Can one ecommerce platform handle multiple online stores for under $25 a month?
This review looks at AmeriCommerce, launched in 2005 by Stefan Barlow, Ed Sturrock, and Charlie Cooper. It now supports over 5,000 stores and has handled more than $4 billion in sales.
AmeriCommerce is unique in the ecommerce world. It lets merchants manage many stores from one place. It also has features like one-page checkout and Facebook shop integration.
In 2017, AmeriCommerce became independent. This move allowed it to focus on what merchants really need. It offers digital storefront management for $24.95 a month, with a 14-day trial.
This guide covers everything about AmeriCommerce. We look at pricing, design tools, payment options, and how well it performs. It helps you see if AmeriCommerce is right for your business.
Key Takeaways
- AmeriCommerce powers over 5,000 online stores with $4+ billion in total sales.
- Entry-level pricing starts at $24.95 per month with a 14-day free trial.
- Multistore management allows control of multiple storefronts from one admin console.
- Platform includes built-in Facebook shop integration and one-page checkout.
- Company regained independence in 2017 to focus on merchant-centric features.
- Offers complete B2B capabilities, including wholesale pricing and quote systems.
What is AmeriCommerce by Cart.com?
AmeriCommerce by Cart.com is a top-notch ecommerce software for online businesses of all sizes. It offers key tools and advanced features to help merchants grow their digital stores. This unified solution connects sales channels, inventory, and marketing in one place.
Company History and Background
Founded in 2005 by three ecommerce experts, AmeriCommerce started with a focus on merchant needs. In 2014, Capital One bought the platform and renamed it Spark Pay. By 2017, it became an independent company again, based in Texas. This change allowed it to focus more on modern business needs.
Current Position in the Ecommerce Market
Now, AmeriCommerce by Cart.com is a key player in the ecommerce world. It’s known for its strong B2B features and retail capabilities. Its architecture supports managing multiple stores from one dashboard, appealing to businesses with many brands or products.
Key Statistics and User Base
Today, over 5,000 online businesses use AmeriCommerce by Cart.com across different sectors. Famous names like World Series of Poker and USA Hockey are among its clients. The platform has helped over $4 billion in sales, showing it’s reliable for all business sizes.
Platform Features and Capabilities
The AmeriCommerce platform offers a wide range of tools for today’s merchants. It goes beyond basic online store solutions. It gives merchants the power to manage complex operations smoothly.
The platform doesn’t need third-party plugins. It works well for both B2C and B2B sales models.
Multi-Store Management
Merchants can run multiple stores from one dashboard. Each store costs $39 a month. This lets businesses have different brands and settings.
It’s great for targeting different markets without using many platforms.
Omnichannel Selling Options
Multichannel selling reaches customers everywhere. The platform’s design lets sales happen on blogs, social networks, and big marketplaces. It works with Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, Facebook, Bing, and Rakuten.
This creates a unified shopping experience across all channels.
Inventory Management System
Stock levels are always up to date across all channels. The system automates rules for pricing, shipping, and handling visitors. This stops overselling and keeps product info consistent.
Built-in Marketing Tools
Marketing tools include drip email campaigns and customer rewards. Blog functionality lets you add products to articles. Abandoned cart recovery sends emails with special offers to help recover lost sales.
Store Design and Customization
Creating a great digital storefront solution begins with the right design tools. Cart.com software offers merchants a lot of control over their store’s look. It has many customization options, from ready-made templates to advanced code editing for experts.
Available Themes and Templates
The software comes with 65 free themes that work on all devices. Each theme is mobile-ready, adjusting to smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Merchants can pick from these to match their brand.
The theme library has many styles for different industries:
- Modern minimalist layouts for fashion retailers
- Product-focused designs for electronics stores
- Classic layouts for professional services
- Bold templates for creative businesses
Drag-and-Drop Design Tools
The platform makes building stores easy with drag-and-drop tools. Merchants can add logos and homepage elements without coding. This makes Cart.com software easy for everyone to use.
HTML and CSS Editor Access
For those who know coding, there’s full HTML and CSS editor access. This lets merchants change every design element. They can make site-wide changes or tweak specific pages.
Mobile-Responsive Design Options
Every theme adjusts to different screen sizes for a great shopping experience. The responsive design works well with the platform’s customer relationship management tools. This means customers have a smooth shopping experience on any device.
AmeriCommerce Review: User Experience and Interface
The user experience of this e-commerce platform is key to daily success. AmeriCommerce offers a rich interface that balances lots of features with ease of use. Knowing how to navigate and manage the platform is essential for getting the most out of it.
Dashboard Navigation
The AmeriCommerce dashboard is the main spot for managing your digital storefront builder. You need to keep your original signup email for backend access. The design is multitasking, showing many options and data at once.
This retail management system organizes features well, but it can feel too much at first. You need to pay close attention to find everything. For example, the app store isn’t easy to find from the main menu.
Product Management Process
Adding products to your multichannel selling solution is easy but has some unique steps. The first step seems simple, but you’ll find more features after saving the basic info. This can confuse new users who want to see everything right away.
Managing categories in the cart.com integration offers lots of customization options. While this is great for experienced users, beginners might find it too much without help.
Learning Curve for New Users
AmeriCommerce has a big learning curve for newcomers. Users often need to look up answers online or in the knowledge base. It takes time and effort to fully understand and use the platform.
Payment Processing and Checkout
Payment processing is key for any ecommerce platform solutions. The AmeriCommerce online store builder offers a secure and flexible payment system. Knowing the payment options and costs helps businesses manage their web store management better.
AmeriCommerce Payments Gateway
The platform has its own payment solution, AmeriCommerce Payments, based on WePay technology. It works well with the digital commerce toolkit, so you don’t need to set up third-party services. The cost for standard transactions is 2.9% plus 30 cents. Premium plans get a better rate of 2.3% plus 30 cents, which is great for big sellers.
Supported Payment Processors
This online retail technology also supports over 50 payment processors. Some well-known ones are:
- Stripe
- Square
- Authorize.Net
- PayPal Express Checkout
- Amazon Pay
To use these, you need to install them manually through the app store. You’ll also have to set up separate accounts and go through verification for each one.
Split Payment Functionality
The Cart.com software integration has a cool feature: split payments. Customers can use different payment methods for one order, like credit cards, points, and gift cards. This makes shopping more flexible and can help sell more.
Transaction Fees and Rates
Each store uses one main payment gateway, but you can also use purchase orders. The fees for transactions depend on the processor and your plan. Choosing wisely is important for making money.
Pricing Plans and Value Analysis
AmeriCommerce has a pricing model for businesses of all sizes. Each tier gives access to the full online retail solution suite. This means even small users get to use powerful features without limits.
The platform has five different plans:
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Product Limit | Monthly Traffic | Storage Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $24.95 | 100 products | 2GB | 250MB |
| Bronze | $39.00 | 500 products | 3GB | 1GB |
| Silver | $99.00 | 5,000 products | 15GB | 1GB |
| Gold | $149.00 | 10,000 products | 25GB | 2GB |
| Platinum | $299.00 | Unlimited products | 50GB | 5GB |
All plans come with unlimited features, staff accounts, and over 100 integrations. The cart.com merchant services have no extra fees for transactions. Each tier also offers free shared SSL certificates, REST API access, and free templates.
For big businesses needing enterprise ecommerce systems, there are custom plans. These plans offer priority service and lower payment processing rates. The cart.com shopping cart supports multiple stores for $39 a month per store. This makes it great for brands with many omnichannel retail solutions.
This pricing makes AmeriCommerce a strong choice in the market. It offers great value for businesses of all sizes.
B2B and Wholesale Capabilities
AmeriCommerce is a top-notch b2b ecommerce software for complex wholesale needs. It turns basic online retail into a full solution for both retail and wholesale. It has advanced tools for customer groups and pricing, letting companies manage many sales channels from one place.
Customer Type Segmentation
The platform lets businesses set up special customer groups with their own prices. Retail customers see regular prices, while wholesale buyers get their special rates. This multichannel commerce way helps companies reach different markets without using different systems.
Wholesale Pricing Management
AmeriCommerce offers detailed pricing for enterprise ecommerce. It supports tiered pricing, where buying more gets you discounts. Companies can have different catalogs, shipping rules, and discounts for each group.
| Pricing Feature | Retail Customers | Wholesale Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Price Display | Standard MSRP | Negotiated Rates |
| Minimum Orders | No Minimum | $500+ Required |
| Volume Discounts | 5% at 10+ units | 15-30% Tiered |
| Payment Terms | Immediate | Net 30/60 Available |
Quote System Features
The b2b e-commerce quote system makes buying easier. Sales teams can make quotes that expire and offer VIP discounts. It also lets teams add private notes and handle special orders not in the main catalog. This makes AmeriCommerce great for businesses needing custom pricing and special orders.
Marketing and SEO Tools
AmeriCommerce gives online stores powerful tools for marketing and SEO. These tools are key for growing a business in today’s digital world. The platform has features that help merchants get more visibility and engage customers better.
The SEO toolkit lets merchants control their website’s details. They can change page titles, meta descriptions, and HTML tags for products, categories, and pages. This makes it easier for search engines to find their site while keeping their brand consistent.
Marketing automation is a big plus. The platform’s workflow rule engine helps with:
- Dynamic discounts for different customer groups
- Automated emails for customers who left items in their cart
- Series of emails to keep customers coming back
- Special prices for certain visitors
| Marketing Feature | Capability | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Email Campaigns | Automated drip series and triggers | Increased customer lifetime value |
| Discount Systems | Rule-based pricing and coupons | Higher conversion rates |
| Content Marketing | Blog with embedded products | Improved organic traffic |
| Customer Rewards | Points and loyalty programs | Enhanced repeat purchases |
The platform also offers tools for promotions. Merchants can make gift certificates, use banners, and manage coupons easily. These tools work with inventory systems to keep promotions accurate everywhere.
Security and Compliance
Security is key for any online retail software that handles sensitive data and financial transactions. AmeriCommerce focuses on many layers of protection. This includes advanced encryption, strict compliance, and strong defense systems.
SSL Certificates and Encryption
AmeriCommerce uses 128-bit SSL encryption from trusted sources like GeoTrust and Verisign. Every plan comes with free shared SSL certificates, saving merchants money. Customer data is encrypted with military-grade AES, keeping it safe even when not in use.
The platform also encrypts all MySQL databases and web services. This means every part of the ecommerce system is secure. From product catalogs to customer records, everything is protected.
PCI Compliance Standards
PCI compliance is vital for ecommerce sites that handle credit card payments. AmeriCommerce meets all PCI compliance requirements. This lets merchants focus on their business without worrying about compliance.
DDOS Protection Features
Distributed denial-of-service attacks can harm online stores, causing lost sales and damage to reputation. AmeriCommerce uses Cisco firewalls to protect against these attacks. The platform also separates customer databases from web servers with extra firewall layers.
This setup supports the platform’s 99.99% uptime guarantee. It ensures stores are always available to customers.
Integration Capabilities and App Store
AmeriCommerce offers key connections for growing your b2b ecommerce site. It supports over 100 integrations with top business tools. This helps merchants improve their website shopping cart.
Available Integrations
The platform works well with big names like PayPal and Stripe. It also connects with QuickBooks and MailChimp. For shipping, it integrates with ShipStation and Shipping Easy.
TaxCloud makes tax calculations easy. Affirm helps with financing. It also supports Facebook Apps and shopping engines like Bing Shopping.
Merchants can sell on WordPress blogs too. This lets them reach more customers through different channels.
Third-Party App Selection
The AmeriCommerce app store has 95 add-ons. Each app is checked for compatibility. Creating an account is needed for many apps, but it keeps things secure.
API Access and Customization
All plans offer REST API access. This lets developers make custom integrations. It’s great for unique business needs.
The API supports many programming languages. This makes it easy for tech teams to develop. Zapier integration also makes connecting with other apps simple.
Customer Support and Resources
AmeriCommerce offers great support to help businesses use their e-commerce website builder to the fullest. You can reach out through phone at 800-936-9006, support tickets, or live chat. Live chat is available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM CST.
For those needing help anytime, AmeriCommerce has 24/7 support for a fee. This lets businesses pick the support level that fits their needs and budget.
The knowledge base is a great place to find answers on your own. It includes:
- Video tutorials on setting up and managing your store
- Step-by-step guides for payment processing
- Articles to help with common problems
- API documentation for developers
- Options to suggest new features
The documentation covers important topics like getting started, managing products, taxes, shipping, and more. It’s a big help for users to learn the business management software on their own.
New users get a welcome guide to help them set up quickly. It guides you through the key steps to start your online store fast.
AmeriCommerce has a community forum, but it’s not very active. For better help, use phone, email, or live chat. After the cart.com acquisition, support has kept getting better for all customers.
Performance and Reliability
The americommerce website builder offers reliable performance for growing online businesses. It keeps uptime high and scales with businesses of all sizes. This makes it easy for merchants to see if cart.com business tools fit their needs.
Server Uptime Statistics
AmeriCommerce boasts a 99.99% server uptime rate. This means your online store is always open for customers. The platform works on any internet connection and web browser. It also tracks sales and inventory in real-time without any downtime.
Traffic Handling Capacity
The platform can handle from 100 to 100,000 daily visitors. It adds more servers as traffic grows. Each plan comes with a certain amount of bandwidth:
- Steel Plan: 2GB monthly traffic
- Bronze Plan: 10GB monthly traffic
- Silver Plan: 25GB monthly traffic
- Platinum Plan: 50GB monthly traffic
If you go over these limits, you’ll face extra fees. Some competitors offer unlimited bandwidth.
Storage Limitations by Plan
Storage is based on the plan you choose. The lowest plan starts at 250MB, and the highest at 5GB. If you have a lot of products or media, you might need to manage your storage carefully. Extra storage costs more than the monthly fee.
AmeriCommerce Alternatives Comparison
When looking at enterprise ecommerce software, AmeriCommerce stands out against other platforms. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses for managing multiple stores. They also have different pricing and support levels to meet various business needs.
AmeriCommerce vs Shopify
Shopify Plus costs $2,000 a month, much more than AmeriCommerce. Shopify Plus offers unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 support. But, AmeriCommerce is more affordable for managing multiple stores.
AmeriCommerce has limits on traffic and storage, unlike Shopify Plus.
AmeriCommerce vs BigCommerce
BigCommerce was named top ecommerce software in 2020. It offers plans from $29.95 to $299.95 a month. It has unlimited products, bandwidth, and 24/7 support.
BigCommerce has sales limits by tier, which might affect growing businesses. Both platforms are great for b2b ecommerce and offer website customization.
AmeriCommerce vs Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop has a free plan if you use their payment processor. It offers unlimited bandwidth, storage, and support. But, it has payment gateway issues and revenue limits on paid plans.
AmeriCommerce has better payment processing and a customizable checkout system. It costs more at first.
| Platform | Starting Price | Omnichannel Selling | Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| AmeriCommerce | $24.95/month | Yes | Business hours |
| Shopify Plus | $2,000/month | Yes | 24/7 |
| BigCommerce | $29.95/month | Yes | 24/7 |
| Shift4Shop | Free with processor | Yes | 24/7 |
Pros and Cons Summary
AmeriCommerce is a top-notch digital commerce solution with both strong points and areas for improvement. Knowing these details helps businesses see if it fits their needs and goals.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Multi-store management from single dashboard | Limited business hours support (no 24/7 availability) |
| Advanced B2B and wholesale capabilities | No dedicated mobile app for store management |
| 65 free modern responsive themes | Traffic and storage caps with overage fees |
| Built-in rewards programs and marketing tools | Product limitations on entry-level plans |
| Headless commerce functionality | Limited payment gateway selection |
| Multi-vendor marketplace support | Only 95 third-party apps available |
| No transaction fees beyond payment processing | Steeper learning curve than competitors |
The cart.com ecommerce solution is great for big B2B businesses needing advanced multichannel selling software. It has top-notch inventory management and customer tools. Plus, it offers great value with no hidden fees.
But, it might not be perfect for those wanting lots of third-party integrations or 24/7 support. The cart.com online store needs some tech know-how, which might not be easy for newbies. Also, the lower plans have limits that could slow down growing businesses, so picking the right plan is key for good e-commerce management.
Conclusion
AmeriCommerce stands out as a top choice for managing big business operations. It’s great for companies with many stores or marketplaces. Cart.com pricing starts at $24.95 a month and goes up to $299, giving businesses access to expensive features for less.
It’s best for those needing wholesale options and headless commerce. Its dashboard makes it easy to handle different sales channels. The B2B features help with customer groups and pricing, perfect for manufacturers and distributors moving online.
But, there are things to consider. Lower tiers have limited support hours and storage. The interface might take time to get used to, slowing down setup for new teams. Businesses growing fast should watch out for traffic limits and plan for upgrades.
AmeriCommerce is ideal for growing businesses looking to expand online. It offers advanced features for B2B sales, multi-vendor setups, and central management. While it might be too much for simple stores, it’s a great choice for those looking to grow in the competitive ecommerce world.