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Goodbye Shopify, Hello Ecwid

If you’re an existing Shopify user but want to change that, consider Ecwid by Lightspeed. The process is pretty easy, especially with the right tools and plan. Here’s how you can migrate from Shopify to Ecwid. Need help? Just ask.

Why Switch from Shopify to Ecwid?

Before going into the migration steps, let’s talk about why you might consider switching:

  • Cost Savings: Ecwid offers a free plan and generally lower pricing tiers compared to Shopify, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Ease of Integration: Ecwid is ideal for businesses that already have a website or social media presence and want to add e-commerce functionality without rebuilding their site.
  • Digital Product Support: Ecwid allows larger file sizes for digital products (up to 25GB), which can be advantageous for sellers in this niche.
  • Political Stability: Growing concerns about Shopify’s alignment with U.S. policies under Trump’s administration, especially as his presidency reshapes global trade dynamics, are causing concern for Canadians. These developments highlight a need to mitigate risk realted to shifting political and economic realities.

How to Migrate from Shopify to Ecwid

You can migrate your Shopify store to Ecwid manually or by using automated tools like LitExtension or Cart2Cart. Here’s an overview of both methods:

Option 1: Manual Migration
Manual migration is suitable for smaller stores with limited data. Follow these steps:

  1. Back Up Your Shopify Data: Export your product, customer, and order data from Shopify as CSV files by navigating to the “Export” option in your Shopify admin panel.
  2. Create an Ecwid Store: Sign up for an Ecwid account and configure your basic settings like store name, currency, and payment methods.
  3. Import Data into Ecwid: Use the CSV files exported from Shopify to upload your products, customers, and orders into Ecwid. Navigate to the “Catalog” section in your Ecwid dashboard for product uploads.
  4. Set Up Shipping and Taxes: Configure shipping zones, rates, and tax rules in your new Ecwid store.
  5. Customize Your Storefront: Adjust your store design using Ecwid’s Instant Site feature or integrate it into your existing website or social media pages.
  6. Test Your Store: Perform test purchases to ensure everything is functioning correctly before going live.

Option 2: Automated Migration Tools
For larger stores or those seeking a hassle-free migration process, automated tools like LitExtension, DIY, or via Ecwid are highly recommended.

Steps Using LitExtension:

  1. Back Up Your Shopify Store: Ensure all your data is securely backed up before starting the migration process.
  2. Set Up Source and Target Carts: Log in to LitExtension and select Shopify as the Source Cart and Ecwid as the Target Cart. Provide necessary credentials like API keys or URLs.
  3. Select Data Entities: Choose which data you want to migrate (e.g., products, customers, orders).
  4. Run a Demo Migration: Perform a free demo migration to preview how your data will appear in Ecwid.
  5. Launch Full Migration: Once satisfied with the demo results, proceed with the full migration process. LitExtension will handle this automatically.
  6. Perform Post-Migration Activities: Verify all migrated data, update integrations (e.g., payment gateways), and customize your storefront.

DIY or Ecwid Migration:

  • In many cases, it’s a matter of copy/paste your products. In some cases you can import them. Or, consider asking Ecwid’s team to do it for you, hassle-free.

Post-Migration Checklist

After completing the migration, ensure you address these key tasks:

  1. Verify Data Accuracy: Double-check that all products, customers, and orders have been transferred correctly.
  2. Update Integrations: Reconnect payment gateways, shipping providers, and third-party apps in your new Ecwid store.
  3. Redirect URLs: Set up 301 redirects from your old Shopify URLs to prevent SEO losses during the transition.
  4. Test Your Storefront: Conduct thorough testing of product pages, checkout processes, and mobile responsiveness before launching publicly.

Migrating from Shopify to Ecwid can unlock cost savings and greater flexibility for businesses that want an easy-to-integrate e-commerce solution. By carefully planning your migration and following best practices, you can ensure a smooth transition that minimizes downtime and preserves customer satisfaction. Ready to make the switch? Sign up for Ecwid today. It’s free!