5 Saas eCommerce Trends to Look Forward to in 2023
Did you know that the software as a service (SaaS) market is estimated to reach 208 billion U.S. dollars by 2023?
SaaS is a service that delivers software applications through the cloud delivery model. Instead of installing and maintaining software applications on your servers, you can simply access them from any device with an internet connection or a web browser.
It is the software vendor’s job to host and maintain the servers, databases, and code.
Businesses around the world adopt SaaS solutions for a variety of business functions. Among these are solutions for eCommerce, which we will discuss in this article.
But what is a Saas eCommerce platform?
To get a clearer picture of what Saas eCommerce is, let’s compare it to open-source eCommerce.
Table of Contents
Open source eCommerce vs Saas eCommerce
Advantages and disadvantages of SaaS
5 Saas eCommerce Trends to Look Forward to in 2023
Open source eCommerce vs Saas eCommerce
The end result of both an online store built on an open-source platform and another one built on a SaaS eCommerce platform will look the same.
It is the store building process on each that is different.
If your company decides to build its online store on an open-source eCommerce platform, it will have full control over its structure, design, and source code. This allows for complete customization with no restrictions. Your company can completely modify the website however they see fit.
However, these technical changes are very complex and must be handled by professional designers and certified web developers. Add to that the platform’s maintenance, security, and software upgrades and updates. Everything becomes the responsibility of the company, which will generate more and more cost.
On the other hand, if you opt for a Saas eCommerce platform, the maintenance, updates, and security become the responsibilities of the Saas provider. The provider takes care of many of the backend processes for you since they have control over the code. This way, you don’t have to worry about codes and updates. You simply have to subscribe and pay a fee to the Saas providers as long as you want to use their platform.
But this creates limitations: Data ownership & customization. Since the service provider is the one with control over the source code, customizing a site that answers specific business needs is not as easy as with an open-source eCommerce, and since your data is in the cloud-based system, the Saas provider has access to it.
Advantages and disadvantages of SaaS
Now that we compared open-source and SaaS eCommerce platforms, it turns out that SaaS eCommerce is not all flowers and rainbows. Let’s dig deeper into its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of SaaS
Fast set-up
If you’re in a hurry to launch an online store, Saas eCommerce is your answer. There are a lot of SaaS platforms that are built for that purpose. SaaS eCommerce platforms are also known for their user-friendly interfaces and pre-built themes that can get you up and running in no time.
User-friendly
SaaS platforms are built with every user in mind, not only web developers. They are very easy to implement and simple to maintain. You don’t have to worry about software updates and hosting. The Saas provider will take care of everything.
Security
SaaS platforms provide and apply security solutions to your websites for you. One less thing to worry about!
Customer support
SaaS platforms provide you with support throughout the entire website-building process and afterward, once your website is up and running. SaaS platforms generally include support as part of the package.
Disadvantages to SaaS
Customization
With a SaaS platform, you don’t have access to the code. So before choosing a Saas eCommerce platform, make sure that the journey you want your customers to experience on your website is well-defined.
Why? This will help you identify the Saas platform that offers customizations that answer your business needs from the start. This will help you avoid any limitations later on.
Transaction fees
Some SaaS platforms charge additional transaction fees on each purchase and on the payments if you decide to use a POS and payment gateway not supported by them.
With other platforms, you won’t have to pay any hidden fees or transaction fees, like our eCommerce Solution MEM. With MEM, we will create a plan that fits your budget, and this price will not change.
These disadvantages however are becoming less and less complicated with the upcoming 2023 trends.
5 Saas eCommerce Trends to Look Forward to in 2023
1. Customization
Given how popular personalized and customized products are these days, Saas eCommerce platforms are becoming more flexible and easy to be modified for specific business uses.
2. Simple Checkout Process
The simpler a checkout process is, the better conversion rates are. Saas eCommerce platforms are jumping on this opportunity and updating their checkout process to make it more user-friendly.
3. Artificial Intelligence
In the ensuing year, the SaaS market will also witness significant advancements in AI.
In the upcoming years, AI will all but become a given feature in every SaaS platform. Chat boxes will become more efficient as well as customer data collection.
4. Voice Shopping
According to Statista, the global voice assistant e-commerce transaction value will reach $19.4 billion by 2023. Voice shopping is becoming increasingly popular since people now prefer carrying out their tasks by giving voice commands. Voice shopping also helps people with disabilities and is making a huge difference in their lives.
Saas eCommerce providers are starting to integrate this feature into their platforms.
5. Virtual Reality
This exciting emerging technology can create in-store experiences for customers digitally.
Some eCommerce platforms will start adding virtual try-before-you-buy options to enhance the online shopping experience they offer.
Why choose MEM
SaaS eCommerce is now considered a very good choice for businesses of all sizes. It gives business owners time to focus on their businesses and not on infrastructure, maintenance and security.
Our Saas eCommerce solution MEM offers bespoke packages that are best suited to your needs. We will integrate any feature you need and all will be included in the price agreed at the start of our professional relationship. We offer continuous support as well even after the completion of your website.
If you want to learn more about this service, book a meeting with our team so we can work on a great online store together!