What is a shopping cart?

A shopping cart is a vital feature of any ecommerce website that allows customers to browse, select, and purchase products or services online. Much like a cart in a brick-and-mortar store, an online shopping cart holds items shoppers want to buy while they continue exploring the site. It calculates totals, applies taxes or discounts, and guides users through checkout and payment.

Shopping cart software is used by ecommerce businesses to manage inventory, add products, set pricing, and configure shipping rules. It forms the foundation of a functional online store and supports a smooth and secure shopping experience.

Also known as ecommerce cart software or shopping cart solutions, these tools are essential for creating, managing, and scaling an online business.

To understand how shopping carts fit into the ecommerce ecosystem, check out What is Print on Demand? Everything You Need to Know About It.

Why are shopping carts important?

Shopping carts are critical to online selling. They simplify the buying journey by letting customers easily select, adjust, and remove products. Secure carts also protect sensitive payment data, fostering trust and reducing friction during checkout.

For ecommerce entrepreneurs, shopping cart software automates processes like inventory syncing, shipping rate calculation, and payment gateway integration. A well-optimized cart improves conversions and reduces cart abandonment. If you’re planning to start a print-on-demand business, a reliable cart is non-negotiable.

Popular shopping cart solutions

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There are various shopping cart solutions available, including:

• Shopify- A widely used platform with built-in cart functionality. Learn how to start a Shopify store with Podbase.
  
  
• WooCommerce - A WordPress plugin that turns your site into a flexible ecommerce store. Learn more in What is WooCommerce? A Guide to Ecommerce on WordPress.
  
  
• Magento- A robust open-source solution built for large-scale ecommerce operations.
  
  
• BigCommerce - Known for its ease of use and wide integration options.
  
  
• OpenCart- A lightweight, open-source cart option ideal for budget-conscious sellers.
  
  

Choosing the right cart for your store

When choosing the best shopping cart software, consider factors like ease of use, customization, pricing, and payment options. For print-on-demand sellers, it’s important that your cart supports product customization and integrates with platforms like Podbase. If you're comparing platforms, check out our guide on Shopify vs Etsy.