Online shop in SaaS model

Are you planning to start an e-commerce business? Do you want to take your business online and get customers from all over the country? So you are certainly wondering which sales platform to choose. There are so many options these days that it's easy to get lost. For beginners, we recommend an online shop on a subscription basis, i.e. in the so-called SaaS (Software as a Service) model, where the software is a form of service.

Platforma SaaS e-commerce

Internet sales are opening up huge opportunities for entrepreneurs and changing the face of commerce. However, the beginnings are by no means easy. The first hurdle to overcome is the choice of web shop model. It is worth mentioning at this point that the software is very important, as it affects not only the implementation costs, but also the future development of the shop. If we choose the SaaS model, we will simply use the software in exchange for a subscription fee - usually monthly. This means that we do not have to invest a large sum of money in setting up an online shop at the outset, which is a great convenience for many entrepreneurs. The subscription price includes professional software that allows us to perform all the necessary tasks, such as adding products to the website or integrating it with the fast payment system. There is also no need to pay extra for hosting - it is included in the price of using the platform.

The SaaS model in e-commerce - the biggest advantages

Why does it pay to opt for an online shop as a software rental? First and foremost, this significantly reduces costs. At the start of your business, it is particularly important to save money and keep expenses to a minimum. In the case of the SaaS model, prices can be really attractive - the fees are only a few tens of zlotys per month, and you get access to everything you need without paying extra for hosting, as well as for the domain and expert technical support, which is definitely useful. What are the other advantages of a platform in the SaaS model?

• You can get your business off the ground really quickly and without complications - the SaaS platform ensures instant shop setup in just a few days; the same applies to wholesale integration - so stocking up will not be a problem at all;
• security for customers and purchases - security is increasingly important in the world of e-commerce. Platforms offering subscription shops take care of important security features, such as SSL encryption, and operate on modern servers to ensure that data is properly stored;
• SaaS solutions offered in Poland are fully adapted to the Polish market and the needs of entrepreneurs;
• software updates are automated - they are provided by the platform provider throughout the subscription period;
• ample opportunities to grow your online shop - once your business has gained momentum, you don't have to worry that increased traffic will cause technical problems.

SaaS model in e-commerce - significant drawbacks

Of course, when choosing a SaaS platform, we should be aware not only of the benefits and advantages, but also of the disadvantages of this solution. So let us now concentrate on learning about some of the most important disadvantages, which include:

• limitations related to the number of modules and add-ons - SaaS software is not as extensive as Open Source in this respect;
• the need to use pre-designed graphic templates that do not necessarily fit the specific shop;
• No ownership - you do not own the shop software, you only rent it;
• the risk of data loss if the provider decides to close the service;
• Lack of flexibility - lack of access to the source code prevents modification beyond the options provided by the supplier.

SaaS e-commerce platforms available on the Polish market

There are a number of SaaS model platforms available on the Polish market. Prominent among them are:

• Sky Shop - the software is extremely easy to use, allowing you to manage sales and configure the website yourself. Sky-Shop also stands out with a set of tools for marketing activities that you can carry out on your own, such as blogging, social media integration and newsletters;
• Shoper - one of the easiest SaaS platforms to use. The wide range of functionalities allows for a wide range of platform configurations in terms of both e-commerce and logistics solutions;
• Shoplo - solution with a clear operating panel and an extremely aesthetic design. The platform does not offer ready-made graphic themes - instead, a visual creator is available. With its help, you can build a unique look for your shop;
• Redcart - one of the cheapest SaaS systems with ready-to-use graphic templates available on the market today. It contains over 450 built-in tools that are hassle-free to implement - so no specialist knowledge is needed.