The differences between a PrestaShop agency and a generic e-commerce agency

PrestaShop is one of the world's most widely used CMS for e-commerce site development. Created in France in 2007 and launched in 2008, this open source solution boasts an intuitive interface and comprehensive, fully customizable functional bricks. However, to exploit the full potential of this solution, certain skills are essential. PrestaShop agencies have developed specific know-how by recruiting technicians specialized in this CMS. Most have accreditations that validate their skills in this field. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of how PrestaShop works, these service providers can help their customers create high-performance online stores, with customized design and a focus on user experience. In the event of a problem, the teams can intervene quickly to resolve a bug or temporary malfunction.

Many web agencies specialize in the creation of websites, and more specifically e-commerce sites. Their in-house skills - project managers, graphic designers, developers and integrators - enable them to master the entire value chain. However, they are not experts in a given solution. They are therefore able to develop a functional e-commerce solution without, however, offering dedicated support to train you in PrestaShop or advise you on the features associated with this CMS. In all cases, it's important to find out about the technical aspects in advance, to ensure that the online sales modules will cover your needs correctly. For example, if you have a large product catalog containing several hundred items, you need to be sure that the back office interface and database can keep up. Otherwise, you run the risk of display and loading problems.

To know which type of agency you want to entrust your e-commerce site design project to, you need to ask yourself the right questions. If you have no particular preference for using one solution over another, you can delegate the creation of your e-shop to a generalist agency. On the other hand, you won't be guaranteed the level of performance offered by PrestaShop on certain levers, such as SEO, responsive design and integrated analysis tools. If, on the other hand, you want to develop your site with PrestaShop without compromise, it would be wiser to work with an agency that knows this solution inside out.

The price of an e-commerce site can vary according to various parameters, such as the level of expertise of your service provider. In a generalist web agency, rates range from 5,000 to 15,000 euros for the development of an online store integrating a product catalog, online payment modules and a back-office to manage inventory and delivery options. Prices are higher for prestaShop agencies, as module configuration and template customization require advanced skills. Expect to pay between €10,000 and €20,000 to develop your online store. However, this amount includes maintenance, technical support and user assistance and training. Don't forget that developing an e-commerce site is a long-term investment. A high-quality, well-referenced site designed to improve the user experience will quickly pay for itself. If your site isn't optimized upstream, you'll have to add extra expenses to improve what already exists.