Prestashop to Shopify Migration: The Most Detailed Guide

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Prestashop to Shopify migration process, ensuring a seamless transition for your business.

Types of data to migrate from Prestashop to Shopify

Here are data types that encompass the information you can migrate from Prestashop to Shopify, enabling a seamless transition of your e-commerce operations:

• Products: When migrating from Prestashop to Shopify, you can seamlessly transfer essential product information, including product names, descriptions, prices, images, and more.
• Product Categories: Effortlessly transition your product categories as you move from Prestashop to Shopify, preserving category names, descriptions, and associated images.
• Manufacturers: Even your manufacturer information can be smoothly migrated from Prestashop to Shopify, ensuring continuity in your product listings.
• Customers: Customer data is crucial, and the migration allows for a seamless transfer of customer details, from names and emails to billing and shipping addresses.
• Orders: Migrating your orders is made easy with Prestashop to Shopify migration, retaining order IDs, product details, pricing, and customer information.
• Coupons: Your coupon codes and discount information can be transferred effortlessly, ensuring your promotional strategies remain intact.
• Reviews: Customer reviews are a valuable asset, and the migration process preserves review data, including ratings, comments, and associated products.
• Blogs: If you have blogs on your Prestashop store, rest assured that the migration supports blog titles and content, maintaining your online presence.
• Blog Posts: Individual blog posts with detailed descriptions and comments can also be smoothly migrated from Prestashop to Shopify.
• Multistore: For those with a multi store setup, you can transfer multistore-related data, ensuring the continuity of your operations.

Which migration method is best for you?

Three methods to migrate Prestashop to Shopify

Automated Migration

When migrating from PrestaShop to Shopify, opting for the automated migration method involves using automated store migration tools. This approach is often regarded as a smooth, secure, and cost-effective way to transition to the Shopify platform.

One of the most significant advantages of automated migration is the notably low risk of data loss. This reliability makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to migrate without complications.

Manual Migration

Manual migration provides businesses with an unparalleled level of control over the data migration process. It lets them decide precisely what data is transferred and how it’s organized, ensuring a seamless transition.

Unlike other migration methods that rely on third-party tools or apps, manual migration doesn’t introduce additional dependencies. This can reduce costs and eliminate potential compatibility issues with migration tools.

Manual migration offers the flexibility to customize the process to fit specific needs and data structures. This means you can tailor the transition to your exact requirements, preserving the uniqueness of your online store.

The significant drawbacks of manual migration is its time-consuming nature and a higher risk of data loss.

Hiring an expert

Hiring an expert involves a web development expert to aid in the transition from PrestaShop to Shopify. This expert brings valuable technical knowledge and experience to the migration process.

One of the primary advantages of assisted migration is the reduced risk of data loss compared to an entirely manual process. The presence of an expert can help streamline the migration and minimize errors. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while the risk is significantly lower, it is not eliminated.

Prestashop to Shopify Replatforming: Which Method Should You Use?

Automated Migration

Automated migration, on the other hand, is a cost-effective and user-friendly choice for most business owners, regardless of the size of their eCommerce store. This method requires no web development knowledge, making it accessible to many users. 

Manual Migration

If you are a small-scale business owner with a limited product catalog, you might attempt manual migration independently. However, it’s essential to recognize the technical intricacies involved and consider hiring a web development professional to handle the heavy lifting.

Hiring an expert

For businesses with smaller-scale operations and no web development experience, Hiring an expert offers a viable solution. This method demands less effort on your part and ensures that a seasoned expert is responsible for the intricate data transfer process. 

Before migration

Step 1: Back up Your Prestashop Store

1. Log in to your PhpMyAdmin interface.
2. Select the database where PrestaShop is installed.
3. Choose the “export” tab.
4. Click on the “Go” button to initiate the export process.
5. Please wait for the database dump to be generated and then download it. This method offers a different approach to achieving the same goal.

After completing the backup, the next crucial step is conducting a meticulous data audit. During this process, you’ll carefully review the data you’ve backed up, deciding what should be retained and transferred to your new Shopify store and what should be discarded. 

Step 2: Build a new Shopify store

The next pivotal step in the migration process is establishing your new Shopify store. This involves choosing the right Shopify subscription plan that aligns with your business’s requirements. Shopify provides several subscription plans, each offering a distinct set of features and functionalities.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Shopify’s 3-day free trial and $1 each month for your first three months. 

Step 3: Set up the basic information

In this step, you’ll configure the essential information for your new Shopify store. This includes defining your store’s name, adding contact details, and specifying your preferred currency and units of measurement. 

Setting up this foundational information is crucial for successfully transitioning your e-commerce operations from Prestashop to Shopify. It ensures your new store aligns with your brand identity and customer expectations.

During migration

Data transfer

Method 1: Automated migration using an importer app

Step 1: Sign up for a migration tool

Begin by signing up for a reliable migration tool like Cart2Cart. Creating an account will provide you access to the necessary features and functionality for a seamless migration.

Step 2: Choose Prestashop as your source cart

1. Go to “Source Cart Setup” within the migration tool.
2. In the “Source Cart” field, click the drop-down menu. From the list of eCommerce platforms provided, choose “PrestaShop” as your source cart.
3. Download and install the “Connection Bridge.” This bridge is essential for enabling communication between PrestaShop and Shopify.

• Once the download is complete, unpack the compressed file named “connection_bridge.zip.”

4. Extract the contents of the folder labeled “bridge2cart.”
5. Use an FTP client to import this file into the root directory of your PrestaShop store. This establishes a crucial link between your source cart, PrestaShop, and the migration tool.
6. Verify that the connection to your source cart (PrestaShop) has been established.

Step 3: Choose Shopify as your target cart

With the connection to your source cart in place, the next step is configuring your Shopify cart. Follow these instructions:

1. Navigate to “Target Cart Setup” within the migration tool.
2. In the “Target Cart” field, click the drop-down menu and select “Shopify” from the list of available eCommerce platforms.
3. Choose “Install Plugin” to download the integration known as “Migration for Shopify.”
4. Proceed with the installation of the plugin. This step is crucial for creating a seamless connection to your new Shopify store.

Step 4: Select the data to migrate

In this step, you’ll determine which specific data entities you want to migrate from your PrestaShop store to your new Shopify platform. You have the flexibility to choose the data that’s most relevant to your business needs. Here are some of the available options that you can select:

1. Product Data: This includes information about your products, such as names, descriptions, and attributes.
2. Product Visuals: Visual content like images associated with your products.
3. Price: Pricing information for your products.
4. Integrations: Any integrations or third-party services connected to your PrestaShop store that you want to continue intergration.
5. Purchased Items List: A list of items that customers have purchased from your store.
6. SEO Configurations: Search Engine Optimization settings which impact how your products appear in search engine results.
7. Page Redirects: Information related to URL redirects, ensuring that your website’s structure remains intact during the migration.
8. Static Site Pages: Static pages on your website, such as contact pages, about us, or policies.

Step 5: Run the migration

In this final step, you’ll initiate the migration process to move your data from PrestaShop to Shopify using the Cart2Cart tool.

In this final step, you’ll initiate the migration process to move your data from PrestaShop to Shopify using the Cart2Cart tool.

1. Begin with a Demo: Start by running a free demo using the Cart2Cart tool. This will provide you with a preview of the migration process, but it will only migrate a limited number of entries. Your entire PrestaShop online store will remain unaffected during this stage.
2. Upgrade for Full Migration: If you are satisfied with the results from the demo and ready to proceed with the complete migration, you can upgrade to a paid plan. This will enable you to transfer your site data to your new Shopify store.
3. Keep Your Browser Open: It’s essential to keep your web browser window open throughout the migration process to ensure that it completes successfully.
4. Check Your New Shopify Store’s Front End: After the migration process concludes, visit the front end of your new Shopify store. Here, you can confirm whether all your newly migrated data is visible. This step is crucial to verify that your website’s appearance and functionality have been preserved.

Method 2: Manual Data Migration

How to Migrate Product Data Manually

Step 1: Export Product Data from Prestashop

Exporting data is a simple process in PrestaShop. For the data you wish to export, you can use dedicated controllers where you’ll find action buttons at the top right of the page. Follow these steps:

1. Access the controller for the data you want to export.
2. Locate the “Export” button.
3. Click on the “Export” button, and your web browser will download a CSV file. This file contains the entire product list, including all the columns displayed on the page.

Step 2: Import Product Data into Shopify

Now that you have your store data in hand, you can proceed to import it into your new Shopify store. Follow these steps to complete the second part of the manual migration process:

1. Visit the Shopify app store.
2. In the app, select “Products” from the available options for importing your data into Shopify.
3. Upload the file containing your PrestaShop data using the “Upload files” feature.
4. Initiate the import process to transfer your store data into your newly created Shopify store.

How to Migrate Customer Data Manually

Step 1: Export Customer Data from Prestashop

To ensure a smooth transition from PrestaShop to Shopify, you need to export your customer data from your PrestaShop store. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the “Customer Import/Export Wizard” in your PrestaShop admin panel.
2. Select the “Export” action to initiate the export process.

3. Choose the location where you want to store the customer data file.

4. Save the exported PrestaShop customer data file with an appropriate name for reference.
5. Consider file separators and customer group delimiters. If a customer belongs to more than one group, all these groups will be arranged within one file column and separated by the specified delimiter.

6. Select all the customer-related details you want to export and confirm that you want to transfer them to the spreadsheet.

Step 2: Import Customer Data into Shopify

Once you’ve exported your customer data from PrestaShop, the next step is to import it into your new Shopify store. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the customer import wizard in your Shopify admin panel and select the necessary file for import.
2. Set the file delimiters and preview the parsed data in the field below.

3. Complete the field mapping to link file columns to the appropriate database fields.

4. Designate options on the last page and complete the upload.

Domain transfer

Transferring your domain to Shopify is a crucial step in migrating from PrestaShop. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a seamless domain transfer:

1. Go to your Shopify admin and click “Online Store,” then select “Domains.”

2. On the domains page, click “Transfer domain.”

3. This will take you to a page where you can enter the domain you want to transfer to Shopify.
4. Click “Next,” and then click “Verify domain.”

• If you receive the message “DOMAIN UNLOCKED,” the domain is ready to transfer. Click “Next” to continue.
• If you get the message “DOMAIN LOCKED,” you’ll need to follow the domain unlocking process described above to unlock the domain.

5. In the “Verification code” text box, enter the authorization code and click “Next.”
6. Finally, click “Buy and transfer.”

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll receive a confirmation email from your domain provider to confirm the transfer.

Method 3: Hiring an expert

Assisted migration leverages the expertise of an IT specialist to facilitate the migration process. This method gives you precise control over what data is moved and what changes are made during the transition.

With assisted migration, you can specify your preferences to the specialist, indicating which data you want to retain and any modifications you wish to implement during the migration. This level of customization ensures that your store is moved and transformed according to your exact requirements.

After migration

Step 1: Test Your Store

Conducting a post-migration audit is just as crucial as the pre-migration assessment. The goal is to identify any potential issues that affect the functionality of your newly migrated store and the overall buying experience for your customers.

Here’s a migration checklist to ensure everything is working correctly:

• The functionality of your domain name.
• The proper working of navigation links on your site.
• Visibility of all products in their respective categories.
• The effectiveness of the onsite search function.
• The accuracy of links in site menus, headers, footers, and site pages.

Step 2: Train your staff

It’s essential to provide training to your staff, especially if there are new systems or processes in place due to the migration. Ensure that your team is familiar with the new platform and can operate it effectively.

Step 3: Inform your customers about the replatforming

Transparent communication is vital. Let your customers know about the platform migration and any changes that may affect their experience. This could include updated features, a new look, or improvements in your online store.

Step 4: Launch Your Store

Once you are confident that everything is running smoothly, it’s time to launch your store on the new platform officially. Be prepared to support your customers during the transition phase to ensure a seamless experience.

Potential problems of Prestashop to Shopify replatforming

Data Loss

During the migration process, there’s a risk of data loss. This can include customer information, product details, order history, and more. Ensuring a seamless transfer of data is crucial to prevent this issue.

Broken Links

Replatforming can result in broken internal and external links on your website. This can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Proper redirection and link management are essential to address this problem.

Design and Functionality Issues

Your website’s design and functionality may not seamlessly transition from PrestaShop to Shopify. This can lead to a mismatch in the user experience and functionality, requiring adjustments and improvements.

SEO Ranking Drop

Search engine rankings can be affected by the migration. If not handled correctly, your website’s SEO efforts may suffer, resulting in a drop in rankings and organic traffic. Implementing effective SEO strategies during and after migration is crucial.

Integrations and Customizations

PrestaShop may have integrations and customizations that are not directly transferable to Shopify. Rebuilding these features can be challenging and time-consuming. Ensure that you have a plan for recreating essential integrations and custom functionalities.

What to do with your old Prestashop store after you replatform to a new Shopify store?

Once you’ve successfully re-platformed your e-commerce store from PrestaShop to Shopify, it’s essential to consider what to do with your old PrestaShop store. Here are some steps to take:

• Backup Your Data: Before making any decisions, ensure you have a complete backup of your old PrestaShop store’s data. This backup will serve as an essential resource for historical records and information.
• Put Your Old Store in Maintenance Mode: To prevent new orders or changes to your old PrestaShop store, put it in maintenance mode. This will inform visitors that your store has moved, and they should visit your new Shopify store.
• Notify Customers: Inform your existing customers about the move to the new Shopify store. Send them an email with a link to the new store and any instructions they might need.
• Keep Your Old Store Live for Reference: While your old PrestaShop store may not accept new orders, it can remain live as a reference or archive. This allows you to access historical data, order records, and other necessary information.
• Reinvest in Your New Store: Allocate the resources you were spending on your old PrestaShop store to improve further and promote your new Shopify store. This may include marketing, product expansion, or enhancing the customer experience.

How to choose a Prestashop to Shopify migration app: A checklist

Migrating your e-commerce store from PrestaShop to Shopify is a critical task, and selecting the right migration app is essential for a successful transition. Here’s a checklist to help you choose the best migration app:

Data Transfer Capabilities:

• Ensure the migration app can transfer all essential data, including products, customers, orders, categories, and more.
• Check if it supports various data types like product images, SEO information, and customer reviews.

Data Mapping:

• Verify that the app allows you to map data from your PrestaShop store to the appropriate fields in Shopify.
• Data mapping flexibility ensures your data is correctly placed in your new store.

Data Verification:

• Look for built-in data verification features to ensure data integrity and prevent errors during the migration.

Preserve SEO:

• Check if the app can migrate SEO-related data, such as URLs, meta titles, meta descriptions, and 301 redirects.
• SEO preservation is critical to maintaining your search engine rankings.

Product Variations:

• Ensure the app can handle product variations, including attributes, SKUs, images, prices, and inventory.

Order and Customer Migration:

• Verify that the app can migrate customer data, order history, and payment information, including billing and shipping addresses.

Custom Fields and Extensions:

• Determine if the app can handle custom fields and extensions in your PrestaShop store.
• Customization may be necessary for specific business needs.

Data Backup:

• Confirm that the app offers data backup and rollback options if any issues arise during the migration process.

Top 3 Prestashop to Shopify migration paid tools

LitExtension

LitExtension is a powerful migration solution for seamlessly transferring data from PrestaShop to Shopify. It covers essential entities such as products, customers, and orders, ensuring a comprehensive transition of your e-commerce store. 

What sets LitExtension apart is its automation, guaranteeing a secure and precise data transfer. The process is remarkably straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. If you’re curious about how it works, you can even explore their free demo to get a firsthand look at the seamless migration process. 

Cart2Cart

Cart2Cart, as an official partner with PrestaShop, provides an automated migration solution that simplifies moving your e-commerce store to or from PrestaShop. With Cart2Cart’s Shopping Cart Migration, you can avoid the tedious tasks of manual data input and code manipulations.

Additionally, Cart2Cart allows you to seamlessly upgrade your existing PrestaShop store to the latest shopping cart version. This collaboration between two leading solutions results in a faster, more secure, and highly effective migration process, ensuring a smooth transition for your online business.

HulkApps

With a wealth of experience, HulkApps has completed numerous migrations for brands and businesses transitioning from PrestaShop to Shopify. Their services ensure a seamless and efficient transition, allowing companies to take advantage of the advanced features and functionalities that Shopify offers.

Why Migrate from Prestashop to Shopify?

Migrating from PrestaShop to Shopify can offer several advantages for your eCommerce business. Here are some reasons why you might consider making the switch:

• Enhanced User Experience: Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and smooth navigation. It provides an intuitive platform that simplifies the online shopping experience for customers and merchants.
• Mobile-Friendly: Shopify is optimized for mobile, ensuring your online store looks and functions well on various devices. With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, this is a crucial feature.
• App Ecosystem: Shopify offers an extensive library of apps and integrations, allowing you to customize your store and add new features quickly. Whether for marketing, analytics, or customer support, you’ll find many apps to enhance your store’s functionality.
• SEO-Friendly: Shopify provides robust SEO features, making it easier to optimize your store for search engines. This can help improve your online visibility and attract more organic traffic.
• Security and Reliability: Shopify offers secure and reliable hosting, protecting your store from potential threats. This peace of mind is essential for both you and your customers.
• Scalability: Shopify suits businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. It can grow with your business, making it an excellent choice for long-term success.
• Payment Options: Shopify supports various payment gateways and even offers its own (Shopify Payments), making it convenient for you and your customers.
• 24/7 Support: Shopify provides 24/7 customer support to address any issues or questions you may have. Their dedicated support team is there to assist you whenever you need it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, migrating from PrestaShop to Shopify can be a strategic move for your e-commerce business, offering a more robust platform with advanced features and functionalities.