We must dispel a myth before we can tell you how to build an eCommerce website with no backend. eCommerce sites are not limited to consumer audiences.
Numerous industries and B2B companies have come to rely on internal and external eCommerce websites to streamline business processes, reduce costs, increase product offerings, improve marketing, and more. They may have been created for consumers, but their benefits extend to all.
Here are some common use cases for eCommerce sites:
- Insurance brokers printing out coverage information on demand
- Franchisee owners ordering marketing items
- Youth sports leagues fundraising with branded swag
- Real estate agents purchasing thank-you gifts for customers
- Globally located offices procuring business greeting cards
- Resorts and cruises create add-on souvenir sales before and after customer trips
As shown, internal employees, customers, and business partners use eCommerce sites. Of course, building an eCommerce site is a complex project. It comes with many barriers, not the least of which is cost. But there is an unexpected way to mitigate all of the barriers.
Let’s look at a little-known but incredibly easy and affordable way to launch an eCommerce site using one of the most proven platforms in the world.
The eCommerce platform you didn’t know was available
If you’ve investigated eCommerce engines, you’ve encountered Shopify, BigCommerce, Square, Magento, and others. You might not have looked into Shutterfly Business Solutions and the Shutterfly platform. That’s because, until recently, it was used exclusively by Shutterfly.
The well-known players are good options and can be the right choice for specific situations. But they aren’t the best option for all companies. Especially now that Shutterfly Business Solutions has put its eCommerce option on the table.
Millions of transactions have already proven the Shutterfly eCommerce engine. What’s unique is that it’s not a single eCommerce solution. There are multiple options that don’t require an existing backend. The choices range from co-branded storefronts to single-branded bespoke sites. Finding the right option becomes simple once you discuss your goals with a Shutterfly Business Solutions expert.
How to choose an eCommerce platform
The writers at Forbes created a checklist of considerations companies should review when selecting an e-commerce platform.
Here are their highlights:
- Security
- Responsive design
- Scalability
- Omnichannel marketing
While the Forbes suggestions are all spot on, the list omits three of the most crucial aspects.
- Cost
- Simplicity
- Time to deploy
Shutterfly Business Solution meets all seven eCommerce considerations and many others. We suggest you refer to both lists when evaluating your eCommerce platform.
The traditional way of building an eCommerce site
The steps for building an eCommerce site are well established. They’re also more complex and time-consuming than necessary for most companies.
Here is the traditional, step-by-step approach companies are expected to complete.
- Select an eCommerce platform
- Purchase a domain name
- Identify/hire a developer
- Design and customize the eCommerce template/UX
- Add products
- Set up payment
- Sort out production and fulfillment
- Create a returns/refunding mechanism
Frankly, steps 1 and 3 are enough to scare most companies away. Fortunately, there’s a much simpler way to create an eCommerce website.
What’s the better approach? Turn to Shutterfly Business Solutions. They can get your eCommerce site up and running in just four steps and almost no work on your end.
Four steps to launching a Shutterfly eCommerce site
How does Shutterfly Business Solutions build your eCommerce site? They do it as fast, easy, and as affordably as possible. Unlike other options, Shutterfly Business Solutions does the work for you. The only thing you do is pick the products and collect the profits.
- Call Shutterfly Business Solutions
- Pick premium Shutterfly products
- Hand over any customer files, templates, or logos you want for personalization
- Announce your new eCommerce site
Can it really be four simple steps? Yes. Also, like any task list, emailing, meetings, and conversations will happen between the steps. But that’s a good thing. That’s where the eCommerce site gets dialed into your exact situation, workflow, and goals. As stated, our tech is well-established; how we bring it to life is unique to you.
Premium products are waiting
Launching an eCommerce website with Shutterfly Business Solutions is the only way to feature exclusive Shutterfly products.
Not only do you have access to premium Shutterfly products, but you also have the same personalization options. Employees, customers, or business partners can purchase items and add photos, artwork, text, and colors.
Get eCommerce with all of the benefits
Shutterfly Business Solutions delivers an eCommerce platform that addresses your highest needs and business priorities.
Easy
We handle the development, billing, and fulfillment for you.
Fast
Your eCommerce site can be up and running in weeks.
Affordable
Our scale and established technology create lower-than-expected pricing.
Proven
Your eCommerce site will use the same technology and backend fulfillment as Shutterfly.
Customizable
Add your templates, designs, logos, and new items as needed.
Is Shutterfly eCommerce right for everyone?
Having access to the Shutterfly product catalog is the biggest difference between working with Shutterfly Business Solutions and other options. It’s a game changer and point of comparison that can’t be beaten.
With a platform like Magento, you can only use your products. That’s it. If you are a clothing brand with a full line of garments that you’re looking to sell online, Shutterfly Business Solutions may not be the best fit. But if you have limited items and need a larger catalog, Shutterfly Business Solutions is the better choice.
Or, if you’re a service company looking to add an eCommerce component and don’t have any type of ready-to-sell product line, Shutterfly Business Solutions is the answer you never imagined existed. Your eCommerce website will have premium Shutterfly products augmented with your designs, templates, logos, and images.
Improve your holiday corporate gifting with Shutterfly Business Solutions
Adding eCommerce to your online experience achieves many business goals and solves challenges. However, attaining those benefits can have drawbacks if you choose the wrong partner. Shutterfly Business Solutions is uniquely positioned to create your eCommerce site with no existing backend AND provide you with the products, production, and fulfillment.
As powerful as it is, eCommerce is just one solution. Shutterfly Business Solutions has thousands more that are ready to deploy. Using our expertise, scalability, nationwide presence, and massive Shutterfly platform will maximize your communications.
Let’s discuss how Shutterfly Business Solutions can improve your omnichannel communications in business gifting, direct mail, transactional mail, greeting cards, and books.
Capitalize on Shutterfly Business Solution resources and workflows to solve your communication challenges.
