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Volusion to Shopify Migration: The Most Detailed Guide

November 14, 2023

Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

CEO Avada Commerce

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the intricacies of Volusion to Shopify migration, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a hassle-free switch.

Key Takeaways

3 Methods for Volusion to Shopify Migration:

Automated Migration Using an Importer App
Manual Data Migration
Hiring an Expert

Volusion to Shopify migration: Which method is best for you?

Method 1: Automated Migration Using an Importer App

Automated migration tools, like Cart2Cart or LitExtension, simplify the migration process by automating the Volusion to Shopify data migration.

Pros

Efficiency: This method speeds up the Volusion to shopify migration process significantly compared to manual methods.
Accuracy: This method reduces the risk of human error, ensuring that data like product details, customer information, and order histories are migrated correctly.
User-Friendly: It is designed for those without technical expertise. Just set it up, and it does the work for you.
Selective Migration: Often, these tools allow you to choose what data you want to migrate.

Cons

Cost: Most automated tools come at a price.
Limitations: These tools might not handle complex customizations or specific data types without additional tweaking.

Best For

This method is best for businesses with a substantial amount of data or those looking to minimize hands-on time during the Volusion to Shopify migration.

Method 2: Manual Data Migration

Mannually replatforming involves exporting your data from Volusion into CSV files and then importing those files into Shopify.

Pros

Cost-Effective: Typically, it doesn’t involve any additional costs outside of your own time.
Control: You have complete control over what data gets transferred and how it’s organized.

Cons

Time-Consuming: Manual Volusion to Shopify migration can be tedious and time-intensive.
Error-Prone: It is more susceptible to human errors, like missing data or misalignments.
Technical Challenges: Understanding data structures and dealing with data mismatches can be challenging without some technical knowledge.

Best For

This method is best for smaller businesses with a more manageable amount of data, or those with the technical acumen to handle and troubleshoot potential challenges.

Method 3: Hiring an Expert

Hiring a migration expert involves a professional or an agency that specializes in eCommerce platform migrations.

Pros

Expertise: Professionals bring experience, reducing the risk of data loss or errors.
Comprehensive: You can handle every aspect of the migration, including custom data and any post-migration troubleshooting.
Time-Saver: It allows you to focus on other aspects of your business while the expert handles the migration.

Cons

Cost: This method is typically the most expensive option.
Dependence: Reliance on a third party means you might have to work around their schedule.

Best For

This method is best for larger businesses with complex websites, custom features, or those who prefer a hands-off approach to ensure the migration is done correctly.

Volusion to Shopify Replatforming: Detailed Step-by-step Instructions

Here’s a detailed step-by-step instruction guide for replatforming from Volusion to Shopify:

Before migration

Step 1: Back up Your Volusion Store

Before you start anything, it’s crucial to back up your existing store to ensure no data is lost during the migration.

Products & Categories Backup

Log in to your Volusion Admin Dashboard.
Navigate to “Inventory” and then “Import/Export“.

Choose the product table and export it in “Standard export”. Make sure to save this CSV file in a secure location.
Repeat the process for the category table.

Media Backup

Using an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla), connect to your Volusion store.
Navigate to the folder containing your images, usually /vspfiles/.
Download your product images, category images, and any other media to your local machine.

Design & Template Backup

If you have a custom design, you might want to save this too, although it will not be directly transferable to Shopify.

Navigate to “Design” and then “Template“.

Download your current template.

Remember, while these backups act as a safeguard, not all data will be directly transferable or usable in Shopify due to platform differences.

Step 2: Build a new Shopify store

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a Shopify account:

Visit the Shopify website and click on the “Start free trial” button (for 3 days).
Enter your email address, password, and store name to begin the setup.

Answer some questions of Shopify about your store.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be taken to your Shopify Admin Dashboard.

Step 3: Set up the basic information

Before migrating your products and data, it’s a good idea to set up the basic information on your Shopify store.

General Settings

In your Shopify Dashboard, go to “Settings” and click on “Store Details“.
Fill in your store name, email, address, currency, and other necessary details.

Set up Payments

Navigate to “Settings” and then “Payments“.
Choose your preferred payment gateway (e.g., Shopify Payments, PayPal, etc.) and set up the necessary credentials.

Configure Checkout Settings

Go to “Settings” and then “Checkout“.
Configure the checkout process as you want, such as requiring customer accounts, email marketing preferences, etc.

Set up Shipping

Navigate to “Settings” and then “Shipping and Delivery“.
Set up your shipping zones, rates, and preferred carriers.

Taxes

Go to “Settings” and then “Taxes“.
Configure your tax settings based on your country and region.

During migration

2.1. Data transfer

Method 1: Automated migration using an importer app

Step 1: Sign up for a migration tool

Research & Install a Suitable Migration Tool

Head to the Shopify App Store and search for “migration tools” or “Volusion to Shopify migration.“
Chosen a migration tool (e.g., Cart2Cart, LitExtension, etc.) > click on “Install” to add it to your Shopify store.
Create an account with the migration tool provider.

Step 2: Choose Volusion as your source cart

Access the Tool’s Dashboard

Launch the migration tool from your Shopify admin panel.
Once in the dashboard, you’ll be prompted to select a “source cart” – the platform from which you’re migrating data.

Select Volusion

From the dropdown list or given options, choose “Volusion” as your source cart.

You may be asked to provide details about your Volusion store, like its URL and possibly API access details. Ensure you have these at hand.

Step 3: Choose Shopify as your target cart

Select Target Cart

In the migration tool dashboard, after selecting your source cart, you’ll be prompted to select a “target cart” – the platform to which you’re migrating data.

Select Shopify

Choose “Shopify” from the dropdown list or given options.

You’ll need to provide access to your Shopify store, either by authorizing the app or by entering the store’s URL and possibly an API key.

Step 4: Select the data to migrate

Review Available Data Types: The tool will display a list of data types available for migration from Volusion. This typically includes products, customers, orders, categories, reviews, etc.
Choose Desired Data: Select the checkboxes next to the types of data you want to migrate. You might not want to transfer everything, so be sure to review each option.
Configure Additional Options: Some tools offer advanced options, like 301 redirects for your old URLs, preserving order IDs, etc. Review these options and select any that apply to your migration.

Step 5: Run the migration

Initiate Demo Migration (if available)

Most migration tools offer a demo or test migration. This will migrate a small subset of your data, letting you see how the process works.
It’s advisable to run this demo to ensure the tool works as expected and the data transfers correctly.

Start Full Migration

Once you are satisfied with the demo, you can proceed to the full migration. Click the button or link that initiates the full data transfer process.
The tool will begin transferring your selected data from Volusion to Shopify.

Monitor the Process

Stay updated on the migration’s progress. The tool might show a progress bar or a percentage completion.
Take note of any errors or issues flagged by the tool during migration.

Completion

Once the migration is finished, you’ll receive a notification or status update.
Thoroughly review your Shopify store to ensure all data migrated accurately. Check products, categories, customer data, order histories, and other migrated entities.

Method 2: Manual Data Migration

How to Migrate Product Data Manually

Step 1: Export Product Data from Volusion

Login to Volusion: Access your Volusion Admin Dashboard by logging into your account.
Navigate to Export: From the dashboard, hover over the “Inventory” tab in the main menu and select “Import/Export” from the dropdown.

Select Export Format: Choose the export format, typically CSV, as Shopify prefers CSV for imports.
Initiate Export: Click on the “Export” button. Depending on the number of products, this might take a few minutes.
Download and Save: Once the export is complete, download the CSV file and save it to a location on your computer. This file will contain details like product names, descriptions, prices, SKUs, images URLs, and more.

Step 2: Import Product Data into Shopify

Login to Shopify: Access your Shopify Admin Dashboard by logging into your account.
Navigate to Products Section: In your Shopify admin, go to “Product.
Opt for Import: In the products section, you’ll see an “Import products” button. Click on it.

Prepare CSV File: Shopify has a specific format for product CSV files. Compare the CSV exported from Volusion with Shopify’s format. You might need to modify the headers or rearrange some columns in your CSV to match Shopify’s requirements. You can find a sample product CSV file format in Shopify’s Help Center for guidance.
Upload the CSV File: Click on the “Add File” button in the import section and select the prepared CSV file from your computer.

Review Mapping (if prompted): Shopify might ask you to map fields from your CSV to Shopify’s product attributes. Ensure that fields like “Title,” “Description,” “Price,” etc., from your CSV match the corresponding fields in Shopify.
Choose “Upload and preview”
Review Imported Products: Once the import is complete, review the products in Shopify to ensure data accuracy. Check product images, descriptions, prices, etc., for correctness. In some cases, you might need to manually update product images if they didn’t transfer correctly from URLs.
Handle Variants and Special Attributes: If your products have variants (like sizes or colors), ensure they’re set up correctly in Shopify. The handling of variants might differ between platforms, so manual adjustments could be needed.
Finalize Details: After checking the imported data, finalize any product details, SEO settings, tags, collections, or other specifics in Shopify.

How to Migrate Customer Data Manually

Step 1: Export Customer Data from Volusion

Login to Volusion: Access your Volusion Admin Dashboard by logging into your account.
Navigate to Export: From the dashboard, hover over the “Inventory” tab in the main menu and select “Import/Export” from the dropdown.
Choose Customers Table: In the “Standard export” section, find and select the “Customers” table or its equivalent from the list of available tables.

Select Export Format: Opt for the CSV format for your export, given that Shopify recognizes CSV for data imports.
Initiate Export: Click the “Export” button. Depending on the number of customers in your store, the export process might vary in time.
Download and Store: Once the export process is finished, a CSV file containing customer details like names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping/billing addresses, etc., will be generated. Download and save this file on your computer.

Step 2: Import Customer Data into Shopify

Login to Shopify: Navigate to your Shopify Admin Dashboard by signing into your Shopify account.
Go to Customers Section: In your Shopify admin, click on the “Customers” tab.
Click on Import: Inside the customers section, you’ll notice an “Import customers” button.

Select it.
Prepare the CSV File: Shopify mandates a particular format for customer CSV files. Match your exported CSV from Volusion with Shopify’s specified format. It might be necessary to adjust column headers or shuffle some columns in your CSV to align with Shopify’s template. A sample customer CSV file format can be found in the Shopify Help Center to guide your adjustments.
Upload CSV File: Within the import dialogue, press the “Add File” option and pick the modified CSV file from your computer’s location.

Map Fields (if necessary): If Shopify prompts you, map the columns from your CSV to the corresponding customer attributes in Shopify. This step ensures that data like “First Name,” “Last Name,” “Email,” etc., from your CSV, aligns accurately with Shopify’s fields.
Begin the Import: After confirming the mapping, initiate the import by clicking on the “Import customers” button. The length of the import process will depend on your customer count.
Review the Imported Customer Data: Once importing concludes, check the customer data in Shopify to confirm accuracy. Validate details like names, addresses, phone numbers, and other essential fields.
Post-import Adjustments: If there are any discrepancies, especially related to customer groups, tags, or notes, you might need to make manual adjustments post-import.

2.2. Domain transfer

Method 1: Automated migration using an importer app

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain for Transfer

Login to Volusion: Access your Volusion Admin Dashboard.
Unlock the Domain:

Navigate to the domain settings or domain management section.

Make sure the domain is unlocked. This process allows domain transfers out of Volusion or your current domain registrar.

Obtain EPP Code (also known as Transfer or Authorization Code):

While in the domain management section, request or retrieve the EPP code for your domain. This code is crucial for domain transfers to verify ownership.

Step 2: Initiate Domain Transfer on Shopify

Login to Shopify: Navigate to your Shopify Admin Dashboard.
Access Domains Section: In your Shopify admin, click on the “Settings” tab and then select “Domains.”
Initiate Domain Transfer: Click on “Connect existing domain” if you’re connecting your domain without transferring the registrar. But if you intend to transfer the domain’s registrar to Shopify, select “Buy new domain.”

Enter Domain Name and EPP Code: Input your domain name and provide the EPP code when prompted.
Automated Transfer Process: Furthermore, Shopify will typically handle the rest, verifying the domain ownership with the EPP code, and initiating the transfer process. The automation here refers to Shopify’s in-built capabilities to handle domain transfers with minimal manual interventions.

Step 3: Confirm the Transfer

Email Confirmation: You will likely receive an email from your current domain registrar confirming the domain transfer request. Approve it.
Monitor Transfer Status: In your Shopify admin, under the “Domains” section, you can typically monitor the status of the domain transfer. It might take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the domain registrar.

Step 4: Adjust DNS Settings (if necessary)

Review DNS Settings: Once the domain transfer is complete, ensure your DNS settings are correctly pointing to your Shopify store.
Secure the Domain: Shopify provides free SSL certificates for domains associated with their platform. Ensure the SSL certificate is active for your domain to encrypt data and reassure customers about security.
Final Check: Access your store using the transferred domain to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Method 2: Manual Data Migration

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain for Connection

Login to Your Domain Registrar: Access the dashboard or control panel of your domain registrar (the service where you registered your domain name, e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).

Navigate to DNS Settings: Find the domain you want to redirect and navigate to its DNS settings or DNS management section.
Take Note of Current Settings: Before making any changes, it’s advisable to take note or screenshot the current DNS settings for reference in case you need to revert any changes.

Step 2: Update DNS Settings to Point to Shopify

Update A Record:

Look for the A record in the DNS settings.

Change the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address, which is 23.227.38.65 as of my last update.

Update CNAME Record:

Look for the CNAME record, specifically the one for the ‘www’ subdomain.

Modify the CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.

Save Changes: Ensure you save or apply changes after updating the A and CNAME records.

Step 3: Connect Domain in Shopify

Login to Shopify: Access your Shopify Admin Dashboard.
Navigate to Domains Section: In your Shopify admin, click on “Settings” and then “Domains.”
Connect Existing Domain: Choose “Connect existing domain” and enter your domain name.

Verify Connection: Shopify will attempt to verify the domain connection. Given that you’ve already updated the DNS settings, this verification should be successful. If not, it might require some time for DNS changes to propagate.

Step 4: Secure the Domain

Activate SSL: Shopify offers free SSL certificates for connected domains. Once the domain is connected, Shopify will automatically issue and renew an SSL certificate for it. Make sure this certificate is active to ensure data encryption and security.
Test the Domain: Type your domain into a browser to ensure it directs to your Shopify store. Check both the www and non-www versions.
Set as Primary (if necessary): If you have multiple domains connected to Shopify, you can choose which one is the primary domain (the one customers see in their browser address bar). Navigate to the “Domains” section in Shopify and set your desired domain as primary.

Method 3: Hiring an expert

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

Audit Your Current Store: Begin by understanding your current setup on Volusion. Note down specific features, custom functionalities, third-party integrations, or any unique designs that you have.

List Migration Priorities: Decide on what’s crucial for your migration. It could be retaining customer data, migrating specific product details, ensuring no downtime, or preserving SEO ranking.
Budget Allocation: Determine a budget for the migration process. Consider potential costs for expert hiring, any new theme or template costs, additional apps, or post-migration optimizations.

Step 2: Research and Shortlist Experts

Shopify Experts Directory: Shopify has an official ‘Experts Marketplace’ where you can find professionals who specialize in migrations, among other services.
Recommendations: Reach out to your business network, industry peers, or even Shopify community forums for recommendations on reliable migration experts.
Review Portfolios & Testimonials: Once you shortlist potential experts or agencies, go through their past work, client testimonials, and case studies to gauge their expertise and reliability.

Step 3: Initial Consultation

Share Your Requirements: Initiate a conversation with the shortlisted experts. Share your store’s audit, list of priorities, and any specific concerns.
Ask Questions: Understand their approach to the migration process, estimated timelines, potential challenges, and post-migration support.
Discuss Costs: Get a clear understanding of the pricing. Ask about any potential additional costs or charges that might arise during the migration.

Step 4: Finalize and Onboard

Check Contractual Details: Once you decide on an expert or agency, ensure there’s a detailed contract in place. It should cover the scope of work, costs, timelines, data privacy considerations, and terms of service.
Provide Necessary Access: Grant them access to your Volusion store and the new Shopify store. Ensure you give permissions that allow them to carry out the migration but also consider security protocols.

Step 5: Monitor and Review

Stay in the Loop: Regularly check in on the migration process. An expert will usually provide you with updates, but it’s beneficial to be proactive.
Test the New Store: Before the final switch, test the Shopify store’s functionalities. Ensure product listings, customer data, order histories, and other essential features work correctly.
Feedback and Tweaks: Provide feedback during the testing phase. If there are any issues or tweaks needed, communicate them.

Step 6: Post-migration Support

Training: If you’re new to Shopify, ask the expert for a brief training or overview of the platform’s functionalities.
Ongoing Support: Clarify terms of post-migration support. It’s common to encounter minor issues or require tweaks after the migration, so understand how the expert can assist during this period.

After migration

Step 1: Test Your Store

Before going live and announcing your new store to your audience, it’s imperative to rigorously test it to ensure functionality and to maintain the trust of your customers.

Functionality Check: Navigate through your site as if you’re a customer. Test out every feature — from product search, product details viewing, adding to cart, to the checkout process.
Mobile Responsiveness: More than half of online shopping happens on mobile devices. Ensure your store looks and functions impeccably on mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Third-Party Integrations: If you’ve integrated third-party tools or apps, verify that they’re working correctly. This could be email marketing software, analytics tools, or social media plug-ins.
Load Speed: Slow website speed can deter customers. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test the loading speed of your site and make necessary optimizations.
SEO Check: Ensure that your meta titles, descriptions, and URLs have migrated correctly. Check for broken links using tools like Screaming Frog or Broken Link Checker.

Step 2: Train your staff

You can:

Platform Overview: Organize training sessions where your staff can familiarize themselves with Shopify’s dashboard, its features, and functionalities.
Order Management: Since order fulfillment is pivotal, train staff on how to manage, process, and track orders in Shopify.
Customer Service Training: Ensure your customer service team knows how to navigate customer information, order histories, and any integrated customer service tools within Shopify.
Continuous Learning: Encourage staff to stay updated. Shopify often rolls out new features and updates.

Step 3: Inform your customers about the replatforming

You can:

Announcement Email: Send out an email to your subscribers and customers informing them about the move to a new platform. Highlight any new features or benefits they can expect.
Social Media Posts: Utilize all your social media channels to announce the migration. It’s a great way to generate buzz and excitement.
On-Site Notifications: Consider placing a banner or pop-up notification on your site for a short duration post-migration to inform visitors about the change.
Reassure on Security: Customers may have security concerns. Reassure them that their data remains protected and that the new platform offers enhanced security features.

Step 4: Launch Your Store

Finally, you can:

Go Live: If you had your store in ‘maintenance’ or ‘coming soon’ mode during the migration, it’s time to remove that and go live.
Monitor User Behavior: Use analytics tools to monitor how users are interacting with your new site. Look for any sudden drop in conversions or any other unusual behavior that might suggest an issue.
Gather Feedback: Consider asking for feedback from your customers about their experience on the new platform. This can provide valuable insights and highlight areas for improvement.
Celebrate & Promote: Consider running a promotion or sale to celebrate the relaunch of your store. It’s a great way to attract old customers and gain new ones.

Types of data to migrate from Volusion to Shopify

Let’s delve deeper into each type of data that can be migrated from Volusion to Shopify, explaining their significance and the nuances involved in the transfer.

Products

Basic Details

Each product has foundational information that defines it, including:

Names: The product’s title or name.
Descriptions: Detailed write-ups about the product.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for each product, vital for inventory management.
Weight: Important for shipping calculations.
Product ID: Internal ID used by Volusion, helping in referencing products.
Price: Retail price, sale price, or even wholesale price.

Images

Transferring product images ensures your products are visually represented. Check for:

Image Sequencing: The order in which images appear.
Alt Texts: Descriptive texts associated with images for SEO and accessibility.

Variants

Some products have multiple versions.

Attributes: Size, color, material, etc.
Variant Pricing: Some variants might be priced differently.

Meta Tags & Descriptions

These are embedded in the HTML and are crucial for search engines. Indeed, they give a brief summary of the product page’s content.

Product Reviews

Customer feedback, along with ratings, which can be integral for building trust with new customers.

Customers

Basic Information

This encompasses:

Profiles: A holistic view of each customer including name, email, and contact details.
Shipping and Billing Details: Essential for order processing and returns.

Customer Groups

In Volusion, customers might be segmented for targeted marketing or special pricing.

Purchase History

It’s crucial for personalized marketing and support.

Password Migration

For security, direct password transfers are discouraged. Instead, consider prompting users to reset upon first login.

Orders

Order Details

Every order has multiple facets:

Order ID: Unique identifier.
Product Listings: What was purchased, in what quantity, and at what price.
Status: Was the order completed? Is it still pending? Was it refunded?

Transaction History

They are detailed financial logs – not just what was bought, but any refunds, discounts applied, or taxes collected.

Shipping Information

It’s specific on how the order was shipped, which can include tracking numbers and carriers used.

Categories and Navigation

Category Hierarchy: Products in Volusion might be organized into categories and subcategories, e.g., ‘Clothing’ > ‘Men’ > ‘Shirts’.
Navigation Menus: How your website’s header, footer, and sidebar menus are structured, including any dropdowns.

Content Pages

Static Pages: These are non-product pages. ‘About Us’ might delve into your company history, while ‘Contact’ provides ways for customers to reach you.
Blog Posts: If you’ve been publishing articles, they carry value, especially if they draw organic traffic. Migrate the content, author data, publication date, and associated media.

SEO Data

URL Redirects: Ensuring old product or content URLs redirect to the new equivalent on Shopify prevents “404 Not Found” errors and protects your search ranking.
Meta Titles and Descriptions: Custom titles and summaries for your pages that appear in search engine results, crucial for click-through rates.

Discounts and Coupons

Detailed rules for each promo code, including:

Discount Amount/Percentage: How much is taken off?
Eligibility: Is it for everyone, or just a specific customer group?
Expiration Dates: When does the offer end?

Custom Fields & Data

They are any data fields that you added to Volusion outside the standard setup, perhaps for custom specifications or engraving details on products.

Tax Rates

Tax Rates are specific tax percentages that you’ve set up based on buyer location, product type

Potential problems of Volusion to Shopify migration

Data Loss

Issues

During migration, certain data sets might not be transferred completely or accurately. This includes crucial data such as customer information, product details, order histories, and reviews.

Solutions

Before migration, ensure a complete backup of all your data.
Utilize reliable migration tools or hire experts, ensuring they have a track record of maintaining data integrity during migrations.
After migration, perform a comprehensive audit comparing data points between the old and the new store.

Broken Links

Issues

When moving to a new platform, the URL structures can change, leading to broken links. This not only affects user experience but can also negatively impact SEO.

Solutions

Use tools like Screaming Frog or Broken Link Checker to identify broken links post-migration.
Implement 301 redirects for any changed URLs. This will redirect visitors from the old URL to the new one, preserving the user experience and SEO value.

Design and Functionality Issues

Issues

Additionally, the design templates and functionalities you were using on Volusion might not be available or compatible with Shopify, leading to a mismatch in design or loss of certain functionalities.

Solutions

Prioritize core design elements and functionalities. Consider using Shopify’s theme store or hiring a designer to replicate or enhance your design.
Test all functionalities post-migration, ensuring things like checkout processes, cart additions, and product searches work seamlessly.
Utilize Shopify’s app store to add functionalities that might be missing after the migration.

SEO Ranking Drop

Issues

SEO rankings can be affected by a myriad of factors during migration, including changed URLs, lost metadata, or altered site structure.

Solutions

As mentioned, implement 301 redirects for any changed URLs to retain SEO value.
Ensure all meta titles, descriptions, and alt tags for images are correctly migrated.
Monitor site rankings and traffic post-migration using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Address any detected issues promptly.

Integrations and Customizations

Issues

Custom-built functionalities, third-party tools, or specific integrations you had on Volusion might not seamlessly integrate with Shopify.

Solutions

Before migration, list down all integrations and custom functionalities. Research Shopify’s app store and support documentation to check compatibility.
For unique customizations, consider hiring a Shopify developer who can recreate or adapt these functionalities for your new store.
Post-migration, test all integrations thoroughly, ensuring they work as intended.

The ability to transfer primary data such as products, orders, customers, reviews, and categories.
Support for migrating additional store elements like blogs, pages, and SEO settings.

Data Security and Integrity

Check For:

End-to-end encryption during the Volusion to Shopify migration process.
Non-storage of your personal and store data after migration.
Assurances that your data remains unchanged and retains its relations between tables (e.g., orders and customers).

Reviews and Reputation

Check For:

High ratings and positive feedback from users who’ve migrated from Volusion to Shopify.
Case studies or testimonials detailing successful migrations.
Any negative reviews, especially regarding data loss or broken functionalities, should raise red flags.

Customer Support

Check For:

24/7 support or at least timely responses to queries.
Multiple channels for support, including email, chat, or phone.
Availability of resources like guides, FAQs, or video tutorials.

User-Friendly Interface

Check For:

A straightforward, intuitive UI that even non-tech-savvy individuals can navigate.
Clear instructions at every step of the Volusion to Shopify migration process.
Demo or trial migrations that allow you to test the process without committing.

Migration Speed

Check For:

Estimated time frames for store migrations. While you want a thorough migration, you don’t want it to last weeks and hamper your business.
The possibility of scheduled migrations, allowing you to choose off-peak hours to reduce business disturbances.

Post-Migration Support

Check For:

Tools or features that help with post-migration tasks, like setting up redirects.
Support for re-migrations or selective migrations in case of errors or missed data.
A post-migration audit or report detailing everything that was moved.

Pricing Transparency

Check For:

Clear pricing structures with no hidden fees.
Charges based on the volume of data or number of entities migrated.
Refund policies in case of unsuccessful migrations.

Compatibility and Customizations

Check For:

Support for migrating custom fields or unique data specific to your store.
Flexibility in mapping fields between Volusion and Shopify.
The ability to handle any third-party apps or integrations you had on Volusion.

Continuous Updates and Adaptability

Check For:

Regular app updates to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of both Volusion and Shopify.
Feedback mechanisms for users to report issues or request features.

Preview or Demo Migrations

Check For:

The option to run a test migration with a limited number of entities to preview the results.
Demonstrations or sandbox environments to familiarize yourself with the tool.

Top 3 Volusion to Shopify migration paid tools

LitExtension

Overview

LitExtension is one of the most popular e-commerce migration tools in the market. With its easy-to-use interface and broad range of data transfer capabilities, it makes platform migration straightforward even for non-tech-savvy users.

Key Features

Wide Data Migration Range: Transfers products, orders, customers, categories, reviews, and more.
Data Security: Ensures no data loss with a 100% uptime for your current store during migration.
Migration Insurance: Offers a chance to restart the migration in case of issues.
Direct Data Transfer: Data is directly migrated to the new store without any middle-steps or interruptions.
Post-Migration Support: Continuous customer support for any post-migration issues.

Pricing

Varies depending on the number of entities to migrate and additional services chosen. A price estimator is available on their website.

Cart2Cart

Overview

Cart2Cart is a recognized name in the e-commerce migration segment. It supports a vast number of shopping carts, making it versatile for various migration needs.

Key Features

Automated Migration: Offers a straightforward 3-step migration process.
Selective Data Migration: Allows you to choose specific data types you want to transfer.
Migration Preview: Provides a free demo migration to showcase the process and results.
Zero Downtime: Ensures your Volusion store remains fully operational during migration.
24/7 Support: Dedicated support round the clock to assist with any issues or inquiries.

Pricing

Charges are based on the number of entities and the specific source and target carts. They offer a free demo Volusion to Shopify migration and a cost calculator on their website.

HulkApps

Overview

While HulkApps is renowned for its diverse Shopify apps, they also offer e-commerce migration services tailored to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Features

Customized Solutions: Recognizing that each store is unique, they offer bespoke migration solutions to meet individual needs.
Data Safety Assurance: Prioritizes data security during migration to prevent any breaches.
Post-Migration Check: Offers an audit after migration to check for data consistency and integrity.
Dedicated Support: Provides a personal account manager to guide you through the migration process.
SEO Maintenance: Aims to retain your store’s SEO rankings post-migration.

Pricing

Moreover, HulkApps offers a custom pricing model based on the specific migration requirements. You’d need to get in touch with their team for a quote.

Why Volusion to Shopify migration?

The decision to migrate from one e-commerce platform to another is a significant step, and understanding the reasons behind such a move is essential. Here’s a comprehensive look at why many retailers choose to transition from Volusion to Shopify.

Feature	Volusion	Shopify
User Interface	Improved but some find it less intuitive	Highly user-friendly with a modern, intuitive dashboard
Theme Library	Limited selection, not all are mobile-responsive	Extensive, mobile-responsive themes both free and premium
App Ecosystem	Smaller ecosystem of apps and extensions	Thousands of apps available in the Shopify App Store
Scalability	Suitable for growing businesses	Built for all sizes, including enterprise-level with Shopify Plus
Payment Gateways	Multiple options but less than Shopify	Vast number of gateways, including Shopify Payments
SEO & Marketing Tools	Basic SEO tools available	Comprehensive built-in tools with extensive app integrations
Customer Support	Offers customer support	24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat; extensive resources
Pricing Transparency	Some concerns of hidden fees	Clear and transparent pricing plans
Migration & Integrations	Fewer dedicated tools	Many third-party integrations and dedicated migration tools
Community & Resources	Has its own community and resources	Massive global community with extensive forums and tutorials

While both Volusion and Shopify have their strengths, many merchants find Shopify’s combination of user-friendliness, scalability, and extensive features a compelling reason to migrate. Of course, if you’re considering a switch, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the migration costs and potential challenges.

FAQs: Volusion to Shopify migration

Many retailers consider the move due to Shopify’s user-friendly interface, extensive theme library, vast app ecosystem, scalability, and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, Shopify’s transparent pricing and extensive community resources make it an appealing choice for many merchants.

Yes, potential challenges include data loss, broken links, design and functionality issues, a drop in SEO rankings, and potential complications with integrations and customizations.

It’s advisable to keep your old Volusion store as a backup for a while. Once confident that the migration to Shopify is successful, and all data is intact, you can then decide to shut down the Volusion store or redirect its traffic to your new Shopify store.

Look for an app that offers data security, a wide range of data transfer options, post-migration support, direct data transfer, and migration insurance. It’s also beneficial if the app provides a demo or preview of the migration process.

Yes, apart from automated tools and manual migration, hiring an expert is another method to ensure a smooth transition. Professionals can provide personalized migration solutions, ensuring data integrity, security, and minimal downtime during the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of Volusion to Shopify migration offers various pathways, each with its advantages, ensuring that merchants can select the method best suited to their business needs and technical expertise.

Sam Nguyen

Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.