A common question about todays Ecommerce software is, Do I buy managed shopping cart software or use free open source software?
Surprisingly, there is a simple and logical answer and many of you will find its a pretty standard answer to most things in life. You get what you pay for!

Honestly, can free software really have;
a) Bug free stores and admin panels?
b) The most up to date upgrades constantly built into your store without you doing anything?
c) Up to date search engine optimization?
d) Tech support from the company who created the software?. and the list goes on. Its just not possible to have all these very important details built into free shopping cart software, these functions and services quite simply need to be paid for since most companies prefer not to work for free, especially the good ones.

There are two general types of internet merchants, experienced merchants with the ability to do light programming and install software to a server which they may own, then there is the merchant who may have an online store or is just starting and would have a standard internet knowledge. At first I thought, being in the first category, that free software would be just perfect for me, make a few changes to the code, upload it to my server and run a perfect online store for a very low cost. Unfortunately I found that by the time I worked out the code and many bugs, then had the server cost, the security certificate cost and the ongoing enhancement errors, I could have run a managed and paid version for a set monthly fee and focused my time on the actual business. I ended up backwards with what I though would be a cheaper option.

Its pretty clear that managed shopping cart softwares are becoming the choice for everyone these days. Its problem free, works out cheaper in the long run and you receive the most up to date ecommerce information you need to succeed.
After all, can you see any free shopping carts ranked number 1 in the world?