Currently, OpenCart is one of the most powerful eCommerce platforms, which delivers plenty of features to build your online store effectively. That’s why many e-merchants prefer OpenCart migration for additional functionalities.
In this blog, LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert will show you a complete guide to migrate to OpenCart through the following parts:
- An overview of OpenCart migration
- Methods to transfer to OpenCart
- Steps to complete migration to OpenCart
- Data entities can be switched to OpenCart
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A Glance On OpenCart Migration
Before discovering detailed steps of OpenCart migration, let’s look at an overview of this process below:
What is OpenCart?
OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce solution, and that’s why you can easily download it without paying any fee. With a user-friendly dashboard, this platform brings a wonderful experience during your design customization.
Besides that, OpenCart is also highly evaluated for eCommerce features, like multi-store creation, order management, and promotion services.
Why should you migrate to OpenCart?
Here are several reasons why you should consider migrating to OpenCart for your online store:
#1. High compatibility
You can easily run your OpenCart store on both Unix and Windows with a few establishments. However, users should have basic knowledge of technology to attain the finest results during installation. For the full set-up of a new store on this platform, don’t forget to follow our guide on how to install OpenCart.
#2. User-friendly interface
It’s not difficult to start your customizations on the OpenCart platform. With the user-friendly Admin Panel interface, you can easily complete most tasks without getting expert support. This makes OpenCart outstanding when compared to other open-source platforms.
#3. eCommerce features
When deciding to have OpenCart migration, you will surely be impressed with its eCommerce functions. On this platform, users can access various powerful tools like OpenCart POS, report analytics, inventory management, payment gateways, and marketing. Besides that, you can integrate with additional plugins and extensions for advanced features.
With the outstanding benefits above, we consider that it’s ideal to operate an eCommerce store on OpenCart. To have a deeper understanding of this platform, discover more with our OpenCart review.
Which Common Methods To Migrate To OpenCart?
There are a lot of ways to transfer to OpenCart. However, we will recommend the 3 top options to perform the best display for your online store.
#1. Migrate database manually
Basically, this method requires you to complete everything on your own. In this case, you need to know how to migrate a CSV file to OpenCart. This seems easy to take; however, product category mapping is relatively complicated to control. That’s why you might confront the risks of data loss when having OpenCart migration manually.
#2. Hire an expert
The other option to consider for your OpenCart migration is to hire experts or specialists in this field. With their high technical skills, they can support you in handling everything associated with the process.
However, let’s consider your available budget before contacting any expert. Normally, it can cost you around $50 – $150/hour for this service, depending on the region or nation you are running your current business. We think that the total cost can be estimated as much higher compared to using automated services from OpenCart partners.
#3. Get the support of OpenCart partners
Using the OpenCart migration database service from its partners can help you simplify all steps in your transfer process. This not only reduces the mistakes but also helps you optimize your time and budget.
Being one of the leading OpenCart partners, LitExtension – #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert can offer a smooth data transfer to your OpenCart store within simple steps. Besides that, we also provide you with both OpenCart CSV import and our exclusive connection file.
Currently, customers can access 2 migration packages with LitExtension, including:
- Basic Migration Package: starts from $79.
- All-in-One Migration Package: starts from $139.
To discover more about these options, let’s refer to our OpenCart migration service for details.
Whether you decide to migrate to OpenCart in any way, let’s consider all your demands before launching a final performance. This helps you determine how complex your process is to reach an optimal method.
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How To Complete OpenCart Migration With LitExtension
With LitExtension, you only need a few steps to complete your data-switching process without considering any technical knowledge. This is the best option for beginners starting their online business. To begin with, let’s take a look at 3 basic stages below:
- Pre-migration
- Have a full OpenCart migration
- Post-migration
#1. Pre-migration
1.1 Back up your current database
First and foremost, it is very important to back up your current store’s database. This can help you restrict the risks of data loss, accidental errors, or even physical mistakes of your computer during the transfer process.
Depending on each platform, users will have different methods to complete their data backup. Thus, you need to follow their guidelines to learn how to get the CSV export file with the best display. Besides that, you should also double-check the format of the field you want to migrate. Keep in mind that OpenCart only supports transferring with CSV files.
1.2 Establish an OpenCart store
Once having a CSV file, it’s time to register an OpenCart account and establish a new store. To start this step, you need to install OpenCart and use a hosting service. However, remember to consider all of the OpenCart versions in advance to have the proper option. In case you want to upgrade your OpenCart store to the latest version (currently version 4.x) after installation, don’t forget to refer to our OpenCart upgrade instructions.
To continue, let’s check our following instructions:
- Step 1: Configure the FTP client in your FTP solution (File Transfer Protocol)
- Step 2: Connect to the Site Manager with a hosting service registered
- Step 3: Upload OpenCart to your server
- Step 4: Create the database for your new OpenCart store with MySQL
- Step 5: Complete your OpenCart installation (Accept License, check Pre-Installation, identify Configuration, and confirm)
For detailed instructions on setting up a new store on this platform, refer to our OpenCart Installation.
#2. Full migration to OpenCart with LitExtension
2.1 Configure source and target carts
First, sign up for a new account on LitExtension with an email address, Google or Facebook account.
Then, click the Create New Migration button on the top to navigate to the Cart Setup tab. In the Source Cart Setup, select a proper platform in the Source Cart Type drop-down menu. Depending on your selection, LitExtension will list various requirements to satisfy your OpenCart migration demand, such as:
- Provide the API password (eg. BigCommerce)
- Install LitExtension’s exclusive connector to the root folder (eg. Magento)
Regarding the Target Cart settings, select OpenCart in the Target Cart Type box and enter your store URL. Also, let’s install our LitExtension Connector to easily connect the LitExtension with the backend.
2.2 Identify relevant migration entities
In the Demo Migration stage, select the entities you want to migrate to OpenCare in the Entities to Migrate tab. In case you select all relevant fields, let’s tick the Select All box.
Additionally, you also consider our Additional Options to have an effective migration with advanced information, such as:
- Migrate customer passwords: With this option, your customers still access their carts on your new website with the old passwords.
- Preserve product, order, and customer IDs on the target store: After your OpenCart migration, you retain all these data, as well as their relationship.
Besides that, there are also other outstanding fields, like clearing data, creating product variants, migrating additional images, and so forth. After having proper options, let’s check the Language and Order Statis Mapping to ensure the right display on your new OpenCart store.
2.3 Complete a full migration
Once having carefully reviewed the steps above, you can start transferring to OpenCart. However, we recommend you enable our free demo migration to see how our service might work beforehand.
Or else, let’s skip the demon and activate your full migration to OpenCart immediately. While the transfer occurs, you don’t need to keep your device working. It means that you can leave for other work or relaxation. And of course, we will help you complete this process within a few minutes.
Besides the Basic Migration Package above, LitExtension also provides All-in-One Migration service. It is great when you don’t have enough time to track everything on your own. With this package, we will assign a Personal Assistant (PA) to keep you updated on all things in each step.
#3. Post-migration
3.1 Activate post-migration services from LitExtension
Even when completing your OpenCart migration, LitExtension will not disrupt your current store’s status. It means that your old website can continue to receive new orders from your customers, which helps you optimize your time and sales effectively.
Besides that, we also support business owners with LitExtension’s post-migration services to ensure your database displays perfectly. Currently, there are 3 main options to consider, including:
- Recent data migration: With this service, you can easily import any freshly created entities (customers, orders, tags) from the source store to OpenCart.
- Smart update: You can use Smart control for both modified and newly added data from your old website.
- Re-migration: It allows you to re-migrate your store to OpenCart again in case the first results haven’t satisfied your requirements.
3.2 Customize your storefront
Undoubtedly, your storefront’s design is integral to impressing your visitors, as well as encouraging their shopping. If you own a visual and user-friendly store display, we believe that you first successfully build your brand image.
If you want to have customizations on your store at a granular level, you need to work with the code to get the finest results for your store design. Or else, you can use a basic stock template of OpenCart to start your site-building.
Besides that, users can find a broad range of paid themes in the OpenCart marketplace. With each template, you can access various topics, which makes it easy to select a proper option for your business image.
3.3 Install extensions and plugins
OpenCart provides a vast collection of additional extensions, including free and paid ones. You can easily find anything you want to support your eCommerce value-gaining, like shipping methods, payment gateways, SEO & marketing, sales, integrations, and so forth. However, keep in mind that always consider your budget before installing any plugins to have a strong management of your business.
3.4 Modify domain settings
Transferring the domain name servers (DNS) to OpenCart is important to allow web browsers to reach your online content. Plus, this can make it easy to transform domain names into IP addresses. Once completing DNS settings, you can officially start your business journey on OpenCart.
With 3 main phases in the OpenCart migration process above, we hope you can successfully transfer your store to a new platform without making any mistakes.
Which Data You Can Migrate To OpenCart?
The following list can help you determine which kind of data you can switch to your OpenCart:
[wptb id=70103]FAQs – OpenCart Migration
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Conclusion
Our blog has just provided a detailed guide about OpenCart migration with LitExtension, including 3 main stages: pre-migration, full migration, and post-migration. If you don’t have enough time to do everything, we think that this method is a good option for you to follow.
LitExtension, the #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert, hopes you can successfully migrate to OpenCart. Check out our LitExtension Blog or join our Facebook Community Group for more valuable tips.