Map the order lifecycle
Write down how products are created or sourced, how customers order, how payment works, how fulfillment happens, and what happens after the sale.
Identify platform-critical capabilities
Separate capabilities that must live inside the commerce platform from those that can be handled by a specialist app or external service.
Watch dependency risk
If the business depends on one supplier, app or billing integration, test what happens when prices, APIs or policies change.
Where Shopify may fit
Shopify can be relevant when you want the core store and commerce workflow managed in one platform, then extend the model through native capabilities or integrations. Confirm the specific integration before committing.
Compare before building
Do a requirements comparison before investing heavily in design. Switching platforms becomes more expensive after products, customers, orders and integrations accumulate.
Next useful step
Continue with a related guide based on where you are in the decision process.
Ecommerce Business Models
Understand common ecommerce models and the platform requirements each creates.
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