OpenCart Review: Pros and Cons in 2023

According to Forbes, personalization, social media sales, and multi-channel capabilities set the tone for the e-commerce industry. Modern retail companies seek for flexible and feature-rich platforms to make this possible. At the same time, it is crucial to find a solution with a user-friendly interface and intuitive admin dashboard. Luckily, OpenCart meets these needs and provides even more compelling advantages.

OpenCart is a powerful tool offering a cost-effective and feature-rich platform for building and managing e-commerce websites. This article will explore this solution’s specifics, core features, and benefits. From easy setup to robust product management and international selling capabilities, we will highlight how OpenCart can help your business reach its goals. 

Retail website building contains many nuances, so it’s always better to partner with an experienced IT company than figure it out alone or hire unverified freelancers. And this is where GetTrusted can help. Our platform connects businesses with the top 3 reliable vendors in the ecommerce development niche. Also, we provide escrow service, guaranteeing the quality of the final product.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into OpenCart’s features.

What Is OpenCart?

OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform that caters to online businesses. It uses the PHP programming language and offers a free download option. With OpenCart, you can customize your website design and benefit from the platform’s modern, user-friendly dashboard interface.

OpenCart allows for creating and managing multiple stores within a single interface. Therefore, you can easily handle different retail websites and their operations in one place. Besides, OpenCart provides essential e-commerce functionalities like promotion and discount services. It also offers efficient product category management and a point accumulation system for loyal customers.

What Are OpenCart Pros and Cons?

When evaluating an e-commerce platform, assessing its strengths and weaknesses is essential. We’ve prepared a table to highlight the main points.

OpenCart Pros	OpenCart Cons
Multiple hosting options	Significant learning curve
Unlimited capacity for growth and scalability	Limited support options
Free and comprehensive design	Restricted SEO capabilities
Wide selection of apps and extensions
Native reporting suite

Now let’s first determine OpenCart pros and cons in detail.

Pros of OpenCart

OpenCart e-commerce platform offers several benefits to help businesses establish and expand their online presence. Here are some of the most significant advantages.

Multiple hosting options

One of OpenCart’s strengths is its flexibility in terms of hosting options. The platform offers the choice between self-configuring your online store and launching a cloud storefront through a second-party host. This approach addresses potential technical challenges.

This versatility is particularly beneficial for individuals with moderate or beginner-level technical skills who prefer to minimize the back-end work involved in setting up their store.

Unlimited capacity for growth and scalability

OpenCart provides merchants with numerous options to support their growth. You can upload unlimited products and categories to your store to expand your product range as your business evolves. This level of scalability enables you to accommodate increasing customer demands without major restrictions.

Free and comprehensive design

OpenCart e-commerce tool is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to establish an online store. Unlike other platforms with only basic functionalities, OpenCart offers a comprehensive feature set out of the box. 

You don’t have to rely on multiple tools or plugins to manage your website effectively. OpenCart has a centralized tech structure that simplifies your website design and functionality management.

Wide selection of apps and extensions

OpenCart stands out because of its wide range of available apps and extensions. To be more specific, the OpenCart extension store offers over 13,000 solutions you can explore and experiment with to enhance your website’s functionality. 

With this high level of customization, you can tailor your digital store to address your specific business requirements and provide a unique shopping experience for your customers.

Native reporting suite

OpenCart includes a comprehensive native reporting feature standing out from other e-commerce tools. The built-in reporting system offers various analytical insights across multiple categories. It empowers you to monitor your store’s performance and make data-driven decisions.

This reporting suite eliminates the need for integrating third-party analytics tools, streamlining the process of tracking and understanding your core metrics.

Cons of OpenCart

While OpenCart has many significant advantages, there are also several drawbacks to consider. Here are a few platform limitations.

Significant learning curve

Setting up OpenCart involves a steep learning curve regardless of your hosting option. It won’t be a major obstacle if you have technical skills or experience with similar platforms. However, it may be inconvenient if you’re a beginner or have time constraints, especially when working towards a launch deadline.

If that is your case, partner with GetTrusted and find a reliable vendor to provide the necessary development support.

Limited support options

OpenCart offers fewer support options compared to some other e-commerce solutions. It might be challenging for beginners who require more assistance. Also, limited support resources could make it difficult to troubleshoot issues or get guidance when necessary. 

Cooperating with us, you will receive expert support during store development and maintenance. We will ensure you get the desired result within a defined timeline and budget.

Restricted SEO capabilities

While OpenCart advertises a suite of search engine optimization (SEO) tools to help businesses grow, they are relatively limited compared to other platforms. While it will likely suffice for small firms, established and ambitious companies may need more robust SEO capabilities. 

If optimizing your online store for search engines is your top priority, you might need additional SEO tools or services to achieve a more comprehensive approach. At your request, we will provide the best agencies covering SEO promotion.

OpenCart Pricing

Now, it’s time to talk about OpenCart pricing plans.

The primary OpenCart software is free, which is wonderful news, especially for new company owners. The product is available for download from the official website. The solution includes an online store, unlimited products, thorough product categorization and optimization, campaign tracking, and many other features.

Still, you will need a hosting plan. If you’re on a tight budget, those typically start at approximately $5 monthly. Remember that better hosts will cost you more. Additionally, you should purchase a domain name for your store, which is approximately $10 yearly.

Also, consider the quality design or template expenses and additional modules or extensions. Here are some popular options:

• SEO Pack Pro — $99 one-time fee
• Pro Email Template — $49 one-time fee

Features and Functionality of OpenCart

OpenCart offers various features and customization options, providing an accessible solution for creating and managing online stores.

Store setup and administration

OpenCart streamlines the process of setting up and managing your e-commerce website with the following features:

• Easy installation process with step-by-step guidance
• User-friendly interface and intuitive admin dashboard
• Customizable settings with currency, language, and tax rates
• Flexible product organization
• Customer account, registration, and group management
• Access controls with different user roles and permissions
• Integrated backup and restore features

Product management and inventory control

Efficiently manage your product catalog, track inventory, and update product information with these options:

• Easy product creation with attributes and variations
• Batch import and export to manage large product catalogs
• Inventory tracking with low stock notifications
• Backorder and pre-order capabilities
• Product filters and search functionality
• Ability for digital downloads and virtual products
• Customizable product options and configurations

Payment gateways and checkout process

Ensure a smooth and secure payment experience for customers using OpenCart features:

• Integration with PayPal and Stripe
• SSL encryption and fraud prevention
• Support for credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and offline payments
• Streamlined purchasing experience with a one-page checkout
• Automatic tax calculation based on customer location and tax rules
• Order status notifications and email confirmations
• Customizable checkout fields
• Accurate pricing calculations with shipping and tax modules
• Support for recurring payments and subscription-based services

Recovering an abandoned cart

Recover abandoned carts and encourage customers to complete their purchases with such functionalities:

• Automated email reminders and follow-up sequences
• Discounts or free shipping for abandoned cart recovery
• Targeted ad campaigns
• Real-time tracking of abandoned carts and relevant analytics
• Customizable cart abandonment recovery strategies

Sales on multiple sites

With OpenCart’s multi-store feature, you can effortlessly manage sales across different retail websites:

• Centralized administration of multiple online stores
• Separate storefronts with unique branding, products, and pricing
• Shared customer database for easy accounts management
• Cross-store inventory management
• The ability to set individual store settings and configurations
• Unified reporting and analytics across multiple websites

Shipping and delivery options

OpenCart offers flexible shipping and delivery options to meet various customer preferences:

• Flexible shipping methods and carriers integration
• Customizable shipping rules based on weight, destination, or price
• Options for free shipping, flat rate, and table rate shipping
• Integration with order tracking and delivery notifications
• Multiple shipping origins and dropshipping support
• Printing shipping labels and generating packing slips
• Support for customs declarations and duties calculation
• Integration with shipping rate calculators
• Automated shipping rules based on order parameters

Selling internationally

OpenCart enables businesses to expand their reach and cater to a global customer base:

• Geolocation detection
• Localization features and multi-currency support
• International tax management with support for VAT and GST
• Compliance with international regulations and data protection laws
• Integration with global marketplaces
• Real-time currency conversion
• Shipping methods and carriers localization

SEO and marketing tools

The platform offers built-in SEO and marketing tools to improve online visibility and boost sales:

• Customizable URLs, meta tags, and SEO-friendly URLs
• Google Analytics integration
• Discount codes, coupons, and promotional campaigns
• Product reviews and ratings
• Social media integration
• Product comparison and wish list functionality
• Remarketing campaigns
• Related products and cross-selling features

Theme customization and design options

Feel free to customize themes and design your store according to your unique branding using the following features: 

• Pre-built themes and templates
• Customizable layouts, colors, fonts, and branding options
• Drag-and-drop interface
• Integration with popular design tools
• Mobile-responsive themes
• Support for custom CSS and HTML modifications
• Integration with image editors and media management tools
• Options for creating landing pages and promotional banners
• Preview and test theme changes

Reporting and analytics

OpenCart provides detailed reporting and analytics tools for valuable insights:

• Sales, order, and customer activity reports
• Real-time sales tracking and revenue analysis
• Data visualization with charts and graphs
• Customer behavior analysis
• Inventory reports for stock management and reordering
• Traffic sources analysis
• Integration with third-party analytics platforms
• Customizable reports and export options
• Dashboards and alerts for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs)
• A/B testing capabilities

OpenCart Security

Like any other open-source tool, OpenCart has potential vulnerabilities despite its relatively secure nature. The visibility of the site’s back-end code introduces particular risks.

However, its open-source nature also brings considerable advantages. Many developers have created security suites for OpenCart sites, offering additional protection against potential threats.

With the availability of specific firewalls, security tools, and helpful guides from third-party sources, there is no significant reason to consider the platform less safe than other open-source software.

Also, OpenCart implements several security measures to help protect your online store:

• Secure code. OpenCart follows best coding practices and undergoes regular security audits to ensure its codebase is safe and free from vulnerabilities.
• User access controls. Set up user roles and permissions, limiting access to sensitive areas of your store’s administration panel. It prevents unauthorized access and minimizes the risk of data breaches.
• SSL support. OpenCart supports SSL encryption, securing the transmission of customer payment details during the checkout process.
• Regular updates. The platform releases updates and security patches to address the identified vulnerabilities. Keep your OpenCart installation up to date to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
• Captcha integration. OpenCart includes built-in support for a captcha, protecting your website from automated bot attacks.
• Security extensions. OpenCart offers a wide range of security extensions you can install to enhance store security. Add two-factor authentication, firewall protection, and malware scanning.
• Password encryption. OpenCart stores user passwords by implementing encryption techniques. As a result, attackers can’t retrieve or decipher confidential information.

OpenCart Support

With OpenCart, you can use free and paid support types.

The Community Forum is a helpful place to seek support from a large user base. You can ask questions and get assistance on bugs, installation, configuration, themes, and extensions. It also includes dedicated forums in over 30 languages.

Also, you can choose Dedicated Support. OpenCart offers paid service packages with several handy features:

• Password reset — $50 for reset. If you need to reset your admin password, use this service and regain access to your account within 24 hours.
• OpenCart version update — $300+. Upgrade your OpenCart version to any release and get assistance with theme and module installation.
• Backup services — $50 per backup. For extra peace of mind, opt for store backup help to ensure you won’t lose your valuable data.
• Bug fixes — $100+. If you’re experiencing issues, you can schedule a one-time session with a specialist to eliminate bugs.

If you require additional support, consider hiring a third-party development agency. At GetTrusted, we’ll find you the top-three appropriate vendors without additional fees. With us, you can save time and simplify the learning curve associated with the OpenCart interface. 

Who Is OpenCart Right for?

OpenCart is an e-commerce platform that caters to a wide range of users looking to establish an online store. Here are the main reasons to choose this platform for your business.

• OpenCart allows small businesses to create professional retail websites and expand their customer reach.
• If you’re a tech-savvy seller and don’t mind self-hosting, OpenCart offers a free platform tailored to your needs. 
• Sellers get a user-friendly admin panel, saving time on development and day-to-day operations.
• Businesses with an extensive product catalog use OpenCart to customize descriptions and boost revenue for each item.

OpenCart Alternatives

What alternatives to OpenCart exist, and what are their distinguishing features? Let’s look at the most famous options:

Platform	Price	Basic Features
WooCommerce	Free	Seamless integration with WordPress websitesProduct management and inventory controlFlexible payment options and gatewaysShipping and tax calculationsCustomizable design templatesExtensive plugin ecosystem for additional functionality
Shopify	Free for 3 days$32-399/mo with $1 for the first 3 months	All-in-one hosted e-commerce platformUser-friendly interface and website builderPayment processing and multiple payment gatewaysInventory management and order fulfillmentMobile responsivenessApp store for additional features and integrations
Magento	Free	Highly customizable open-source platformAdvanced product management and catalog optionsFlexible payment and shipping capabilitiesScalable for large product catalogs and high trafficRobust SEO capabilitiesIntegration with third-party services and extensions
BigCommerce	Free for 15 days$29-299/mo	Comprehensive e-commerce platformResponsive storefront design templatesSecure payment processing and multiple payment optionsInventory management and order fulfillmentMarketing and SEO toolsApp marketplace for additional functionalities
PrestaShop	Free	Open-source e-commerce solutionConvenient interface and customizable themesProduct management and catalog organizationSecure payment options and gatewaysSEO-friendly featuresCommunity-driven marketplace for modules and extensions

Simplify OpenCart Store Development with GetTrusted

OpenCart is versatile and user-friendly e-commerce software. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to start an online store or a larger enterprise seeking scalability and customization, OpenCart offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. 

At GetTrusted, we collaborate with experienced agencies specializing in OpenCart store development. When you choose our platform, you can be confident that you’ll work with trustworthy experts in this field. Within 48 hours, we’ll provide an estimated timeline and cost. We carefully select the top three vendors skilled in e-commerce development using OpenCart. 

We partner with reliable IT companies from the US, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. Our team personally communicates with vendors and checks their experience, expertise, and reviews. We also maintain a catalog of reputable OpenCart development agencies.

As quality guarantors, we continuously check the deliverables throughout the process and upon completion. Also, our project managers help you resolve any issues and hitches. You release your payment to the vendor only after a positive assessment of their work. Thus, we ensure protection against scams and subpar results. Additionally, you won’t be charged anything for the vendor selection process and our escrow service.

Contact us to learn more and develop a successful online store. 

OpenCart Review FAQs

Is OpenCart still relevant?

Yes, OpenCart is still relevant as an e-commerce solution. Many businesses worldwide use it to establish and manage their online stores. Despite competition from other platforms, OpenCart’s diverse hosting, scalability, customization options, and extensive app selection make it a viable choice for companies looking to enter the retail market.

Is OpenCart legit?

Yes, OpenCart is a legitimate and well-established e-commerce platform. It has been around for over ten years and has a large user base. OpenCart is an open-source solution. Therefore, it’s transparent, actively maintained, and has a dedicated developers community working on improvements.

Is OpenCart free or paid?

OpenCart is a free e-commerce platform. You can download and install it on your hosting server without any cost. However, consider expenses for additional services, themes, extensions, or customization.

How much does an OpenCart website cost?

OpenCart is free. But if you want to create a store with professional developers, you need some budget. The cost of building an OpenCart website depends on desired features and functionality, design requirements, customization needs, and team experience. Contact GetTrusted to get an approximate budget within 48 hours.

Is OpenCart good for eCommerce?

OpenCart is a suitable choice for e-commerce businesses. It provides a range of features and options for setting up and managing a store. Try it to enjoy platform scalability, customizable design, extensive app selection, and a native reporting suite. But remember to consider your specific needs and technical capabilities before choosing software.

How many products can you sell on OpenCart?

Using OpenCart, you can list as many products as you want. Grow your catalog and offer your customers a wide range of goods without restrictions. 

Can I have multiple stores on OpenCart?

With OpenCart, you can handle multiple online stores from one place. Manage different brands or product lines without any hassle. Benefit from its centralized administration, shared customer database, and cross-store inventory management. 

Do I need to be a designer or developer to use OpenCart?

No, you don’t need to be a designer or developer to use OpenCart. The platform is user-friendly and accessible to people with different technical skills. You can easily set up and manage your online store. However, some extra knowledge is helpful for advanced customization.

Are OpenCart reviews good?

OpenCart reviews vary based on personal experiences, so it’s critical to consider different perspectives. Many users appreciate OpenCart for its flexibility, customization, and scalability. However, some negative reviews highlight challenges like the learning curve, limited support options, and certain feature limitations.