E-commerce Platform Packages (The Core Engine):

This is the foundational software that will power your online store. These platforms offer different packages with varying features, pricing, and scalability. Think of this as the base upon which you build everything else.

Examples of E-commerce Platforms (and their package types):

Shopify: Offers tiered plans (Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify, Shopify Plus). Packages differ in transaction fees, staff accounts, reporting features, and advanced functionalities.

WooCommerce (WordPress): Technically free and open-source core, but you'll need hosting and often premium plugins/themes. Packages here are less structured by WooCommerce itself, and more about your hosting provider's plans or bundled plugin offerings.

BigCommerce: Similar to Shopify, offers tiered plans (Standard, Plus, Pro, Enterprise). Packages are structured around sales volume, features, and support levels.

Magento (Adobe Commerce): Has both open-source (Magento Open Source - now deprecated for new installs) and commercial (Adobe Commerce - formerly Magento Commerce) versions. Adobe Commerce is enterprise-level with complex pricing and features. Open Source is free to download but requires technical expertise and hosting.

Squarespace Commerce: More simplified e-commerce platform, offers Business and Commerce plans with varying transaction fees and features.

Wix E-commerce: Similar to Squarespace, offers Business Basic, Business Unlimited, and Business VIP plans.

PrestaShop: Open-source and free to download, but like WooCommerce, you'll need hosting and may purchase modules/themes.