6 digital commerce needs, 6 solutions: Why Shopify is right for you, too
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, but does it suit your specific needs? HiQ’s Head of Digital Commerce, Samu Tapanen, discusses six different situations and the solutions Shopify provides for them.
From cautiously testing a new idea to ambitious international growth, the SaaS-based Shopify platform caters to a wide range of e-commerce needs. Shopify has even been positioned as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce.
Samu Tapanen, HiQ’s Head of Digital Commerce, showcases common scenarios in starting and scaling digital commerce operations and explains how Shopify can address these needs.
Situation 1
Testing a new E-Commerce concept. A business wants to test a new e-commerce concept without significant upfront investment.
Testing new ideas and market potential requires platforms to offer fast deployment, cost efficiency, and flexibility, allowing the concept to evolve during the trial phase. Shopify is a top choice for lightweight e-commerce solutions globally. Its SaaS model allows quick setup at low costs, and if the trial is successful, the platform scales easily.
Situation 2
Expanding a physical store online. A traditional brick-and-mortar store wants to expand its sales online to reach a wider customer base.
Moving physical operations online requires seamless integration between brick-and-mortar and digital functions. Shopify provides all the necessary tools for setting up and managing an online store. With a vast range of plugins, implementations can be expanded as needed. Thanks to flexible licensing, it scales well for businesses of all sizes.
Situation 3
Omnichannel sales. A business wants to sell its products across multiple channels, such as a website, social media, and marketplaces.
Omnichannel sales are no longer just a nice-to-have but an expectation from customers. Shopify supports omnichannel sales, enabling businesses to sell directly on their online store and through integrated product embeds on social media platforms and other marketplaces.
Situation 4
Launching a pop-up store. A business wants to open a pop-up store during a seasonal period or special event.
Pop-up stores reach customers quickly and flexibly, so the sales system’s adaptability and compatibility with e-commerce are often crucial. A seamless shopping experience boosts both sales and customer satisfaction. Shopify’s POS system supports physical store sales while ensuring smooth integration between online and offline operations.
Situation 5
A cost-effective start. A small business or solo entrepreneur wants to start an online store with low barriers and costs.
Small businesses and solo entrepreneurs often look for ways to launch e-commerce without significant upfront investments, making cost-efficiency and ease of use critical. Shopify stands out with its versatility and simplicity. Its affordable plans are highly customizable without requiring coding skills.
Situation 6
International growth. A business wants to expand to international markets and needs a platform that supports multiple languages and currencies.
Expanding into international markets, creating localized stores, and managing them centrally require new features from e-commerce platforms. Shopify’s Advanced and Plus plans offer tools for secure and efficient payment processing, integrating seamlessly with trusted payment providers like NETS, Paytrail, Klarna, and Stripe. Shopify also includes extensive technical documentation, ensuring development without vendor lock-in.
Careful planning supports business growth
While Shopify is known for its ease of use, there are factors to consider for long-term planning.
For example, choosing the right license and features that match your needs can significantly impact e-commerce performance and cost-efficiency. While differences in transaction fees between licenses are generally small, they can become a significant cost factor with higher sales volumes.
When planning e-commerce, consider both its current state and long-term goals. The more carefully tools and solutions are selected, the better they will support scalability and business growth.
HiQ is an official Shopify partner, enabling us to consider companies’ individual needs and goals when selecting solutions. Get in touch and we’ll map out the best options for your business needs.
