eCommerce Replatforming Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

Table of Contents

• Identify and Prioritize Your Business Needs
• Conduct a Gap Analysis for Each Platform
• Evaluate Solution Proposals and Teams
• Make Your Selections: Platform and Implementation Partner
• Plan for Launch: Set Expectations and Build Flexibility

Identify and Prioritize Your Business Needs

Replatforming your online store is a significant decision. For many small business eCommerce owners, it’s not just about choosing new software but rethinking how your business operates online. Whether your current platform is falling short on functionality, scalability, or integration, a structured approach is essential to avoid unexpected roadblocks.

The first step is to clarify why you are replatforming. Too often, small businesses leap into a platform search without fully defining what success looks like.

Break down your needs into these categories:

• Must-haves: Non-negotiable features (e.g., inventory sync across online and offline channels, multi-currency support, mobile-friendly checkout).
• Nice-to-haves: Features that would enhance operations or customer experience but are not critical right away.
• Short-term post-launch needs (6–12 months): What will you need to implement soon after launch (e.g., marketing automation, loyalty programs)?
• Long-term needs (2–3 years): Visionary features or expansions (e.g., B2B modules, international expansion).

By organizing requirements this way, you avoid falling for shiny features that don’t actually solve your core business problems. For deeper insights into eCommerce platform selection, explore our guide that details how to evaluate platforms for long-term growth.

Conduct a Gap Analysis for Each Platform

With your checklist in hand, evaluate each potential platform across key dimensions:

• Functionality: Does the platform natively offer the features you need, or will you need third-party apps or custom development?
• Total cost of ownership: Look beyond subscription fees. Consider app costs, development fees, transaction fees, and maintenance. Our comparison of Magento vs. BigCommerce offers valuable insights on this.
• Data migration: Assess the complexity of moving your products, customer records, and order history.
• Customizability: How easily can you modify the look, feel, and functionality of the site?
• Integration compatibility: Will it connect seamlessly with your existing POS, ERP, or CRM systems? Read our ERP integration guide for tips on ensuring smooth connections.
• Operational fit: Does the platform match your team's capabilities, or will it require new skills or staff?
• Scalability: Can it grow with your business, or will you outgrow it quickly?
• Support and roadmap: What level of implementation and ongoing support does the platform offer? Is there a clear roadmap for future improvements?

A simple spreadsheet can help you score each platform against these factors, making it easier to compare options side by side. For a detailed comparison of leading platforms, check out our in-depth comparison of Commercetools vs. Adobe Commerce.

Evaluate Solution Proposals and Teams

If you are engaging third-party developers or an eCommerce UX agency, their proposal is as important as the platform itself. Look for:

• Clear timelines and milestones.
• Defined roles and responsibilities.
• Transparency around costs.
• Evidence of experience with similar projects.

Equally important is the chemistry and responsiveness of the team. Successful replatforming is a partnership that requires good communication and trust. If you’re evaluating agencies, our article Choosing the Right Magento Agency provides essential criteria to consider.

Make Your Selections: Platform and Implementation Partner

Once you've evaluated your options, it's time to make two critical decisions:

• Select your platform: Trust in the process you’ve followed. Make your choice with confidence, knowing you’ve considered your business needs thoroughly.
• Select your implementation team: This is arguably as important as the platform. A skilled team can help you avoid pitfalls and keep the project on track.

For examples of successful replatforming projects, visit our eCommerce support services page to see how we guide businesses through smooth transitions.

Plan for Launch: Set Expectations and Build Flexibility

With your platform and team in place, start planning the migration process:

• Define clear timelines, including contingency buffers.
• Clarify who is responsible for each part of the process.
• Develop testing protocols to catch issues before launch.
• Plan for post-launch monitoring and optimization.

It is critical to communicate openly with your team and build flexibility into your timeline. Even the best-planned projects can hit unexpected hurdles. For more guidance on ensuring a smooth transition, our Magento migration guide covers essential best practices.

Key advice: The best eCommerce replatforming projects follow a structured process grounded in your business’s unique needs. A thorough checklist approach helps you focus your analysis, avoid distractions, and keep your replatforming journey on track. Working with an experienced eCommerce UX agency can make the process smoother, ensuring your next platform not only solves today’s problems but sets you up for future growth.