Editorial methodology

How StoreLaunchWiki evaluates ecommerce choices

The criteria, assumptions and review process behind StoreLaunchWiki comparisons, recommendations and cost estimates.
100points
Product and operations40%
Costs and payments25%
Growth and international25%
Support and evidence10%
Weighted scoring

Criterion weights

The 100-point structure keeps comparisons consistent. It is a decision framework, not a claim that every platform has completed an identical hands-on laboratory test.
2020%

Ease of use

Onboarding, catalog setup, everyday workflows and the learning curve for the intended merchant.

2020%

Commerce capabilities

Catalog, orders, promotions, analytics, automation and the operational depth needed to grow.

1515%

Total cost

Plans, processing, required apps, implementation and the cost of maintaining the chosen setup.

1010%

Payments

Provider availability, local methods, checkout quality, settlement and possible extra fees.

1010%

Design

Theme quality, storefront flexibility, mobile experience and accessible content controls.

1010%

Apps and integrations

Coverage of important workflows, integration quality and the risk of excessive app dependence.

1010%

International selling

Markets, currencies, languages, localized catalogs, taxes and cross-border operating support.

55%

Help and documentation

Support channels, documentation quality and the merchant's ability to resolve common problems.

Editorial process

Six stages from claim to decision guidance

The process separates facts, modeled assumptions and editorial conclusions. If a validation stage has not been completed, the page should not imply that it has.
  1. 01

    Research

    Collect current product capabilities, limitations and commercial terms from primary documentation.

  2. 02

    Scenario review

    Map the platform to a concrete merchant, catalog, market and operating model instead of an abstract score.

  3. 03

    Workflow analysis

    Trace the work from setup through orders, refunds, fulfillment and routine catalog maintenance.

  4. 04

    Cost model

    Separate subscription, usage-based, transaction, implementation and optional operating costs.

  5. 05

    Decision fit

    Apply the criteria to the stated scenario and explain why the trade-off changes for another merchant.

  6. 06

    Review and update

    Revisit time-sensitive claims after material product, pricing or market changes and show the review date.