Is your current ecommerce platform holding back your online business growth while competitors surge ahead?
Building a successful online store is more than just listing products. The right ecommerce software can make your digital storefront management smooth. AmeriCommerce by Cart.com is a top choice, powering over 5,000 stores and handling billions in sales.
This review dives into how AmeriCommerce handles multi-store operations and headless commerce solutions. Founded in 2005, it has grown into a trusted platform for big names like World Series of Poker and USA Hockey.
Business owners looking for powerful ecommerce software will find AmeriCommerce offers advanced features at good prices. It starts at $24.95 monthly after a 14-day free trial. This makes top-notch digital storefront management affordable for growing businesses.
Key Takeaways
- AmeriCommerce powers over 5,000 online stores with more than $4 billion in total product sales
- The platform offers multi-store management from a single dashboard for efficient operations
- Pricing starts at $24.95 per month with a 14-day free trial to test all features
- Major brands like World Series of Poker and USA Hockey trust the platform for their ecommerce needs
- The software includes omnichannel selling and headless commerce capabilities
- AmeriCommerce regained independence in 2017, leading to more merchant-focused feature development
What is AmeriCommerce by Cart.com?
AmeriCommerce is a digital commerce software platform for online stores. It offers tools for web store management and advanced ecommerce systems. Businesses of all sizes use it for customized shopping experiences, inventory management, and order processing.
History and Background of AmeriCommerce
In 2005, three ecommerce developers started AmeriCommerce. They aimed to solve the problem of limited online store builders. The platform grew as more merchants found its flexibility useful.
Capital One bought AmeriCommerce in 2014. They rebranded it as Spark Pay and added it to their business services. This move brought more resources and support for the platform’s growth.
Cart.com Acquisition and Platform Evolution
In 2017, AmeriCommerce became an independent company again. This change let the team focus more on what merchants need. The platform evolved into a solution for both small and large businesses.
Cart.com solutions now include marketing tools, inventory tracking, shipping integration, and loyalty programs. It remains easy for developers to use while also offering options for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Current Market Position and User Base
AmeriCommerce now supports over 5,000 businesses globally. These merchants have made over $4 billion in sales. Cart.com is growing, adding new features and integrations.
| Platform Metric | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Active Merchants | 5,000+ |
| Total Sales Processed | $4+ billion |
| Years in Business | 19 years |
| Headquarters | Texas, USA |
AmeriCommerce Review: Platform Overview and Core Functionality
AmeriCommerce offers a top-notch digital storefront software solution. It has powerful features and an easy-to-use design. It’s great for businesses looking to grow and sell on many channels. While it might take some time to get used to, it gives users a lot of control over their online store.
Dashboard Interface and User Experience
The AmeriCommerce dashboard is your main hub for managing your online store solutions. When you log in, you get a central panel for products, orders, customers, and sales. The design lets you easily switch between main and secondary functions.
New users should check their welcome email for important login info. The setup guide is detailed, which might feel a bit much at first. But, the platform is perfect for those who want a lot of control over their shopping cart technology.
Multi-Store Management Capabilities
AmeriCommerce shines in multichannel selling with its unified dashboard. You can run many stores with different brands from one place. It handles inventory, orders, and customer data across all stores smoothly.
- Switch between stores with a single click
- Maintain separate branding for each outlet
- View consolidated reports across all properties
- Share inventory between locations
Headless Commerce Solutions
The platform’s headless architecture is a big plus for ecommerce integration projects. It lets AmeriCommerce’s backend work with any front-end app. You can add your customizable shopping cart to WordPress, GoDaddy, or Wix sites with just a few lines of code. The API-first approach makes it easy to integrate with JavaScript, create custom forms, and share URLs for smooth multi-channel selling.
Key Features of AmeriCommerce eCommerce Platform
AmeriCommerce is a top-notch online store software with tools to help businesses manage their digital storefront solution. It offers 15 core features to make operations smoother and increase sales across various channels.
The multichannel selling solution lets merchants sell on more than one website. They can sell on social media, online marketplaces, and multiple sites from one place. This makes managing inventory easier and saves time.
| Feature Category | Core Capabilities | Business Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| White Label Options | Complete branding control, removes AmeriCommerce references | Creates professional, branded experience for customers |
| Workflow Rule Engine | Automates pricing, discounts, shipping, and email tasks | Reduces manual work and improves efficiency |
| Payment Flexibility | Split payments, combine credit cards with rewards points | Increases conversion rates with flexible checkout |
| Security Features | DDOS protection, PCI compliance, 99.99% uptime | Protects customer data and ensures reliable service |
The inventory management system keeps track of stock levels everywhere in real-time. Cart.com features include support for subscription products and full design control. The platform also has customer relationship management tools for building strong customer connections.
While AmeriCommerce pricing starts at $24.95 monthly, there are limits on products and bandwidth in lower plans. The Platinum plan offers unlimited resources, perfect for growing businesses.
Store Design and Theme Customization Options
Creating a great digital storefront starts with the right design. The AmeriCommerce online retail technology has lots of customization tools. These tools are for both newbies and experienced developers.
This e-commerce platform makes it easy to create unique store designs. You don’t need to know a lot of tech stuff to do it.
Free Theme Selection and Mobile Responsiveness
The system comes with 65 free themes. Every new user gets one free theme right away. They can also choose from 64 more in the theme library.
These themes work well on all devices. They look good on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Each theme has built-in widgets to make things work better. You don’t need a separate mobile version. This saves time and makes shopping better on all devices.
HTML and CSS Editor Access
For those who know more about tech, there’s a global CSS editor. This lets you change style sheets and HTML code directly. You can customize everything, from fonts and colors to layout and animations.
| Customization Level | Available Tools | Technical Skill Required |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Logo upload, favicon changes, color selection | None |
| Intermediate | Widget placement, layout adjustments | Minimal |
| Advanced | Full HTML/CSS editing, custom code integration | Coding knowledge |
Drag-and-Drop Design Tools
The system has drag-and-drop tools for easy design changes. You can add logos, update favicons, and arrange homepage elements without coding. This makes it easy for those who focus on selling rather than tech.
Product Management and Inventory System
The AmeriCommerce online store builder has a detailed product management system. It works with both physical and digital items. The system starts with a simple product page interface. It shows more advanced features as merchants save and activate products.
This system is flexible and supports many business models. It’s easy for new users to understand.
Adding Products and Categories
Adding products in the multichannel selling platform involves many customization fields. While it might seem complex at first, only basic info like product name and category is needed. This lets merchants start simple and add more details later.
Managing categories is also flexible. The Cart.com shopping cart lets merchants create detailed category structures. Yet, only the category name is needed to start. This balance makes the platform easy for businesses at any stage.
Digital Product Delivery Options
Digital product management is a key strength of these solutions. Merchants can set up various delivery methods. These include:
- Downloadable links with expiration dates
- Custom email messages with product access
- Secure delivery through customer accounts
- Time-limited access controls
Each digital product can have its own delivery rules and actions. This gives sellers full control over how customers get their purchases. It ensures digital content is protected and customer experiences are smooth.
Inventory Tracking Across Multiple Stores
Cart.com merchant services are great for businesses with multiple stores. They offer centralized inventory management. This tracks stock levels across all locations from one dashboard, preventing overselling and improving efficiency.
Product images are stored in a shared library. This is accessible to all stores. It reduces storage needs and eliminates duplicate work when managing product visuals across different channels.
Payment Processing and Gateway Integration
AmeriCommerce offers flexible payment options for multichannel commerce. It works with over 50 payment gateways, making it great for enterprise ecommerce. AmeriCommerce Payments, built on WePay, has rates of 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction.
This b2b ecommerce software stands out with its split-payment feature. Customers can use different payment methods like credit cards and gift certificates together. This makes online retail management better for everyone.
The platform supports major payment processors and methods:
| Payment Gateway | Supported Cards | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal Payments Pro | All major cards | Express checkout option |
| Stripe | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover | International payments |
| AmeriCommerce Payments | All major cards | Default integration |
Adding more gateways is easy through the AmeriCommerce app store. But, it might take some time to figure it out. AmeriCommerce is clear about its fees, which helps b2b e-commerce businesses with small margins.
The payment system works well with the platform’s order management system and inventory management. If you need help, there’s support for merchant services.
Marketing Tools and SEO Capabilities
AmeriCommerce offers business growth tools to boost sales and reach more customers. It has marketing features that work together with its unified platform. This makes running campaigns across all sales channels easy.
Tools like automated email campaigns and discount systems help businesses make more money. They capture revenue opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
Email Marketing and Campaign Management
The email marketing system in this platform targets specific customer groups with precision. It sends emails to customers who leave items in their carts. These emails offer discounts and remind customers about products they left behind.
Creating campaigns is easy through the ecommerce website management interface. Merchants can make announcements, seasonal promotions, and sales notifications. The system also segments customers based on their shopping history and behavior.
Discount Rules Engine and Coupon Creation
The discount rules engine is a key feature of the platform. Merchants can set up discounts based on customer actions or purchase patterns. Creating coupons is quick and easy through the interface.
| Discount Type | Trigger Options | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage Off | Cart Total | Automatic at Checkout |
| Fixed Amount | Product Category | Coupon Code Entry |
| Free Shipping | Customer Group | Banner Click Activation |
| Buy One Get One | Purchase Quantity | Cart Rule Application |
Built-in SEO Features and Optimization
The platform has SEO tools that cover important ranking factors. Page titles, meta descriptions, and HTML tags can be customized for each product and category page. It also generates XML sitemaps and uses proper URL structures for better search visibility.
The blogging feature helps with SEO through content marketing. Merchants can add products to blog posts, creating sales opportunities and improving search rankings.
Customer Rewards Program
The points-based rewards system makes building customer loyalty easy. It tracks purchases and awards points automatically. Merchants can create tier levels that unlock special benefits when customers reach spending milestones.
The rewards program works well with other marketing features. Points can lead to exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or free shipping. Customer dashboards show current points and available rewards, encouraging repeat purchases.
Shipping and Order Fulfillment Solutions
AmeriCommerce stands out as a top online store solution. It offers detailed shipping and fulfillment options. This makes the whole order process smoother. It works with big carriers like FedEx, USPS, and UPS, giving real-time shipping rates for accurate pricing.
The ecommerce website tools let you customize shipping rules. You can set rules based on item weight, order value, and more. This helps merchants create shipping plans that please customers and save money. You can also offer free shipping to certain groups or for special campaigns.
As a strong b2b ecommerce solution, AmeriCommerce handles both online and phone orders. Its business automation tools take care of tracking numbers and customer updates. This cuts down on manual work and mistakes. Plus, you can print shipping labels right from the dashboard, saving time during busy periods.
The integrated ecommerce features also include partnerships with top fulfillment services. This supports dropshipping and third-party logistics. It’s perfect for all kinds of businesses, from new startups to big companies needing advanced fulfillment.
International shipping is also available, with automatic customs forms for overseas orders. This all-encompassing approach makes AmeriCommerce a full ecommerce website development platform. It grows with your business.
AmeriCommerce Pricing Plans and Value Analysis
AmeriCommerce offers five pricing tiers for its e-commerce website builder. Each tier is designed for different business sizes and needs. The platform’s pricing is scalable, offering shopping cart software without transaction fees. All plans include full access to features, making AmeriCommerce a strong choice in the business management software market.
Steel Plan Features and Limitations
The Steel plan starts at $24.95 per month, perfect for small businesses. It supports up to 100 products and has 2GB monthly traffic and 250MB storage. Despite its limitations, it offers full access to multichannel retail software and REST API integration.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Plan Comparisons
The mid-tier plans offer more for growing businesses. The Bronze plan costs $39 monthly and supports 500 products with 3GB traffic. Silver plans range from $99 to $179 monthly, supporting 5,000 products with 15GB traffic and 1GB storage. Gold plans cost between $149 and $499 monthly, supporting 10,000 products with 25GB traffic and 2GB storage.
Platinum Plan Benefits for Growing Businesses
The Platinum tier is priced between $299 and $1,200 monthly. It removes product limits, offering 50GB traffic and 5GB storage. This plan is great for established businesses needing strong website shopping cart infrastructure. Enterprise options like Titanium and Custom plans offer dedicated account management and annual SEO audits.
Transaction Fees and Storage Limits
AmeriCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees on any plan, making it great for payment processing. Storage limits range from 250MB to 5GB, depending on the tier. Additional stores cost $10 to $49 monthly, based on plan level. All plans include free shared SSL certificates, over 100 integrations, and responsive templates.
Customer Support and Resources
AmeriCommerce offers support through phone, live chat, and tickets. However, it’s not available 24/7 like some competitors. This helps merchants use the ecommerce system better.
Support Channel Availability and Response Times
Support is available Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM CST. This might not work for businesses needing help outside these hours. You can contact AmeriCommerce in three ways:
- Phone support for quick help
- Live chat for instant solutions
- Ticket submission for complex issues
How fast you get a response depends on the issue and support level. Simple questions get answers in 2-4 hours. But, complex issues might take 24-48 hours.
Knowledge Base and Documentation Quality
AmeriCommerce has a big knowledge base. It includes video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and troubleshooting articles. These resources cover everything from basic to advanced.
The community forum is active but not very busy. Most users rely on the official guides. This makes the quality of these guides very important for users.
Premium Support Options
For more help, businesses can choose premium support:
| Support Level | Hours | Response Time | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | M-F 8AM-6PM CST | 2-4 hours | Basic assistance |
| Priority | Extended weekday hours | 1-2 hours | Dedicated account manager |
| Enterprise | Weekend availability | 30 minutes | Custom training sessions |
Since the cart.com acquisition, support has been improving. It aims to meet the needs of more merchants.
AmeriCommerce vs Shopify and Other Competitors
When we look at AmeriCommerce compared to top platforms, we see clear differences. These differences are in features, pricing, and who they serve. Each platform meets different business needs, making the right choice depend on what you need.
| Feature | AmeriCommerce | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Hours | Limited business hours | 24/7 availability | 24/7 availability |
| App Integrations | 83 apps | 3,000+ apps | 600+ apps |
| Payment Gateways | 20+ options | 100+ options | 55+ options |
| Storage Limits | Plan-based restrictions | Unlimited | Unlimited |
AmeriCommerce stands out in website customization and managing multiple stores. It’s great for developers making custom B2B ecommerce sites. Unlike Shopify, AmeriCommerce doesn’t limit features by price tier.
For big ecommerce needs, AmeriCommerce has white-label options and multi-vendor marketplaces. These features make it more than just a standard platform. Its customizable checkout and omnichannel selling tools are strong, but its app ecosystem is smaller.
WooCommerce is an open-source choice for WordPress users, while BigCommerce offers strong payment support. AmeriCommerce shines for businesses needing deep customization, not just simple setup.
Pros and Cons of Using AmeriCommerce
It’s important to know the good and bad of any e-commerce platform before deciding. AmeriCommerce has strong features for certain needs but also has challenges. This helps figure out if it fits your business goals.
Platform Strengths and Unique Features
AmeriCommerce shines in the e-commerce world with unique benefits. It offers free modern themes to save on design costs. It also has special tools for B2B and wholesale businesses.
Its main strengths are:
- No transaction fees across all pricing tiers
- Over 40 payment gateway integrations
- Multi-vendor marketplace capabilities
- White label solutions for resellers
- Headless commerce options for developers
- Customer reward programs with points and tiers
The platform makes it easy to sell on social media and online marketplaces. It’s great for developers who want to customize.
Common User Complaints and Limitations
Despite its benefits, AmeriCommerce has some drawbacks. It doesn’t offer 24/7 customer support, which is a problem for businesses in different time zones. There’s also no mobile app for managing stores on the go.
Storage limits are a big issue, with only 1GB on the Steel plan and a cap of 500 products. Users struggle with adding payment gateways and find the interface hard to use. The design has half-window tabs that make tasks harder than they should be.
Best Use Cases for AmeriCommerce
AmeriCommerce is perfect for big businesses that need to manage many stores. It’s great for B2B and wholesale businesses. Development agencies also find it useful for its white label and headless commerce options.
However, it’s not the best for newbies or small businesses that need a lot of help. It might be too hard for those who are not tech-savvy.
Conclusion
AmeriCommerce is a strong choice for businesses looking for advanced ecommerce solutions. It offers deep technical features that developers and businesses with complex needs will find useful. It’s great for headless commerce and managing multiple stores.
The platform has tools for everything from tracking inventory to managing orders. However, it has some challenges. The interface can be complex, and there’s no 24/7 support. This might be a problem for businesses without tech experts.
Cart.com’s pricing has limits on products, storage, and bandwidth. This is something other platforms might not have. Also, there’s no mobile app, which can be a big issue for those who need to manage their stores on the move.
Despite these challenges, AmeriCommerce is still worth considering. It has great integration capabilities and tools for B2B ecommerce. It’s perfect for businesses that need advanced customization and are building complex marketplaces.
Choosing AmeriCommerce means you need to match its features with your business needs. It’s not for everyone, especially if you value simplicity. But, if you’re looking for powerful features, AmeriCommerce can handle complex ecommerce tasks. The key is whether your team can handle its technical aspects.
FAQ
What is AmeriCommerce by Cart.com?
AmeriCommerce is a top ecommerce platform founded in 2005. It’s now part of Cart.com. It helps over 5,000 stores make more than billion in sales. It offers tools for managing multiple stores, selling across channels, and automating business tasks.
How much does AmeriCommerce cost?
AmeriCommerce starts at .95 a month for the Steel plan. This plan includes 100 products and 2GB traffic. The highest plan, Platinum, costs 9 a month and has unlimited products and 50GB traffic.
All plans offer unlimited features, 100+ integrations, and no transaction fees. You also get free SSL and can manage multiple stores. Extra stores cost between -49 a month, depending on your plan.
Does AmeriCommerce offer a free trial?
Yes, you can try AmeriCommerce for 14 days. This trial lets you test all features. You can set up products, configure payments, and see if it fits your needs before paying.
What payment gateways does AmeriCommerce support?
AmeriCommerce works with over 50 payment gateways. It uses AmeriCommerce Payments for 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction. You can also use PayPal, Stripe, and major credit cards.
A unique feature is split payments. This lets customers pay with credit cards, reward points, and gift certificates together.
Is AmeriCommerce suitable for B2B ecommerce?
Yes, AmeriCommerce is great for B2B ecommerce. It has features like customer-specific pricing and bulk ordering. It also supports complex pricing and multi-tier customer accounts.
Does AmeriCommerce have a mobile app?
No, AmeriCommerce doesn’t have a mobile app. You can manage your store through a web browser on any device. This might be a problem for businesses needing to manage inventory or orders on the go.
What kind of customer support does AmeriCommerce provide?
AmeriCommerce support is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. They offer phone, live chat, and ticket support. There’s also a knowledge base with guides and videos.
Premium support options are available for more hours and faster responses. These cost extra.
Can I build a multi-vendor marketplace with AmeriCommerce?
Yes, AmeriCommerce makes it easy to create a marketplace. You can manage multiple sellers and their products. It has tools for vendor management, commission structures, and automated payments.
What is headless commerce and does AmeriCommerce support it?
Headless commerce means the backend and frontend of your store work separately. AmeriCommerce supports this with code snippets and APIs. This lets you use the backend with different frontend applications, like WordPress or Wix.
How does AmeriCommerce compare to Shopify?
AmeriCommerce and Shopify have different strengths. AmeriCommerce is better for B2B and has no transaction fees. Shopify offers 24/7 support and a mobile app, but has more integrations.
AmeriCommerce costs more but doesn’t limit features by price like Shopify does. It’s better for developers and complex B2B needs, while Shopify is good for beginners and standard retail.
What are the main limitations of AmeriCommerce?
AmeriCommerce has some downsides. It doesn’t offer 24/7 support or a mobile app. It also has storage and product limits on lower plans.
The interface can be hard to use, especially for adding payment gateways. It requires more technical knowledge than some alternatives like BigCommerce or WooCommerce.
Is AmeriCommerce good for beginners?
AmeriCommerce can be tough for beginners. Its complex interface and limited support hours can be overwhelming. It’s better for experienced users or businesses with technical skills.
Beginners might find easier-to-use platforms that offer better support and are easier to get started with.