Insales to Bigcommerce

Step 1: Assess Your Current InSales Store

Before initiating the migration process from InSales to BigCommerce, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your existing InSales store. This step ensures that we have a clear understanding of the current structure, features, and performance of your online store, which will guide us in making informed decisions during the migration.

Our assessment process typically includes a comprehensive review of your store's product catalog, customer data, order history, and any custom functionalities that may need to be replicated or enhanced in BigCommerce. This step is critical for identifying potential challenges and establishing a roadmap for a seamless transition.

• Inventory Check: Start by exporting your complete product list, including details such as SKUs, descriptions, prices, and images. This data will serve as the foundation for your new BigCommerce store.
• Customer Data Review: Export your customer database, which includes contact information, order history, and any preferences. This data will be essential for maintaining customer relationships post-migration.
• Order History: Analyze your sales data and order history to understand trends and patterns that can inform your future strategy on BigCommerce.
• Custom Features: Document any custom functionalities or integrations in your current store that are critical for operations, as these will need to be re-implemented or adapted in BigCommerce.

By conducting a detailed assessment, we can ensure that no essential data is overlooked and that your migration strategy is tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.

Step 2: Backup Your InSales Data

Backing up your InSales store's data is a crucial precautionary measure that protects against data loss during the migration process. This ensures that you have a secure copy of all your information should anything go awry during the transition.

We recommend following these sub-steps to effectively backup your store:

• Database Backup: Utilize InSales' export functionality to create a backup of your product, customer, and order databases. This typically involves:
• Accessing your InSales admin panel.
• Navigating to the data export section.
• Selecting the relevant data types (products, customers, orders) and exporting them in CSV format.
• Media Files Backup: Download all images and media files associated with your products and content pages. This ensures that your product pages maintain their visual integrity post-migration.
• Custom Code Backup: If you have made custom modifications to your InSales store, ensure to document or backup these codes to replicate or adapt them in BigCommerce.

Once the backup is complete, securely store these files in a cloud service or a local drive as a precautionary measure.

Step 3: Prepare Your BigCommerce Account

Before migrating, it's essential to prepare your BigCommerce account. This preparation involves creating an account, configuring basic settings, and selecting a suitable plan that aligns with your business needs.

Follow these steps to effectively set up your BigCommerce account:

1. Create an Account: Visit the BigCommerce website and sign up for an account. Choose a pricing plan that suits your business size and expected growth.
2. Configure Store Settings: Once your account is created, navigate to the store settings section. Key settings to configure include:
• Store Name: Set a name that reflects your brand identity.
• Currency Settings: Choose your base currency for transactions. Ensure this matches your customer base.
• Payment Processors: Set up payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, or other providers that suit your business model.
3. Design Your Store: Select a template and customize it to align with your brand. You can modify elements such as color schemes, fonts, and layout to create an appealing storefront.

Completing these steps ensures your BigCommerce store is ready for the data migration, providing a solid foundation for your ecommerce operations.

Step 4: Migrate Your Data to BigCommerce

With your BigCommerce account set up, the next critical step is to migrate your data from InSales. This process involves transferring your product listings, customer information, and order history to ensure a seamless transition.

We typically execute the data migration through the following steps:

1. Data Import Tool: Utilize the BigCommerce import tool, which supports CSV files for bulk data uploads. For each data category:
• Products: Prepare a CSV file that includes all product details such as titles, SKUs, prices, descriptions, and image URLs.
• Customers: Import your customer data, ensuring that fields such as name, email, and order history are correctly formatted.
• Orders: Transfer historical order data to maintain continuity in customer service and reporting.
2. Verify Data Integrity: After the import, conduct a thorough review to ensure all data has been accurately migrated. Check for:
• Correct product images and descriptions.
• Accurate customer information.
• Complete order history.
3. Address Issues: If you encounter any discrepancies, address them promptly. This may involve correcting data in the CSV files and re-importing them as necessary.

Completing this data migration step is vital for ensuring that your new BigCommerce store reflects your existing business accurately and seamlessly.

Step 5: Set Up Payment and Shipping Methods

With your data successfully migrated, the next important step is to configure your payment and shipping methods in BigCommerce. This ensures that your customers can complete transactions smoothly and that you can effectively manage shipping logistics.

To set up payment and shipping methods, follow these steps:

1. Payment Methods: Navigate to the 'Payments' section in your BigCommerce dashboard. Here, you can:
• Select preferred payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net).
• Configure settings such as transaction fees, currency options, and payment processing security measures.
2. Shipping Settings: In the 'Shipping' section:
• Set up your shipping zones based on geographic locations you want to serve.
• Define shipping methods (e.g., flat rate, free shipping, or carrier-calculated rates) and adjust costs accordingly.
3. Test Transactions: Conduct test transactions to ensure payment processing and shipping calculations work as intended. This step is vital for identifying any potential issues before going live.

By establishing robust payment and shipping methods, you will enhance your customer experience and streamline your operations in BigCommerce.

Step 6: Test Your BigCommerce Store

Before officially launching your new BigCommerce store, it is crucial to conduct thorough testing to ensure that all functionalities work seamlessly. This step helps identify and rectify any issues that could affect the customer experience.

To effectively test your store, we recommend the following procedures:

1. Functionality Testing: Check all features and functionalities, including:
• Product pages: Ensure images, descriptions, and prices display correctly.
• Navigation: Test all links and menus to confirm that they work as expected.
• Shopping cart: Verify that items can be added and removed smoothly.
2. Payment Processing: Conduct multiple test transactions using different payment methods to ensure that payments are processed correctly and that customers receive confirmation emails.
3. Mobile Responsiveness: Test your store on various devices (smartphones, tablets, desktops) to ensure a consistent user experience across all platforms.

Address any issues identified during testing before proceeding with the launch. This meticulous approach guarantees a smooth transition for your customers when they visit your new store.



Step 7: Launch Your BigCommerce Store

With thorough testing completed and all configurations in place, you're now ready to launch your BigCommerce store. This final step involves not just making your store live but also ensuring that your audience is aware of the transition and can access your new site seamlessly.

To ensure a successful launch, follow these best practices:

1. Final Data Verification: Double-check that all data has transferred correctly and that no items are missing.
2. SEO Optimization: Update URLs and ensure that they are optimized for search engines. Set up redirects from your old InSales URLs to your new BigCommerce URLs to maintain SEO rankings.
3. Announce Your Launch: Use email marketing, social media, and your website to inform customers about the new store. Highlight any new features or promotions to encourage visits.
4. Monitor Performance: After launch, keep a close eye on your store's performance metrics. Use analytics tools to track traffic, sales, and user behavior, allowing you to address any issues promptly.

Launching your BigCommerce store marks a significant milestone in your ecommerce journey. By following these best practices, you set the stage for a successful transition and continued growth.



Power Your Step - Get in Touch

At PowerCommerce, we understand that migrating your ecommerce platform is a significant step that can impact your business's success. Our team of experts is here to ensure that your transition from InSales to BigCommerce is not only seamless but also strategic and beneficial for your growth.

Get in touch with us today to:

• Learn about our comprehensive migration services tailored to your specific needs.
• Discuss your unique business challenges and how we can help.
• Schedule a risk-free consultation to explore your options.

To reach us, simply follow these steps:

1. Visit our contact page: PowerCommerce Contact
2. Call us directly at 800-099-9090.
3. Email us at info@powercommerce.com.

Don’t leave your migration to chance--partner with PowerCommerce to power your ecommerce growth!