Switching your e-commerce platform isn’t just a technical challenge – it’s a business transformation. Not too long ago, I helped a client transition from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify, and I want to pull back the curtain on what that process really looks like.
Spoiler: it’s not as simple as copying and pasting your product catalog.
In this issue, we’ll dive into the strategic planning and budgeting required for a major e-commerce site overhaul. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years in this space, it’s that the upfront work you do before a single line of code is written determines whether your migration will succeed or spiral out of control.
Let’s get going, shall we?
Why Most E-Commerce Redesigns Go Over Budget (and How to Avoid It)
One thing I learned during this client’s migration: e-commerce overhauls can exceed their budgets because businesses underestimate the true scope of the project.
The problem isn’t just sticker shock from development costs. It’s that too many decisions are made on the fly, without understanding how interconnected e-commerce platforms are. Migrating to a different platform isn’t just about building a new storefront, but about rethinking workflows, data flows, and customer experiences.
For example, when moving from Salesforce Commerce Cloud, my client assumed they could replicate their existing checkout process verbatim. But Shopify has its own opinionated architecture – and for good reason. Shopify’s streamlined checkout certainly drives conversions, but it also meant rethinking custom scripts and integrations they’d relied on for years. Adjustments like these aren’t always expensive, but they take time. And when time isn’t factored into your budget, panic sets in.
So here’s my first lesson to you: Your budget isn’t just for the build. It’s for the unknowns. Plan for them.
The Budget Breakdown: What to Include (That Most People Forget)
If you’re planning your migration, your budget should include more than just development costs. Here’s a list of the less obvious line items that can catch you off guard:
- Discovery and Strategy (10-15% of your budget)
Before a single developer touches your site, you need a plan. This includes user research, defining your site architecture, and determining which features to keep, update, or discard. Skipping this phase is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. - Data Migration (15-25%)
Cleaning and transferring data is one of the most underestimated parts of a migration. It’s not just about moving product listings: there’s customer data, order history, and SEO value tied to your existing URLs. Migrating this data accurately takes time and careful planning. - Third-Party App Costs (5-10%)
Some platforms (like Shopify) thrive on its ecosystem of apps, but those apps often come with recurring costs. For example, features that were custom-built on Commerce Cloud (like loyalty programs or advanced search) might need to be replaced with paid Shopify apps. Factor this into your monthly and annual operating budget. - Custom Development and Design (30-40%)
Shopify is known for its out-of-the-box capabilities, but almost every business requires some customization to match their brand and workflows. From custom themes to API integrations, this is often the biggest chunk of your budget, and is where I pretty much spent all my time helping them with the transition. - Training and Internal Rollout (5-10%)
Your team needs to learn how to operate the new system. Don’t overlook this! Allocate time and money for onboarding, especially if your staff is used to a more complex platform like Salesforce. - Post-Launch Optimization (10-15%)
No matter how much you test, there will be issues after launch. From fixing bugs to optimizing site speed, you’ll need a cushion for post-launch adjustments.
Timeline Reality Check: It’s Not a Sprint
A common misconception is that a platform migration can happen quickly. I’ve seen people set aggressive 3-month timelines, only to realize halfway through that they’re 6 months behind.
Here’s a more realistic timeline for a platform-to-platform migration:
- Discovery & Strategy: 4-6 weeks
- Design & Development: 3-5 months
- Data Migration & Testing: 2-4 months (this often overlaps with development)
- Training & Launch Prep: 4-6 weeks
If you’re trying to go live before Black Friday, I’d start your project at least 9 months in advance. Anything less, and you’re asking for a rushed, error-prone launch.
My Advice for Your E-Commerce Overhaul
- Start with a roadmap. Before you write a single line of code, map out your entire customer journey, feature set, and technical requirements. This will save you headaches down the road.
- Don’t nickel-and-dime your budget. Plan for the unexpected, and remember that post-launch optimization is part of the process, not an afterthought.
- Leverage platform strengths. Resist the urge to recreate every feature from your old platform. Instead, embrace best practices your new platform provides for speed and scalability.
The bottom line? Migrating to another platform isn’t just a technical project, but a strategic investment in the future of your business. When done right, it can set the foundation for years of growth.
Got questions about your e-commerce platform? Hit reply – I’d love to hear from you.
See you next week.
Josh