Shoper to Bigcommerce

Step 1: Preparing Your Shoper Store for Migration

Objective: The first step in our migration process is to ensure that your Shoper store is fully prepared for the transition to BigCommerce. This preparation phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for a smooth migration, preventing potential data loss and ensuring compatibility with the new platform.

In this step, we will focus on backing up your existing data, assessing current integrations, and verifying that all necessary information is ready for migration. These actions are vital to maintain data integrity, facilitate a successful transfer, and minimize downtime during the transition.

• Data Backup: Begin by creating a complete backup of your Shoper store data. This should include:
• Products: Export all product data, including descriptions, prices, images, and inventory levels.
• Customer Information: Back up customer data, including contact details and order history.
• Order History: Export all past orders to retain customer purchase history.
• Store Settings: Document your current store settings, including payment gateways, shipping methods, and tax configurations.
• Integration Review: Evaluate the current integrations used in your Shoper store, such as payment processors, shipping solutions, and third-party apps. Make a note of:
• Which integrations are essential for your business.
• Any new integrations that may be required on the BigCommerce platform.
• Data Cleaning: Clean your data before migration by:
• Removing outdated products or customers.
• Ensuring that product descriptions and images are accurate and up-to-date.
• Setting Up BigCommerce Account: Create your BigCommerce account if you haven't done so yet. Choose a plan that fits your business needs and familiarize yourself with the dashboard.

By following these preparatory steps, we can ensure that your migration from Shoper to BigCommerce will be both efficient and effective. This thorough preparation allows us to address any potential issues upfront, paving the way for a successful migration.

Step 2: Exporting Data from Shoper

Objective: In this step, we will focus on exporting the necessary data from your Shoper store. This process is essential to ensure that all product, customer, and order information is captured and prepared for the import into BigCommerce.

We will utilize Shoper’s built-in tools to export data efficiently, ensuring that we have complete and accurate datasets to work with during the migration.

• Accessing Shoper Export Tools: Log in to your Shoper admin panel and navigate to the data export section. This can typically be found under settings or data management.
• Exporting Products: Follow these steps to export your product data:
• Select the option to export products.
• Choose the format (CSV is recommended) and ensure all relevant fields (name, SKU, description, images, etc.) are included.
• Click the export button and download the file.
• Exporting Customer Data: Next, export your customer data by:
• Selecting the customer export option.
• Choosing the necessary fields (name, email, address, order history).
• Downloading the exported file.
• Exporting Order History: Finally, export your order history to retain customer purchases:
• Choose the order history export option.
• Ensure to include details such as order number, customer, items purchased, and order status.
• Download the CSV file.
• Organizing Exported Data: Once you have exported all necessary data, organize the files in a dedicated folder. This will make it easier to locate and import the data into BigCommerce.

By carefully exporting all relevant data from your Shoper store, we can ensure that nothing is missed during the migration process. This step is critical to maintaining your store’s functionality and historical data in BigCommerce.

Step 3: Setting Up Your BigCommerce Store

Objective: Once we have exported the data from Shoper, we will focus on setting up your BigCommerce store. This step is crucial as it involves configuring essential settings, customizing your storefront, and preparing for the import of your data from Shoper.

By the end of this step, your BigCommerce store should be ready to receive the data and cater to your customers effectively.

• Initial Setup: Log into your BigCommerce account and follow these steps:
• Choose a theme that aligns with your brand. BigCommerce offers a variety of customizable templates.
• Access the design settings to adjust colors, fonts, and layout to match your branding.
• Configuration of Store Settings: Navigate to the settings section and configure the following:
• Payment Gateways: Set up your preferred payment processors. BigCommerce supports multiple options like PayPal, Stripe, and others.
• Shipping Settings: Configure shipping rates, carriers, and methods according to your business needs.
• Tax Settings: Set up tax rules based on your location and business model.
• Customization: Customize your store further by:
• Adding essential apps from the BigCommerce App Marketplace, which can enhance functionality (like marketing, customer service, etc.).
• Setting up navigation menus to ensure customers can easily find products and information.
• Testing the Setup: Before importing data, conduct a quick review:
• Check that your store settings are correct.
• Ensure the theme reflects your brand effectively.
• Test the checkout process to confirm everything is functioning as intended.

By completing the setup of your BigCommerce store, we can ensure that it is fully prepared to integrate the data from Shoper seamlessly. This proper configuration is critical for a successful migration.

Step 4: Importing Data into BigCommerce

Objective: The next step in our migration process is to import the data we exported from Shoper into your newly prepared BigCommerce store. This step is vital because it allows us to transfer your products, customers, and order history, ensuring continuity of your business operations.

By following these detailed steps, we can ensure that all data is imported accurately and without any loss.

• Accessing the Import Tool: In your BigCommerce admin panel, navigate to the import tool. This is typically found under the 'Products' or 'Advanced Settings' section.
• Importing Products: Follow these steps to import your product data:
• Select the 'Import Products' option.
• Upload the CSV file containing your products.
• Map the fields correctly (ensure that product names, descriptions, images, etc., are matched with the corresponding fields in BigCommerce).
• Initiate the import and monitor the process for any errors.
• Importing Customers: Next, import your customer data:
• Choose the 'Import Customers' option.
• Upload the customer CSV file.
• Map any necessary fields to ensure that customer information is accurately transferred.
• Begin the import and check for any errors or discrepancies.
• Importing Order History: Lastly, import your order history:
• Navigate to the 'Import Orders' section.
• Upload the order history CSV file.
• Ensure that all fields are correctly mapped to maintain order integrity.
• Start the import process.

Verifying Imported Data: After the import is complete, review the following:

• Check that all products are listed correctly with images and descriptions.
• Verify that customer data is accurate and complete.
• Confirm that order history matches the records from Shoper.

By carefully importing the data into BigCommerce, we can ensure that your new store is fully populated with all necessary information for a seamless transition. This step is crucial for maintaining your business continuity.

Step 5: Configuring Store Settings in BigCommerce

Objective: Now that we have imported all the necessary data into BigCommerce, the next step is to configure the remaining store settings. Proper configuration is crucial to ensure that your store functions correctly and meets your operational requirements.

In this step, we will finalize settings related to shipping, taxes, payment processing, and other critical functionalities.

• Shipping Configuration: Navigate to the shipping settings in your BigCommerce dashboard:
• Set up shipping zones to define regions where you will deliver products.
• Configure shipping methods and rates based on your business model (e.g., flat rate, free shipping, or carrier-calculated rates).
• Enable real-time shipping quotes if applicable.
• Payment Processing: Configure your payment gateway settings:
• Choose your preferred payment processors (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).
• Set up any necessary merchant accounts and API integrations.
• Ensure that all payment methods you wish to offer are activated.
• Tax Settings: Set up tax rules to comply with local regulations:
• Define tax rates based on your business location and the regions you sell to.
• Enable tax calculations at checkout to ensure accurate pricing.

Customer Groups and Discounts: If applicable, configure customer groups and any promotional discounts:

• Create customer groups for wholesale or B2B pricing.
• Set up discount codes to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Final Review: After configuring all settings, perform a final review:

• Check that all settings are correctly applied and functional.
• Test the checkout process to ensure seamless transactions.

By thoroughly configuring your BigCommerce store settings, we can ensure that it operates efficiently and meets all necessary requirements for a successful launch.

Step 6: Testing Your BigCommerce Store

Objective: Testing your BigCommerce store before launch is a critical step that ensures all functionalities are working correctly and provides a seamless experience for your customers. This phase will help identify any potential issues that could arise post-launch.

In this step, we will conduct comprehensive testing, focusing on various aspects of the store, including product listings, checkout process, payment gateways, and customer accounts.

• Product Testing: Review each product listing to ensure:
• All product details are accurately displayed.
• Images are correctly linked and load without issues.
• Inventory levels reflect the correct quantities.
• Checkout Process Testing: Conduct a test purchase to evaluate:
• Functionality of the shopping cart.
• Payment processing through different gateways.
• Shipping and tax calculations during checkout.
• Account Testing: Verify that customer account functionalities are operational:
• Check account creation and login processes.
• Test password recovery options.
• Ensure that order history is accessible for customers.

Mobile Responsiveness Testing: Test the mobile version of your store to ensure:

• All elements are displayed correctly on mobile devices.
• Navigation is intuitive and user-friendly.

Final Checklist: Before launching, complete a final checklist:

• Ensure all links are functional.
• Review SEO settings and metadata.
• Check for any visual inconsistencies across devices.

By thoroughly testing your BigCommerce store, we can identify and resolve issues before launch, ensuring a smooth and successful transition for your customers.

Step 7: Launching Your BigCommerce Store

Objective: The final step in our migration process is to launch your BigCommerce store. This is an exciting moment, as it marks the culmination of our efforts to transition from Shoper to BigCommerce. Proper launch procedures are critical to ensure a successful transition and customer satisfaction.

In this step, we will focus on final preparations, promoting your launch, and monitoring post-launch performance.

• Finalize Launch Preparations: Before going live, ensure that:
• All settings are double-checked for accuracy.
• The store is set to 'live' mode, allowing customers to access it.
• All integrations are functioning properly.
• SEO Considerations: Implement any necessary SEO strategies:
• Ensure that 301 redirects are set up for any URL changes to maintain search rankings.
• Submit your new site map to search engines.
• Promoting Your Launch: Announce the launch to your customers:
• Utilize email marketing to inform existing customers about the new store.
• Promote the launch on social media platforms.
• Consider offering promotional discounts or incentives for the first few days post-launch.

Monitor Performance: After launching, closely monitor the store's performance:

• Check analytics for traffic patterns and sales data.
• Be responsive to any customer feedback or issues that arise.

By effectively launching your BigCommerce store, we can ensure that your transition from Shoper is successful and that your customers have a positive experience from day one.

Power Your Step - Get in Touch

Don't leave your ecommerce migration to chance! At PowerCommerce, we specialize in guiding businesses through the complexities of migrating to BigCommerce. With our extensive experience and customer-centric approach, we ensure a smooth transition that minimizes downtime and maximizes performance.

Our team of experts is ready to assist you every step of the way, from initial preparations to post-launch support. We are committed to helping you achieve your ecommerce goals with cutting-edge, scalable solutions.

Contact us today:

1. Visit our contact page to fill out our inquiry form.
2. Call us directly at 800-099-9090.
3. Send us an email at info@powercommerce.com for any specific questions or requests.

Act now to ensure your migration is handled with professionalism and care. Let's power your ecommerce success together!