LemonStand was launched in 2010. But the current version is radically different from the initial product. It began as relatively expensive downloadable software. Since then, it has morphed into a web-based eCommerce shopping cart that targets businesses that are experiencing rapid growth. It is now an affordable option for those who need a scalable eCommerce solution. Read our LemonStand review below.
OverviewMost importantly, LemonStand is not meant for beginners. While a novice will be able to set up a store, it takes technical knowledge and coding experience to customize a site. For some companies, this means hiring a developer to create code. If your business can invest in a professional developer and you don’t have the time to handle site design, then LemonStand it an excellent option. It comes with a full range of customization options. This alone makes it arguably one of the best shopping cart platforms on the market.
Standard features include:
LemonStand’s Target Audience
Compared to other available shopping carts, LemonStand has all the features you would want. It is unique in that it allows full access to the software coding. You can integrate practically an app on the market or design and a custom app. There are no limitations when it comes to customization. Also, LemonStand has been developed to adapt quickly and grow as your company expands. Its unmatched scalability makes it poised to handle rapid growth.
Technical Limitations
LemonStand is a fully hosted SaaS program, which requires the internet to operate. The platform runs best with a fast internet connection and the latest in updated software. For any modern business, these requirements shouldn’t be a problem.
Canceling Your Account
All plans are available on a month-to-month contract. You are free to cancel at any time. You don’t have to worry about being locked into a long-term contract.
LemonStand’s Reputation
Now that LemonStand has switched to a cloud-based version, people are coming back for a second look. The response to the changes has been overwhelmingly positive. They have a strong reputation for making security a top priority and continually adding new features. It looks like LemonStand will continue to improve and meet the changing needs of its customers.
Awards
While LemonStand hasn’t taken home any notable awards, it is worth mentioning that the platform supports businesses in over 20 countries.
Why Choose LemonStand eCommerce Software?
LemonStand will be able to keep up with your rapidly growing business and offer a fully scalable platform. It also allows you to customize every detail of your website. Just bear in mind that you may have to hire a developer.
Key FeaturesIt seems that experts are still a bit skeptical and hesitant to heap a lot of praise on LemonStand. Critics appreciate the general design and of the admin interface, but find individual features confusing. Adding products, specifying tax rates and completing everyday tasks involve so many options that it can be difficult to figure out what they all mean.
Several experts were also quick to point out that LemonStand only comes with about a dozen free templates and lacks a drag-and- drop editor. While this is certainly true, LemonStand does not bill itself as a program designed for beginners. You should be aware that LemonStand requires a certain amount of coding knowledge. This helps it be one of the most scalable options on the market but also means that it isn’t necessarily meant for everyone.
Among experts who looked at LemonStand from the perspective of its intended audience, reviews were more glowing. Regarding scalability, LemonStand is truly impressive. LemonStand is fully capable of growing with your business and taking you from a small startup to an international leader. Some experts predict that LemonStand will become an increasingly popular option once they shed their old reputation and amp up marketing efforts.
Again, there isn’t a lot of information out there even when it comes to positive user experiences. A quick look at the LemonStand website boasts an extensive list of recognizable brands that use the program. Zippo, Bose and Sweet Maria’s all use LemonStand to power their sites. While you should always take any self-promotional material with a grain of salt, this does show that LemonStand is scalable and capable of handling large businesses.
Another obvious benefit of LemonStand is that it is fully customizable. If you know HTML or have the resources to hire a web designer, then you can create a professional and attractive storefront that you will be proud to display.
And while consumers may be slow to jump on board with the new version of LemonStand, it is one of the few platforms that offers a responsive design. This feature alone makes it worth a second look.
In all honesty, there isn’t a lot of chatter on the web about LemonStand. This might be due in part to a rather dismal rollout that happened in 2010. At the time, it was a pricey, license-based software that was full of glitches. Since then is has evolved into a more common web-based solution that includes a monthly subscription plan.
It appears that many of the negative online reviews from consumers are referring to the original version of the program. This can certainly give the wrong impression has probably hindered growth.
The good news is that the developers caught on pretty quickly to what customers wanted from an eCommerce platform and changed their model. Perhaps the biggest current complaint is that the program is still in a state of flux. You can expect big things from LemonStand; you might just have to be a little patient.
Design & CustomizationAt the moment, LemonStand offers ten free themes. Each theme can be customized with your brand logo and colors. Making these small changes is relatively easy. However, going beyond basic tweaks will require the help of a developer. The good news is that the free themes are very modern and attractive. They will allow you to create a storefront in just a few minutes. Also, each free theme is meant to help highlight different products, which can help you narrow down your choices.
LemonStand skips right over the premium theme option and goes right to working with a designer. This is the best way to take care of their open API and fully customizable websites. Other design options include:
Either way, keep in mind that this will be a significant cost. Hiring a developer isn’t an affordable option for all businesses.
Website Builder Interface
The dashboard allows you to use HTML and CSS to make coding changes. The backend is similar to WordPress, but, even more, user friendly. Large buttons and icons help you move among tabs. Adding products and content takes just a few minutes of data entry. There is even a quick link that allows you to switch instantly between the frontend and backend. Things don’t start getting complicated until you want to make custom changes.
Mobile Site Building
Every theme is mobile friendly and fully responsive. You don’t have to worry about creating a separate mobile website. Customers can shop from any device. Your site will look great on any size screen.
Social Sharing Integration
It is super easy to sync your social media accounts with your new website. LemonStand comes ready with plenty of marketing tools. You can also choose to integrate any program.
Design Services
To find out more about LemonStand’s design services, contact the company directly. They will connect you with a designer and provide you with a custom quote.
Features & Tools | Feature | Overview |
|---|---|
| Online Store Setup | Using a free theme to setup your store couldn’t be easier. You can get started in just a few minutes. However, creating a customized store can be more time consuming. It requires both technical and coding knowledge. |
| Bandwidth and Storage | Add as many products as you like. Enjoy unlimited storage and bandwidth with every pricing package. |
| Shopping Cart Plugins and Add-ons | LemonStand has been designed to be compatible with any plugin on the market. There are no limits to how you can customize your site. Enjoy access to some of the most popular programs on the market. |
| Order Management | Implement any order management feature. Even this aspect of your site can be fully customized. |
| Inventory Management | Enjoy full inventory control and low stock alerts. Any functions that aren’t standard can be easily integrated. |
| Shipment Tracking | Choose the shipping options that you like best, |
| CRM Features | The sky is the limit. You can quickly address customer problems. Integrate a variety of custom features for better service. You can include submission ticket systems and email responses. Many tools can be fully automated for easy use. |
| Templates and Themes | There are ten free themes to help you get started. That number is sure to grow since LemonStand is in a constant state of growth. The available themes make it easy to add your logo, change the color scheme and make necessary changes. To explore the full potential of your site, you will have to hire a developer with coding experience. |
| Integrations and Add-ons | LemonStand is highly compatible with app integrations and add-ons. Other eCommerce options only partner with particular programs and providers. LemonStand provides you with access to a full range of add-ons. |
| Mobile eCommerce | Your website will be fully responsive and mobile friendly. Customers can easily shop from any device. You can manage your store from a mobile device. |
| Web Hosting | With LemonStand, you will have to purchase a domain from a third party provider. Most platforms allow you to purchase a custom URL right in the dashboard. The good news is that LemonStand does provide a fully hosted service. You don’t have to worry running your servers. |
| Blogging | A built-in blog is on their list of upcoming features. In the meantime, you can add a WordPress blog to reach customers. |
| App Store | Visit the LemonStand integrations page to view and download a broad range of apps. |
| SEO and Marketing | Easily change SEO information on product pages and update information in seconds. Also, enjoy access to the latest marketing tools through built-in features and available integrations. |
| Newsletters | Send regular newsletters. Compile a mailing list and promote products with email marketing tools. Choose the best program to suit your needs. |
| Security Features | LemonStand utilizes 36 global servers to protect your data. It offers a redundant design and an SSL encryption on every page. |
| PCI Certification | LemonStand is still in the process of becoming PCI certified. However, they are quick to reassure customers that their protections meet and exceed PCI standards. They do not store any customer information, and the network is constantly monitored. It should just be a matter of time before they receive final approval. |
| Content Creation | If you are familiar with WordPress, you will be able to add quickly content. |
| Gift Certificates | Every pricing plan allows you to sell gift certificates. You can also create coupons and discount codes. |
| Payment Options | You will need to use a third party processor. The API makes this relatively easy. Supported payment gateways include:
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| Tax and Shipping Calculators | Calculate rates and final prices with built-in tools. |
| Reports | LemonStand provides plenty of reporting tools. Colorful graphs will help you visualize your performance. Every time you open your dashboard, you can view a customized report. Focus on the metrics that are most important to you. Site Statistics: Advanced analytics are built into LemonStand. However, you can always add other programs to look at site performance. |
| Site Statistics | Advanced analytics are built into LemonStand. However, you can always add other programs to look at site performance. |
Plans & Pricing Use the 14-day free trial to try out the program before you buy. Pay on a monthly basis or receive a discount for paying for the full year upfront.
The most affordable package starts at $49/month. This is designed for new businesses. It allows for 200 hundred orders per month.
Additional pricing package plans to include:
Professional for $99/month
Growth for $199/month
Premium for $599/month
For businesses with over 5000 orders per month, choose the Enterprise plan. LemonStand will create a custom plan to fit your needs. Contact them for terms.
LemonStand’s pricing plans are more expensive than other platforms. However, there are no transaction or hidden fees. Your monthly bill will always be the same.In addition, you have to consider the target audience when comparing prices. LemonStand is meant for businesses who are growing quickly. In the end, limitless features are worth the extra money.
Customer Support It makes sense that LemonStand would have excellent customer services. Their entire business model was founded on taking over when businesses get slammed by rapid growth. They are seasoned experts when it comes to solving problems.
You can contact customer support by phone or email. Upgraded package plans include preferred support. Although with standard support, you can expect a response to an email inquiry in just minutes. And we aren’t talking a general, form response. Any answer will provide detailed information that addresses your issue.
You can also try reaching them through their social media accounts. LemonStand does not offer live chat. Perhaps this will be added soon. Other helpful sources include:
When it comes to solid customer service, you really couldn’t ask for anything more.
Ease of Use The platform’s dashboard is well designed. Starting a store takes just minutes. Businesses can integrate any add-ons. In this sense, LemonStand undoubtedly ranks high regarding ease of use. Beginners will be able to navigate the backend. A setup guide always provides step-by-step instructions. The themes are even good looking enough to stand on their own without many changes.
It is customizing the sites that require more expert knowledge. You will either need to code the site yourself or hire a developer. LemonStand is clearly meant for a more expert audience. And developers have raved reviews for LemonStand. They can access the open API and use HTML or CSS to make changes.
Overall, LemonStand is very user-friendly. The difference is that it isn’t meant for beginners who want a drag and drop editor. LemonStand is targeting specific businesses. Startups with limited funds should consider other options.
If you know coding, then you will enjoy the user experience. LemonStand provides a great looking dashboard. Large buttons and icons guide the way. When you purchase LemonStand for the right reasons, you are sure to wind up satisfied.
Conclusion Is LemonStand the Right Choice for Me?
LemonStand is the right choice if:
All in all, LemonStand is a great shopping cart platform. It provides a broad range of functions and is fully scalable. Just remember that it isn’t for beginners.
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