Question 1

What is an eCommerce development company?

Accepted Answer

An eCommerce development company is a company that builds and optimizes online shopping websites and stores and helps businesses reach their customers efficiently. This specialized firm strategizes, designs, and develops custom eCommerce solutions across various digital channels, including web, mobile, and social media. US eCommerce development companies are recognized for creating scalable, high-performance platforms tailored to both startups and enterprise-level retailers.

Question 2

What do eCommerce development companies do?

Accepted Answer

ECommerce development companies create online stores that propel user engagement, streamline the buying process, and drive conversions, all while aligning with business objectives and industry standards.

Here’s a breakdown of their key services:

Platform design and development
Designing and developing bespoke eCommerce platforms that seamlessly integrate advanced features, optimized performance, and intuitive interfaces
User experience (UX) optimization
Refining the design and functionality of the eCommerce site to boost customer engagement, optimize navigation, and drive higher conversion rates through personalized and intuitive experiences
Database creation
Building secure databases for storing and managing essential business data that enable quick access and real-time updates across the platform
Inventory management solutions
Creating smart inventory systems that track stock in real-time, automate updates, and help predict future demand while making it easier to manage products and avoid overstocking or shortages
Order management functionalities
Setting up a streamlined order management system that connects with the fulfillment process and enables accurate tracking and timely deliveries
Shopping cart configuration and installation
Setting up an easily navigable shopping cart that simplifies the checkout process wherein customers can easily add items, view their cart, and complete transactions securely
Payment gateway integration
Integrating secure payment gateways that offer multiple payment options, making it simple and safe for customers to complete transactions
QA testing
Performing detailed quality assurance testing to ensure the platform runs without disruptions on all devices and resolving bugs or glitches before the site or update goes live
Support and maintenance
Providing ongoing support to keep the platform functional, secure, ana adaptable to evolving customer needs

Question 3

How much do eCommerce development agencies charge for their services?

Accepted Answer

ECommerce development agencies typically charge between 30,000 and $500,000+, depending on the services included, the site’s complexity, and the agency’s location. Other factors that might influence the cost include domain name, data imports, hosting, integration, SSL certificate, payment gateway, and more.

Here is an average cost breakdown for eCommerce development services:

Web hosting: $10-$400 per year
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate: Free to over $2,000 per year
Payment processing fees: Starting at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Content marketing: $50-$200 per content piece
Ongoing maintenance: $600-$12,000 per year
Agency management fees: 10%-20% commission or hourly rates of $50 to $200 per hour

The top 50 eCommerce development companies on DesignRush charge an average of $79 per hour. 16.5% of the companies accept projects under $1,000, catering to small-scale initiatives. In contrast, 2% require a minimum budget of $50,000, offering development of larger and more complex eCommerce sites with larger product portfolios.

Question 4

Why should I hire an eCommerce development company?

Accepted Answer

You should hire an eCommerce development company because it can build a professional, scalable online store that delivers a seamless shopping experience. These companies offer valuable insights into UX/UI best practices and site architecture and can refine your online store to look professional and convert visitors into loyal customers.

Hire an eCommerce development company because it can:

Design user-friendly, responsive websites for optimal customer experiences
Integrate secure payment gateways and inventory management systems
Optimize the user journey with intuitive navigation and streamlined checkout processes to reduce cart abandonment
Enhance site performance with custom features and functionality
Implement SEO strategies to elevate organic visibility
Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR and PCI-DSS, to protect user data and build trust with customers
Integrate customer service tools such as live chat, chatbots, and FAQ sections to enhance customer support and resolve inquiries quickly
Provide ongoing support for site maintenance and updates
Track and analyze website performance to improve conversion rates

Success story

Our experts have selected the following case study to showcase the advantages of hiring a professional eCommerce development company:

Challenge: Family-owned business Arnold Jewelers needed a modernized eCommerce site that could elegantly showcase its offering and improve the overall online shopping experience. Its existing website lacked structure, had unoptimized user journeys, and needed better fraud prevention measures to protect customers.
Solution: DigitalSilk redesigned the site with a user-friendly structure featuring organized categories, engaging visuals, and optimized conversion funnels. Key updates included a revamped website architecture, custom web design with large product images, strong headers, and streamlined paths to guide users from browsing to purchase.
Results: Within 12 months, Arnold Jewelers saw a 235% increase in new users, a 418% rise in returning users, and a 40.6% boost in engaged sessions per user. Additionally, the site generated $500,000 in nationwide sales in nine months, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving growth and revenue.

Question 5

How do I choose the best eCommerce development agency for my business?

Accepted Answer

To choose the best eCommerce development agency for your business, consider the following steps:

Identify your requirements
Define your site’s main goals and what you wish to achieve, be it increasing sales, improving user experience, or modernizing your web presence.
Research potential agencies
Look for reputable eCommerce development companies across directories like DesignRush and Google to create a list of agencies with experience in your industry and a proven track record of successful eCommerce builds.
Evaluate their portfolio
Review the agencies’ past projects to assess their expertise in creating eCommerce websites on platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, etc.
Check reviews and testimonials
Look for client feedback on the agency’s Google Business Profile and other trusted third-party review sites. Ask for referrals from past clients to uncover more about the agency’s responsiveness, adherence to timelines, and quality of deliverables.
Assess technical skills
Ensure the agency has the expertise to deploy secure payment gateways, fraud prevention measures, and advanced third-party integrations. Inquire about their experience with custom development and performance optimization.
Evaluate soft skills
Observe how the agency communicates and addresses your questions during initial discussions, as this reflects their responsiveness and collaboration style. Look for evidence of structured project management to ensure they can handle feedback effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain clear communication throughout the project.
Ask about post-launch support
Confirm that the agency offers ongoing maintenance, support, and optimization services and inquire about their approach to refining and improving the website after launch.
Legal and security considerations
Ensure the agency is transparent about contracts and willing to sign NDAs if needed. Verify their understanding of security and compliance regulations related to eCommerce.
Shortlist potential partners
Create a shortlist of agencies that meet your requirements and send them eCommerce requests for proposals (RFPs) for detailed service information.
Conduct interviews
Interview the shortlisted agencies to gauge their understanding of your vision and proposed plans of action. Look for a cultural fit and strong communication.
Review contract terms
Carefully examine contract details to ensure clarity on pricing, deliverables, timelines, and performance expectations. Define project goals, key milestones, and accountability measures to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a successful collaboration.
Choose the ideal partner
After evaluating all factors, select the eCommerce development company that aligns best with your business objectives and vision.

Still looking for an eCommerce development company? Visit our Marketplace and share your project details with us. We'll connect you with five developers who match your criteria — at no cost.

Question 6

How do I find the best eCommerce development company on DesignRush that fits my budget?

Accepted Answer

You can find the best eCommerce development company on DesignRush that fits your budget by using our filters. Shortlist the agencies by choosing from those that can cater to projects from $1,000 to above $50,000 based on your budget.

Low Budget: 1k above	Brandabl Searchbloom Caveni Digital Solutions
Mid Budget: 10k above	VOVA Magneto IT Solutions Simpalm
High Budget: 50k above	Itransition weKnow EMERGE

Browse through our agency directory to view agency profiles by location, area of expertise, client reviews, industries catered to, team size, pricing, and hourly rates. This allows you to comprehensively compare eCommerce development agencies and select the ideal fit for your project.

Question 7

What red flags to watch out for when hiring eCommerce development companies?

Accepted Answer

When hiring an eCommerce development company, watch out for these red flags:

Lack of relevant experience
Avoid partnering with agencies that lack specific experience in eCommerce development. Agencies unfamiliar with the unique demands of online retail, such as payment processing, inventory management, and user experience optimization, may struggle to deliver a solution that fully conveys your vision.
Unclear project timelines
Be cautious of eCommerce developers who cannot provide a clear timeline for project milestones and delivery dates. Such lack of transparency can potentially lead to missed deadlines, scope creep, and significant launch delays.
No portfolio or case studies
Steer clear of development agencies that lack tangible proof of success and cannot provide examples of their work or success stories showcasing past eCommerce projects.
Poor communication
Avoid partnering with an agency that has ineffective communication because that can lead to major project setbacks, misunderstandings, and frustration. The agency should be responsive, maintain regular contact, and provide clear progress updates throughout development.
Limited transparency in pricing
Be cautious of agencies that are vague about their pricing structures. Transparent pricing with clearly outlined costs for development, maintenance, and any potential additional services helps avoid unexpected budget overruns and ensures that both parties are aligned on financial expectations.
Overpromising results
Be wary of agencies that make unrealistic promises, such as guaranteeing instant success or quick returns on investment. Achieving sustainable growth through eCommerce is a gradual process that requires careful strategy, testing, and optimization.
Inflexible contracts
Avoid agencies that present rigid contracts with no room for flexibility or adjustments based on performance. A good agency should be willing to adapt the terms as the project evolves, ensuring that both parties remain satisfied with the progress and outcomes.

Question 8

What questions should I ask an eCommerce development agency before hiring one?

Accepted Answer

Before hiring an eCommerce development agency, you should ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs:

Its Relevant Background

Have you developed a similar eCommerce website in terms of industry and/or functionality? Where can I see your portfolio?
What are some of your best results in the past?
Why did you choose to specialize in the platforms and technologies you've mastered?
What are your certifications?

Its Services and Processes

How many active eCommerce website development projects do you run currently?
What are your development process and collaboration flow?
How do you ensure the high standards and knowledge of your developers?
How do you handle data migration for inventory, customer information, and other crucial data?
What measures do you take to ensure the security of sensitive customer information, especially during transactions?
Do you comply with industry standards and regulations for data handling and security (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS)?
What other relevant services do you typically include in your service packages?

Relevant to Your Project

How many people will work on our website?
What is the expected timeline for our project? What happens if the timeframe is extended?
How do you manage integrations with payment gateways, shipping providers, marketing tools, inventory management/customer relationship management (CRM systems), and other third-party services without compromising site performance?
What strategies do you employ to enhance site performance and reduce load times?
Can you provide guidance on strategies to enhance the site's visibility and conversion rates?
How do you ensure the eCommerce site is mobile-responsive and optimized for various devices?
Who will own the code?
What is the usual total cost of ownership (TCO) for a similar project you've done previously? How did you arrive at the cost estimate for our project?
What is your post-development policy for upgrades and ongoing maintenance? How do you charge for post-launch support?
Is there a warranty to address any possible problems that might arise during the partnership?

Question 9

What are the best eCommerce development companies in the US?

Accepted Answer

The best eCommerce development companies in the US are:

Surf
- 5.0 stars on DesignRush (39 reviews)
- Top clients: Pfizer, Samsung, Google, Barnes & Noble
Digital Silk
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (38 reviews)
- 4.7 stars on Google (12 reviews)
- Top clients: Arnold Jewelers, NASA, IBM, Microsoft
Wanted for Nothing
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (15 reviews)
- 5.0 stars on Google (7 reviews)
- Top clients: Nissin Foods, Purdue University, Brookfield Properties, Pravana
Sunrise Integration
- 4.8 stars on DesignRush (12 reviews)
- 5.0 stars on Google (8 reviews)
- Top clients: Pacific Gourmet, DHL, Maersk, Bombas
Top Notch Dezigns
- 4.8 stars on DesignRush (12 reviews)
- 4.8 stars on Google (38 reviews)
- Top clients: Stephen Ely Architect, Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bank, Rios Interiors Corp, Long Island University

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