designing, which would naturally increase the cost exponentially.

#3. Trial before purchase

The best thing about ready made multi-vendor solutions is that you get a trial before you make a purchase. This means that you get an idea about the platform functionality, before making a purchase. The same is not true if you have to build the whole platform by yourself. Even a wire frame of the website would require time and resources. While the result will sure come out exactly as per your dreams, it will cost money from the very beginning.

Recommended to read: 43 Reasons To Choose Yo!Kart To Start eCommerce Marketplace

#4. Ability to undertake tweaks

There is a misconception that a ready made multi-vendor store comes with a stock template, which can only be used as it is. The reality is that nowadays, ready made multi-vendor eCommerce solutions are developed in such a way that makes it easy for entrepreneurs to undertake design changes and even feature upgrades. The same is possible for custom developed store as well if you pick a flexible technology.

#5. User-friendly functionality

Ready made multi-vendor eCommerce solutions are built keeping in mind concepts of user engagement. This means that the users do not need to have an immense technical knowledge for implementation and management. Most are powered with a CMS, and give website owners the ease of product updates. On the other hand, if you need a multi-vendor store that you can manage on your own, then, let the development team know in advance.

#6. Scalability

When it comes to an eCommerce website, scalability is one of the most critical aspects for future growth. Ready made multi-vendor eCommerce solution score in this area as well. At a nominal cost, you can easily scale up your website or even add additional functionality. Proprietary software scalability however could be a time-consuming and expensive proposition.

#7. Flexibility

Ready made solutions are created keeping in mind all the key features necessary for an advanced eCommerce website. In addition to that, there is a dedicated team that works around the clock to evolve new features, upgrades, and plugins. However, if you opt for a custom-built eCommerce solution, you will have to spend countless hours brainstorming on the essential features.

#8. Functional errors

One of the biggest fears of an eCommerce startup is the emergence of functional errors once the website is live. Those who opt for turnkey multi-vendor solution do not have to worry about the same as they get free technical support which sometimes can extend up to a year. On the other hand, if any functional error emerges in an eCommerce solution built from the ground up, you would have to hire dedicated developers to fix it.

It is important to note that custom eCommerce solution also has its fair share of advantages like unique functionality, long-term feasibility and distinctive brand identity. Though time consuming, eCommerce stores created from scratch can leave a long lasting memory in the minds of visitors. Therefore, the best bet for any entrepreneur would be to choose a solution that offers the best of both sides.

Yo!Kart is a user-friendly multi-vendor eCommerce solution that offers many features. It is a turnkey solution, which can be customized as per client’s needs. It offers multi-layer security, robust back end functionality and exquisite user interface. Additionally, you do not have to hire a dedicated team as you get one-year free technical support.

Yo!Kart delivers a SEO friendly eCommerce store that can attain good search engine ranking easily. Such unique advantages make it one of the best customizable turnkey solutions in the market.

Suggested Read: Attain Greater Business Reach With Yo!Kart V9 Buyer App