Ecommerce website development in Chicago

Shopify is the simplest option to run if you want the platform to handle hosting, security, checkout and updates. You can add features through apps, though their subscriptions add recurring costs. Deeper checkout changes are limited to the Shopify Plus plan. It suits a team that wants less day-to-day platform maintenance and can work within those checkout limits.

WooCommerce fits a business already using WordPress, especially when the store sits alongside a substantial amount of content. You have control over the code, data and hosting. That control comes with work: someone needs to manage hosting, security, updates and plugin compatibility, so decide who will take responsibility before choosing it.

A custom storefront such as Next.js on a commerce back end suits an unusual catalogue, product configurator or content-led brand. It takes more build effort, and most later changes need a developer. We recommend a platform after learning about your products and operations, so the choice reflects how you sell and how your team will maintain the store.

State sales tax varies: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. We configure tax settings for the products and markets you sell to. You decide which taxes apply and whether displayed prices include them, with your accountant checking those decisions before we set them up.

Commercial emails need a valid physical postal address and a clear opt-out, with opt-out requests honoured within 10 business days. For promotional email, we connect your email tool and set up the address and opt-out route as part of the work.

Gather what you have so we can see what is ready and what still needs work.

• A product spreadsheet with prices, SKUs, variants, stock, weights and package sizes.
• Original product photos, including an image for each colour variant.
• Plain-language shipping, returns, refund, privacy and terms policies.
• Business registration, bank and identity documents for a gateway account in your business name.
• Your store branding and policy wording for order and account emails sent from your domain.

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  Adding an app for every small feature

  Review what each app does and remove unused ones. Apps add scripts, possible conflicts and sometimes recurring fees.

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  Leaving delivery charges until the last checkout step

  Show estimates on product or cart pages so customers see the costs earlier.

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  Overloading product pages

  Compress images and load review, chat and tracking scripts only where needed.

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  Sending order emails without domain authentication

  Set up SPF or DKIM to help prevent messages landing in spam.