Capabilities and Features of Multi-Store eCommerce Needs, issues, and attributes to consider when setting up your multi-store eCommerce site This is part one in a four-part series. Don't forget to check out part two, part three, and part four to learn more! From needing to provide specific pricing for various customers (multi-tiered pricing) to wanting to better personalize the shopping experience (personalization) for each of your different segments of customers, there are endless reasons for creating a multi-store eCommerce site. Multi-store eCommerce is using one eCommerce platform to create multiple portals or online stores that are usually controlled from one dashboard. This provides businesses with numerous business design and development options while drastically decreasing the cost that would normally go with creating multiple eCommerce websites. Below are some key features and capabilities to look for and consider when choosing a multi-store eCommerce platform. Design Customization One of the key features to look for in multi-vendor eCommerce is the ability to customize the design of each online store. Some businesses prefer each of their stores to be completely unique and separate from one another while others want each of their stores to look alike while having their own distinctive branding. As a business operator, you want to have complete control over how your online stores look and represent your business. Unlimited Subdomains and URLs Another option to look for when selecting a multi-store eCommerce platform is unlimited subdomains and URLs. You should be able to create as many online stores as you want to be managed and maintained from one central dashboard. Having the option to have as many subdomains or stores you want or need helps you to customize and personalize your stores as much as you see fit. Unlimited Roles and Rights Assignment Capabilities When choosing a multi-vendor marketplace platform, it is best to pick one that allows you to assign as many roles as you deem necessary. If you would like to have multiple site administrators, or a specific administrator for each store, the platform enables you to do so. It should also allow you to assign and change the security rights for each role and user. Role Management Your multi-store eCommerce platform also needs to make it easy for your site administrator or each of your store’s administrators to manage the store and users' roles. If certain customers are “preferred” the store administrator should be able to add rights to those users’ accounts if he needs to. These roles may be assigned to users who can purchase products and those who can pay invoices, for example. Unique Stores with Specialized Content Another feature that you need when running a multi-vendor marketplace site is the ability to select what content shows in each store as well as specific pricing and shipping options. You should be able to select content and products from your general product category and database to display in each of your online stores. You should also be able to set up specific pricing and shipping options for each store and it should be able to differ from one store to the next. Clarity Can Help At Clarity, we know how important a business’s eCommerce store is to its success which is why we are here to help companies find eCommerce solutions to fit their needs. If you want to build a multi-vendor marketplace, we're here to help. We have helped numerous clients build a multi-store eCommerce solution to fit their businesses’ unique needs. Clarity’s eCommerce platform, Clarity eCommerce, is a robust and flexible platform capable of handling multi-store eCommerce. Our team of development experts can create a multi-store eCommerce site that allows you to easily customize and manage multiple stores all from one dashboard. To find out more about multi-store eCommerce or to schedule a consultation with one of our multi-vendor marketplace development experts, call or click to contact us today!