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What is PrestaShop ?

PrestaShop is an open source, feature rich and free ecommerce solution. It is considered as one of the best platforms to help run online stores via self hosting. The features and functionalities of this platform add to the ease of launching an online store. Themes and add-on features aid in selling services and products. PrestaShop is easy to use and builds a store with a responsive and intuitive interface.

With built in features that help in product listing, payment methods, shipping, suppliers and buyers, customisation is smooth and seamless

Features of PrestaShop

PrestaShop Add-Ons

Having discussed a lot about add-ons and templates, let’s delve in deeper:
A large number of addons the platform offers to add a depth to your online store. These enable you to target different tasks. Analysis, logistics, customisation, sales and much more can be targeted with the modules. Let’s glance at top PrestaShop add-ons which can be implemented in ecommerce platforms.

Apart from these, there are numerous add ons such as Advanced Search 4, Google Tag Manager Enhanced Ecommerce, Verified Reviews Addon, etc.
Moving on, we need to understand the importance of PrestaShop optimization . Over time the platform becomes slow and enhancing it is rather imperative. What are a few ways of optimisation? Let’s discuss.

• Uninstall any Unused Modules

Pre-installed features and modules can be uninstalled or disabled.

• Invest in a CDN

Use a content delivery network to make the process of content delivery fast. The content will be sent across a network of servers around the globe. Hence, the user’s request can be routed to the CDN’s nearest server rather than being sent to the original server.

• Pick a Cache Module

A cache module reduces loading time and reduces server load.

• Use the latest version of PHP

Using the latest version of PHP makes accessing the platform quicker and makes handling and managing data easier.

PrestaShop vs Shopify

A basic platform with simple technical aspects and predictable interface is built with Shopify. An advanced platform, with features of customisation, scalability and efficiency is built with PrestaShop. Having a standard online ecommerce platform that represents your brand can be a detrimental step for your business. Let’s checkout some of the key differences between PrestaShop and Shopify:

• PrestaShop is a self hosted platform while Shopify is a fully hosted platform. This allows the former to offer more flexibility and customizability and the latter to not be technically challenging.
• With Shopify only one store can run from the dashboard but with PrestaShop you can run multiple stores from the same dashboard.
• PrestaShop is an open-source ecommerce platform and hence, is free to download. Add-ons and themes can be purchased if required. Shopify, on the other hand, offers a monthly subscription with four pricing options.
• With PrestaShop you have access to modules and addons and control over security of the online store whereas with Shopify there are only a handful of free themes available with very few customisation options.
• There are options to handle orders, create accounts, interact with users and so on with PrestaShop while such options are missing with Shopify.
• If all the features of Shopify are not needed, its cost efficiency decreases due to recurring costs.
• PrestaShop gives you the option to create as many staff accounts as you like, free of cost. But, with Shopify only 15 accounts can be created for free.
• Global space: Shopify offers over 50 languages and PrestaShop’s support extends to over 75 languages.

While both these frameworks have their own pros and cons, most developers, companies and organisations prefer PrestaShop than Shopify due to ease of use, features and modules, pricing and so on. It is definitely the ecommerce platform development choice for 2023.

Conclusion

1. Opening an ecommerce store has its own challenges and being covered from the technological part of it, can relieve some of the stress. What might suit a particular company, might not be the right choice for you. Hence, a team that understands your needs, your vision and your product is beneficial. We have spoken of the addons and modules extensively. If they are used to the online store’s advantage, your business can easily beat competition.
2. Having a team of developers who have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the framework is key. PrestaShop developers have expertise in developing and maintaining ecommerce platforms adding sustainability to your store.
3. With the knowledge of PrestaShop, high quality, robust and intuitive online stores will be developed making your business a cut above the rest.

Metricoid has over 14 years of experience in developing PrestaShop ecommerce stores. Our team of professionals guide you at every step of the process making the whole experience a seamless one for you. We are committed to timely delivery of our services and that too at a price that fits your budget. We utilise the powerful features of PHP frameworks to deliver result-oriented and responsive web applications. We believe in a swift process saving time, capital and resources. The web developers at Metricoid will create a comprehensive, safe, and high quality web platform that can be accessed by the users. Apart from these solutions, we help you navigate through the toughest problems of scalability, beating competition and being relevant. Learn more about our services from our website:

We offer a wide array of PrestaShop services including Customisation Services,
POS Development, Marketplace development, Migration, theme and app development as well as payment integrations among other services.

At Metricoid

Professionals with 14+ years of experience
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Free consultation
Free trial for a week
Flexible prices
We don’t believe in restrictions, work for as long as you want- No contracts
No upfront payment

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