Best Multi-Channel eCommerce Solutions in 2024
Relying on one source channel for your business is now a thing of the past. These days, e-commerce business owners have to show up as often as possible in strategic places. According to statistics by the Harvard Business Review, 73% of consumers prefer shopping through more than one channel. Inarguably, customers now shop where it's easiest for them. As a result, multi-channel e-commerce solutions have become the trend in this era. Many businesses are already taking advantage of this trend to sell their products and manage their presence on numerous platforms so why be left out of it? In this guide, we will explain what Multi-channel ecommerce solutions are, their benefits, and how to effectively manage a multi-channel setup to provide an outstanding customer experience.
What is Multi-Channel E-commerce?
Multi-channel e-commerce is all about selling your products in more than one place. This could mean listing your items on big online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and selling directly from your website. The main idea is to reach more people and make it easy for them to shop from you, no matter where they prefer to browse.
Also, selling products through various platforms allows customers to buy them in the way they prefer, and it also helps reach new buyers who might not know about your products otherwise. So, if you want to multiply your earnings in the ecommerce business, you must consider using multi-channel ecommerce.
Benefits of Multi-Channel E-commerce
The amount of effort demanded for multiple-channel ecommerce can be discouraging, but the benefits outweigh them. Let's look at how you can benefit by following this trend.
By selling on multiple platforms, you can reach a wider audience. Some people love buying on Amazon, while others can jump on any cool offer they find on Instagram. It has been discovered that people spend about 151 minutes a day on social media. A multichannel e-commerce strategy that includes social media helps potential customers see products and explore their options on platforms they already use. They can then continue their shopping experience on a different channel.
According to recent research, merchants who use three or more channels make 143% more revenue than those who use only one or two. Do you know why? Having more ways to connect with customers, showcase your brand, and reach new people means more people buy from you. And when more people buy, you earn more money.
So, allowing online shoppers to buy your products directly from the platform they are using makes the process easier, as they don't need to switch to your website, visit a physical store, or create a new account on a different site. This simple buying process reduces the chances of customers leaving items in their cart without completing the purchase since they can finish buying in just a few clicks.
Multi-channel ecommerce makes shopping more accessible and flexible for customers. They can pick their favorite platform, whether it's an online marketplace, a social media shop, or your website. On the other hand, you can also track customers' data, from when they buy to how they receive their products using Omni-channel software. This convenience keeps customers loyal and makes them more likely to return to a business that fits their shopping preferences.
Key Features of Multi-Channel Ecommerce Solutions
It's an already known fact that Multi-channel ecommerce solutions keep you one step ahead of your customers. Some of their key features include:
One of the most important features of the best multi-channel inventory management systems is centralized inventory management. This allows businesses to manage their stock across multiple sales channels from a single dashboard. It ensures real-time updates to avoid overselling and stock shortages.
Multi-channel e-commerce solutions offer integrated sales channel management software. This feature allows businesses to link and manage various sales platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify from a single location. It also helps collect and analyze data, so businesses can see which channels work best and make improvements.
Automated order processing is transformative for multi-channel e-commerce. This feature handles tasks like order confirmation, invoicing, and shipping notifications automatically. It also minimizes manual errors, speeds up the order fulfillment process, and improves customer satisfaction.
Top Multi-Channel E-commerce Software Solutions
A lot of brands and e-commerce businesses have turned to multi-channel e-commerce software solutions to make managing their presence online easier, and you should tap into this trend. These channels include:
Amazon
Amazon is the biggest online marketplace, with millions of loyal customers. Selling on Amazon can increase your brand's visibility, especially with effective marketing strategies. Meanwhile, it's also highly competitive due to its popularity. Many sellers are attracted to Amazon, making it challenging to stand out.
Walmart Marketplace
Walmart Marketplace is quickly becoming one of the top online shopping platforms in the US. With over 128 million visitors every month, it's a big player in the e-commerce world, just like Amazon. This is because of Walmart's strong reputation and large customer base, which it built as a physical store. However, not everyone can sell on Walmart Marketplace. You need to meet certain qualifications, which you can find on Walmart's website. If you meet these requirements, you can sign up and follow some steps to become a seller.
eBay
eBay is a popular online shopping and auction website, ranking as the second most-visited e-commerce site in the US. The review system on eBay offers immediate social proof to potential customers. When they see others trust and rate your brand positively, they're more likely to do the same. You can also use eBay Seller Hub to manage customer support and orders, get guidance on listings, and track sales performance to improve your strategy.
Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace where you can sell handmade and customized items to millions of shoppers globally. You can only sell items you've made yourself, along with vintage items, craft supplies, and materials. This means Etsy is the perfect place to sell your handmade products and reach the right customers. It's easy to set up and manage, making it ideal for small businesses and startups
Google Shopping
Brands can showcase their products in Google search results under the “Shopping” tab. When people search for a product on Google, relevant items from their catalog will appear for them to check out and purchase. You only pay when someone clicks on your product.
Social Media Shopping
Many social media platforms now let sellers do online shopping. This means businesses can guide users to their website to buy products or let them buy directly through the social app. Some brands allow you to buy directly in the app, while others send you to their website to finish your purchase. Common social media shopping platforms are:
- Instagram Shopping
Instagram Shopping lets stores connect their product catalog with their Instagram profile. This means users can buy items without exiting the app. This smooth shopping experience improves customer satisfaction and lowers drop-off rates. - Facebook Shopping
Similar to Instagram, you can set up a store on Facebook called a Facebook Shop. This lets users on Facebook look at your products and buy them without leaving the site. One of the main benefits of using this platform is reaching millions of Facebook users. But remember, Facebook has strict rules that sellers must follow to start selling through a Facebook Shop. - TikTok Shop
To sell on TikTok, you need to provide your company details and verified identification. Once approved, you can start selling using live streams, videos, and store pages on the app. - Pinterest Shop
If you want to sell products on Pinterest, you'll need an online store and a Pinterest Business account. You can boost your sales by joining the Verified Merchant Program, which can increase your conversion rates. After linking your online store and Pinterest Business account, you can tag your products in Pins to start selling them.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Software
Only the right tools will get the work done. Otherwise, it would be a total waste of time and resources. When choosing the right multi-channel e-commerce software for your business, consider factors such as:
- Ease of use and user interface
- Compatibility with your existing systems and platforms
- Pricing and scalability options
- Integration capabilities with your preferred sales channels
- Customer support and available resources
- Advanced features like marketing tools, analytics, and customization options
Multi-Channel E-commerce Software Comparison
There are several types of Multi-channel ecommerce software, but we're going to look at the top seven. They are:
Synder
Synder is handy accounting software that helps businesses automate their bookkeeping. It connects smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms and payment processors, like Stripe, eBay, Amazon, Etsy, etc., making it easier to keep your financial records straight and prepare for tax time. If you're a business owner looking to save time and keep your books accurate, Synder could be just what you need.
Features
- Automated Transaction Sync Across Multiple Channels
- Handles transactions in different currency
- Detailed Financial Reports
Pros
- Saves Time
- Reduces human errors by automating data entry and reconciliation
- Supports businesses of various sizes.
Cons
- Setup can be challenging for beginners
- Too expensive for Small Businesses
- Limited customization option
Pricing
Synder offers a few pricing plans to fit different business needs:
This plan is suitable for online businesses with up to 500 transactions, and the price is $48 per month.
The scale plan covers Multi-channel business needs with 1K - 5K transactions monthly. The monthly subscription is $88.
This is for multi-channel businesses with 10K - 50K transactions. You can pay $220 for a monthly subscription.
Tailored for big companies with 50K+ transactions monthly. Pricing is customized based on what you need.
AfterPay
AfterPay is a great multi-channel eCommerce software for a "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) service that allows consumers to purchase goods and pay for them in six-week installments. It is designed to offer shoppers a flexible payment option, making it easier to manage expenses without the need for credit checks or upfront payments. More than 19M active customers have shopped with Afterpay globally, and it is consistently rated in the top 10 shopping apps.
Features
- Interest-Free Installments
- Quick and easy approval process for customers at checkout.
- Integrates with a wide range of e-commerce platforms and in-store payment systems,
Pros
- Flexible payment options
- No Interest or Hidden Fees
- Increased Sales for businesses
Cons
- Late Fees penalty
- Impact on Credit Score
- Ease of use might encourage some consumers to overspend,
Pricing
- For Consumers
AfterPay does not charge consumers any fees if payments are made on time. Late fees apply for missed payments, which vary by country and the total purchase amount.
- For Merchants
Merchants pay AfterPay a fee for each transaction processed. The fee is a percentage of the transaction amount plus a fixed fee, which varies based on the agreement and region.
Square Space
Squarespace is a website building and hosting platform designed for creating professional-looking websites and online stores. It offers a range of templates and tools to help businesses set up and manage their online presence.
Features
- Automatic tax calculation
- Create mailing lists
- Easy Drag and Drop Editor
Pros
- Over 160 aesthetically pleasing templates
- Easiest website builder
- Beginner friendly
Cons
- Limited design flexibility
- Not suitable for large e-commerce businesses
- Quite expensive
Pricing
- Personal-;$16.00/month
- Business- $23.00/month
- Basic Commerce- $26/month
- Advanced Commerce- $52.00/month
QuickBooks E-commerce
Managing and bookkeeping can be quite a task for e-commerce business owners. QuickBooks is one of the best tools if you want to do this smoothly. It helps you manage inventory and orders for your multi-channel business, letting you track products as you sell and restock across various warehouses and channels.
Features
- Provides Multiple Integrations
- Allows Inventory Control
- Multichannel Sales
Pros
- Smooth integration with payment platforms
- Reduce errors and save time
- Tracking bills and expenses
Cons
- Poor site performance
- Limitations on the number of users
- Lack of professional support
Pricing
- Simple Start - $18/monthly
- Essential - $27/Monthly.
- Plus - $38/Monthly.
- Advanced plan - $76/month
Shipping Easy
Sending products to customers can be so difficult, but we have found an easier way to do that. ShippingEasy is the simplest online platform for shipping, tracking, and customer marketing for e-commerce sellers. Let's see some of its best features:
Features
- Easy Tracking
- Streamline order fulfillment with smooth automation and batch printing.
- Barcode/Label Management
Pros
- Uses excellent automation tools, including automated shipping rules, to minimize manual work.
- Integrate with over 50 stores and marketplaces.
- Access discounted shipping rates to cut costs and boost profit margins
Cons
- Lacks smooth inventory management and analytics
- Primarily caters to U.S. sellers, making it less suitable for international sales
Pricing
- Starter - Free
- Growth - $19.99/month
- Basic - $29.99/month
- Plus - $49.99/month
- Select - $69.99/month
- Premium - $99.99/month
- Enterprise - $159.99/month
Lucky Orange
Lucky Orange is a user-friendly tool that helps you understand how visitors interact with your website. It provides insights into what users are doing on your site, so you can improve their experience and increase conversions.
Features
- Heatmaps
- Session Recordings
- Live Chat
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Provides detailed analytics
- Improves conversion rates
Cons
- Limited Free Plan
- Privacy concerns
- Data overload
Pricing
- Free Plan: Basic features with limited usage.
- Starter Plan: $10/monthly
- Business Plan: $20/month
ShipStation
This is for businesses that want to outsource some or all of their shipping tasks. It simplifies the shipping process, saving you time and money.
Features
- Automates shipping tasks based on predefined rules.
- Connects with various shipping carriers to find the best rates and services.
- Order Management
Pros
- Ease of Use
- E-commerce Integration
- Instantly Update Tracking
Cons
- Difficult Setup
- Shipping Limitations
- Poor Customer Support
Pricing
- Starter Plan - $9 /month
- Bronze Plan- $ 29 /month.
- Silver Plan - $49 per /month
- Gold Plan - $69/ month
- Platinum Plan- $99 /month,
- Enterprise Plan- $159/month
Best Multi-Channel Inventory Management Software
Effective inventory management is necessary for the success of multi-channel e-commerce businesses. With products sold across various platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify, keeping track of stock levels can be challenging. So, good inventory management ensures you never oversell, avoids stockouts, and helps you maintain optimal stock levels.
One of the best multi-channel inventory management software is QuickBooks ecommerce. This software provides centralized inventory control, allowing businesses to manage their stock from a single dashboard. It includes good accounting features and can connect with advanced inventory and sales platforms. This makes it a powerful tool for keeping your online business's finances in check and running smoothly.
Sales Channel Management Software
Sales channel management software helps businesses handle and improve their different ways of selling products, whether online, through retail partners, or through distributors. Let's just say many sales channel management tools integrate with a wide range of e-commerce platforms and third-party services, allowing businesses to expand and adapt their operations as needed.
One of the top sales channel management software solutions is ShipStation. Known for its shipping capabilities, ShipStation provides lots of sales channel management features. It allows businesses to manage orders from various sales channels, print shipping labels, and handle customer support.
Omni-Channel Management Software
Omni-channel e-commerce is like having a single, unified store that customers can access from anywhere, making their shopping experience easy and enjoyable. These channels are quite different from multi-channel ecommerce. Although some people confuse the two, let's break it down.
Differences Between Multi-channel and Omni-Channel E-commerce
Multi-channel e-commerce means selling your products on several different platforms. For example, you might sell your products on your website, on Amazon, and in a physical store. Each channel operates independently, and customers interact with each channel separately. Channels in Multi-channel ecommerce don't necessarily communicate with each other. So, if a customer buys a product online, your physical store might not know about that sale immediately.
Meanwhile, Omni-channel e-commerce takes it a step further by integrating all your sales channels so they work together smoothly. It provides a unified and consistent customer experience, whether online, on a mobile app, or in a physical store. When a customer browses your products on your website and decides to buy the product using your mobile app, they receive updates about their order via email and can pick it up in-store.In Omni-Channel e-commerce, all these interactions are connected. It enables you to follow up on all activities surrounding every sale easily.
Top Omni-channel Management Software Solutions
Many Omni-channel software solutions can make multi-channel ecommerce easier for you. However, our top Omni-channel management software is Shipping Easy. It is a fantastic tool for online sellers who want to save costs while shipping. If you’re selling on multiple platforms and need a way to manage everything from one place, then you should try it out.
Choosing the Right Multi-Channel E-commerce Solution
When you're choosing a multi-channel e-commerce solution, here are some things to keep in mind:
Business Size
Your business size will determine what channel will handle all your needs. If you're just starting or have a small business, you'll want software that's easy to use and doesn't require a lot of technicalities. Channels like SquareSpace might be perfect for you. For bigger businesses, you might need a platform like ShipStation or Lucky Orange that can handle a higher volume of sales and more complex operations.
Budget
You also need to check the affordability of the channel because some of them can be expensive. Platforms like Synder have a higher price level, while Afterpay is budget-friendly. Also, consider extra costs for maintenance, plugins, and any other features you might need.
Specific Needs and Goals
This is another important factor to consider. You need to know which platform you want to sell your products. Do you need a platform that integrates with Amazon, eBay, and social media? Then, check out for customization options. How much control do you want over your site’s look and functionality? When you've considered all these questions, you can move ahead and make a choice. Remember to check for analytical features and take advantage of free trials and demos offered by many software providers. This allows you to test the features and user interface before committing.
Conclusion
Investing in a strong multi-channel e-commerce solution isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must if you want your business to thrive in today's competitive market. The right software can boost sales, streamline operations, and set you up for long-term success. However, you'll need to use a reliable multi-channel software tool, and it can be challenging. But, we suggest you go through our list of the best multi-channel management software. If you're still stuck, you can contact us to help you out. Don't limit your business to just one sales channel, go multi-channel and see your business take off.
