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Ecwid Ecommerce Glossary

Zen Cart

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What is Zen Cart?

Zen Cart is an open-source, PHP-based online store management system and ecommerce platform. It provides a platform for individuals and businesses to create and manage their own online stores without the need for extensive technical knowledge or coding skills.

Zen Cart was based on osCommerce in 2003, but its goal was to provide a more user-friendly and customizable ecommerce solution. It offers a range of features such as multiple payment gateways, shipping options, custom templates, product management, customer management, and more.

Alternative Ecommerce Platforms

  • Ecwid by Lightspeed is a widely used ecommerce platform that offers a user-friendly interface and many customizable template options. It is known for its ease of use and wide range of features. For example, the sale of goods on social networks and marketplaces, a mobile application, the sale of digital goods, and more.
  • WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, one of the most popular website platforms. It allows you to turn your WordPress site into an online store. 
  • Magento is a powerful open-source ecommerce platform that offers a high level of customization and scalability. It’s suitable for larger businesses with more complex needs, but it can be more challenging to set up and maintain compared to other platforms.
  • BigCommerce is a user-friendly platform that provides a range of features, including hosting, payment processing, and customizable templates. It’s known for its robust features and scalability.
  • Wix offers an ecommerce module that integrates seamlessly with its website builder. It’s known for its ease of use and visually appealing templates.
  • OpenCart is an open-source platform that is relatively easy to set up and use. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and offers a variety of extensions for additional functionality.
  • PrestaShop is another open-source platform that provides a wide range of features and customization options. It’s known for its modular architecture and ability to handle multiple languages and currencies.
  • Volusion is an ecommerce platform that offers a range of tools for building and managing online stores. It provides features like payment processing, inventory management, and customizable templates.

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