7 Necessary eCommerce integrations when getting started
There are many things to consider when setting up your online store. There are a few basic integrations that every eCommerce business needs. Here are 7 necessary eCommerce integrations when getting started.
Website Builder
Your website is your storefront. Utilizing a website builder integration allows you to create a professional-looking website without hiring a custom developer and designer. Many website builders come with various applications, features, and integrations that help streamline sales and fulfillment. Some of eCommerce’s most popular website builders include Shopify, BigCommerce, Square, and Wix.
Payment Gateway
Making sales online requires a way to receive and refund money. Your payment gateway is a necessary eCommerce integration when getting started. There are many to choose from, and your website builder probably has a few preferred payment gateway options. To decide on which payment gateway integration is right for you, consider the following:
- What payment methods do you need
- Best ways to accept money
- Available payment options (the more, the merrier)
- Integrations available for your website
- Customer data security
- Cost-effectiveness
- How chargebacks are handled
- Customer support resources
Accounting Software
Every eCommerce CEO loves counting their cash from sales but loathes crunching numbers, especially when taxes are involved. A vital eCommerce integration when getting started is accounting software. Things to consider when selecting an accounting solution are the number of users, regularly updated (to stay current with best practices), easy-to-use format, and getting started training, as well as automated billing, payments, and cash forecasting. Ensure that your software can either provide your accountant with essential reporting or be easily accessed by them or their team. Lastly, your accounting software must integrate easily with your eCommerce platform and payment processing systems.
Customer Support Software
When you start selling online, you must deal with unhappy or confused consumers. A robust customer support system will ensure customers get help and support immediately. Here are some of the best customer support software implementations in 2022, according to Snov.io.
- Hubspot
- Zendesk
- Gorgias
- Help Scout
- LiveAgent
Inventory Management
If you have a product, you need a way to manage your inventory. Inventory management systems integrate seamlessly with your sales systems. Ensuring your stock is updated-to-date, accurate, and tracked in real-time will prevent stockouts, missed sales opportunities, and optimal ordering. A fulfillment service provider typically offers this type of software integration. Make sure they can integrate with your POS systems or they are willing to build custom APIs.
Shipping and Fulfillment Software
Customers want to know where their orders are at all times. The “Amazon Prime Effect” has led to consumers expecting orders delivered in 2-days or less. This isn’t always possible but keeping a consumer informed when their package will be delivered minimizes frustration when things take a bit longer. You can only offer this “satisfaction” boosting information if you have detailed, real-time shipping and fulfillment integrations. Your carrier can offer some level of insight, and if you work with a white-glove fulfillment team, they can provide this detail, and many will have a system that can notify customers on your behalf.
The world of eCommerce is moving toward a full-service omnichannel experience. Ensure that you have the best chance for success by implementing a few of 7 the necessary eCommerce integrations when getting started. While setting up these integrations can feel overwhelming, many website builders offer pre-built integrations. Furthermore, when you partner with a 3PL like Falcon Fulfillment, they can offer top-of-the-line proprietary software to their clients that streamline order fulfillment, including returns and exchanges. That means you can focus on what matters most in your business. If you want to learn more about the technologies and integrations, Falcon offers, get in touch with one of our agents today.
