{"id":3968,"date":"2025-05-12T11:46:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T09:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/?p=3968"},"modified":"2025-05-12T12:21:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T10:21:48","slug":"onlineshop-shop-systems-comparison-saas-cms-open-source","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/onlineshop-shopsysteme-vergleich-saas-cms-open-source\/","title":{"rendered":"Onlineshop: Shopsysteme \u2013 \u00dcberblick &#038; Vergleich [SaaS vs. CMS vs. Open Source]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You want to start an online shop - but which software is best suited to your business model? The choice is huge, and the decision often depends on it, <strong>how much control, flexibility and technical expertise<\/strong> You bring with you. In this article, we take a look at the different types of shop systems, compare the most important providers and give you an overview of the pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do I need a shop system at all?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps you are wondering whether you are even a <strong>Fully-fledged shop system<\/strong> after all, there are other ways to sell products online. In fact <strong>must<\/strong> You don't necessarily have to rely on a complex system, but a shop system has clear advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What a shop system does for you:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Product management:<\/strong> Create, categorise, describe and manage articles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Order processing:<\/strong> Automatically generate shopping basket, checkout, invoices and delivery notes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment integration:<\/strong> Interfaces to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/payment-provider-online-shops-comparison\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3929\">payment providers<\/a><\/strong> such as PayPal, Stripe, Klarna or Shopify Payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dispatch processing:<\/strong> Connection to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/comparison-of-shipping-service-providers-for-online-shops\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3933\">Shipping service provider<\/a><\/strong> such as DHL, UPS or Hermes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal certainty:<\/strong> GDPR-compliant cookie banners, cancellation notices and GTC management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketing &amp; SEO:<\/strong> Tools for search engine optimisation, product reviews and voucher systems<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alternatives to the classic shop system:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course you can also <strong>without a fully-fledged shop system<\/strong> sell - for example via:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social media (Instagram shopping, Facebook shops)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy, Amazon)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Checkout links<\/strong> (e.g. PayPal.me or Stripe Payment Links)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Landing pages with payment integration<\/strong> (e.g. via WordPress, Leadpages or Wix)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But here you are often missing important functions such as <strong>Inventory management, automation and professional<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/retourenportal-in-the-online-shop-is-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3946\">Returns portals<\/a><\/strong>. In addition, you often have <strong>Less control over your data<\/strong> and the customer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SaaS \/ All-in-One shop systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) means that your shop system is delivered completely \"ready-made\" - including hosting, updates and support. You only have to take care of the design, products and marketing - the provider takes care of all the technical aspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Well-known examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shopify<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wix eCommerce<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jimdo<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BigCommerce<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Squarespace<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 Advantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple, fast start - often in just a few hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No server maintenance or updates necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many ready-made templates and apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High reliability and performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u274c Disadvantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monthly subscription costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often limited customisability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dependence on the provider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transaction fees (e.g. with Shopify if you do not use Shopify Payments)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u27a1\ufe0f <em>Suitable for small to medium-sized shops, beginners and fast MVPs (Minimum Viable Products).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CMS + e-commerce extensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>Content Management System (CMS)<\/strong> like <strong>WordPress<\/strong>, <strong>Joomla<\/strong> or <strong>Drupal<\/strong> is a flexible basis that you can transform into a fully-fledged online shop with e-commerce plugins. These systems offer more control - but are also more complex to set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Known combinations:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>WordPress + WooCommerce<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Joomla + J2Store<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drupal + Drupal Commerce<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Typo3 + Aimeos<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 Advantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High flexibility and control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full control over hosting, data &amp; design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large community and plugin selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for content-driven brands<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u274c Disadvantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technical knowledge required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintenance, security &amp; backups are up to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance depends heavily on your hosting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More complex than modular systems or SaaS solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u27a1\ufe0f <em>Suitable for content-heavy shops, blogs with a shop connection or brands with individual design requirements.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Open source shop systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want maximum control and are prepared to lend a hand yourself (or with a developer), then <strong>Open source solutions<\/strong> ideal. These systems are often free of charge, but are also much more sophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Well-known examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Magento Open Source<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shopware Community Edition<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PrestaShop<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OXID eShop (Community Edition)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 Advantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>100 % Control over code &amp; data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High flexibility for individual customisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large developer community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No licence fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u274c Disadvantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High technical effort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take responsibility for hosting, security and maintenance yourself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often expensive to develop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long set-up times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u27a1\ufe0f <em>Suitable for large shops, complex B2B or D2C models and international retailers<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Headless &amp; API-based shop systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are on <strong>Maximum flexibility<\/strong> and <strong>Perfect performance<\/strong> are <strong>Headless systems<\/strong> or <strong>API-first solutions<\/strong> the right thing. Here, the front end (shop interface) is separated from the back end (data, orders) - ideal for modern web apps or omnichannel concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Well-known examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shopify Hydrogen<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saleor<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commerce.js<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medusa.js<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BigCommerce (Headless)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 Advantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maximum flexibility and performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freedom in design &amp; front-end technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy integration of apps and microservices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Future-proof and scalable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u274c Disadvantages:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Developer expertise absolutely essential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complex implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High initial costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u27a1\ufe0f <em>Suitable for highly customised projects, complex product catalogues or shops with a strong brand identity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big comparison: shop systems at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>System type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Suitable for<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SaaS \/ All-in-One<\/td><td>Shopify, Wix, BigCommerce<\/td><td>Beginners, small shops<\/td><td>Simple, fast, little technology<\/td><td>Subscription costs, limited flexibility<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CMS + extension<\/td><td>WordPress + WooCommerce, Joomla + J2Store<\/td><td>Content-heavy shops<\/td><td>Flexible, SEO-strong, many plugins<\/td><td>Technical responsibility, maintenance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Open Source<\/td><td>Magento, Shopware, PrestaShop<\/td><td>Large shops, B2B, complex models<\/td><td>Full control, customisable<\/td><td>High set-up costs, complex<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Headless<\/td><td>Shopify Hydrogen, Saleor, Commerce.js<\/td><td>Highly flexible, scalable shops<\/td><td>Max. Freedom, best performance<\/td><td>Developer required, high costs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Which shop system is right for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no \"one\" best shop system - but rather the one that best suits your business model. Beginners often go with <strong>SaaS systems<\/strong> good, while content-driven brands tend to <strong>CMS solutions<\/strong> should take hold. Large or technically demanding projects benefit from <strong>Open source or headless solutions<\/strong> - but these require more technical expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Read also:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/create-online-shop-e-commerce-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3924\">Create an online shop - your entry into e-commerce<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/payment-provider-online-shops-comparison\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3929\">Comparison of payment providers for online shops<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/comparison-of-shipping-service-providers-for-online-shops\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3933\">Shipping service provider - Which solution suits your shop?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/retourenportal-in-the-online-shop-is-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3946\">Returns portal in your own online shop - is it worth it for you?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/e-commerce-tracking-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3670\">E-commerce tracking - how to understand and optimise your figures<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Du willst einen Onlineshop starten \u2013 aber welche Software passt am besten zu Deinem Gesch\u00e4ftsmodell? Die Auswahl ist gro\u00df, und die Entscheidung h\u00e4ngt oft davon ab, wie viel Kontrolle, Flexibilit\u00e4t und technisches Know-how Du mitbringst. In diesem Artikel schauen wir uns die verschiedenen Arten von Shopsystemen an, vergleichen die wichtigsten Anbieter und geben Dir einen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3970,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,63],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogboxx","category-e-commerce"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trackboxx.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}