Replatforming is a big decision. For an established eCommerce store, there are many factors to consider that you need to get right.

We created this eCommerce replatforming checklist to help your team ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps.

Let’s dive in.

To access the free eCommerce replatforming checklist, here’s a free one you can copy in Google Sheets.

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Free eCommerce Replatforming Checklist

Have you redirected/forwarded all URLs to the right place?

The worst thing that can happen during replatforming is that active URLs result in broken web pages or 404s. You prevent this through URL redirects.

Have you migrated and double-checked all your product information?

During a replatform, a lot of product information must get moved over and can sometimes get cleaned up. You want to ensure that nothing essential went missing in the process. Connect to a product information management (PIM) system to help alleviate these worries.

Have you updated your inventory?

This is easy to miss if you’re not actively connected to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) or inventory management system (IMS). You want to ensure that you have the correct number of products in stock the day you go live.

And make sure inventory synching between ERP/IMS is in real-time, so there will be no over-sold issue.

Will my customers have to create new accounts? If not, are there any potential hiccups I should prepare them for?

When you move your customers from one platform to another, new passwords often automatically generates for them. Making sure multiple emails are sent to address this with active customers is very important. If you leverage an Idaas system (Identity as a Service), you might be able to smoothly move over account logins from one platform to the next.

How are you processing orders?

Go through the entire flow right after a customer completes a checkout to the time the customer receives their order at their doorstep. Did the orders make it to the OMS (Order Management System) or ERP? And did it process into the warehouse or 3PL (third-party logistics) provider?

In addition, make sure that fulfillment information is coming back to the eCommerce platform from 3PL. That way, customers can see the tracking details on their order detail page and receive an email notification.

Are all my active and unused discounts migrated?

Ensure that customers can still use active discounts they might have received that haven’t expired. Overlooking this will lead to lots of customer service tickets.

Can customers still see their order history?

Have you migrated all orders from the old platform to the new one? This will be vital to maintain customer LTV calculations and for customers to see their entire history with a brand for loyalty purposes.

In order migration, ensure that any product associated with an old order is linked to products created on a new platform. This ensures that customers can still see the product image and easily re-order.

Are your capturing and sending emails effectively?

Emails are the lifeblood of many brands and can be the most predictable form of marketing spend. Did you remember to maintain all capture forms? Do your emails still have the same rate of deliverability?

Have you confirmed that tracking of all digital marketing channels is intact?

Losing even a single tracking pixel can lead to millions in additional costs or loss in revenue from marketing campaigns. Similar to broken URLs, this is at the top of the list.

Can customers easily and quickly return orders?

Have you connected with an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) software so you can quickly look up orders and so shipping labels can be issued for returns? This process needs to be smooth.

Link your RMA software with inventory management software. On a successful order return, this enables you to update the inventory correctly.

Have you integrated your testing tools?

In addition to digital marketing channels, optimization channels like AB testing and personalization must stay intact.

Is money making it to your bank account?

Just seeing money come into your new platform is fine. But you want to ensure those funds end up in your bank account.

Are you taxing customers the right amount?

You don’t want to be under-taxing and find yourself with a very hefty tax bill at the end of the month.

Have you tested for accessibility and compliance?

Even a tiny coverage gap can lead to a lawsuit, and this is vital to have in place so that you experience no downtime on legal matters.

Is your customer service team trained (and has a configured support desk)?

Customer service is your first line of defense. It’s best to train your team on the new platform, which will make a world of difference.

Have you migrated all active and unused gift cards?

Since customers have already paid for this, it’s essential not to overlook this step. Make sure customers can still use their gift cards on the new website without any issues.

Have you configured the right shipping method?

Configure the correct shipping option based on geographic location and ensure options are rightly mapped with 3PL. This ensures that no matter how the customer orders, the 3PL can choose to correct shipping carrier.

Grab this free one we created to get an actual digital eCommerce replatforming checklist on Google Sheets. To access it, select File > Make a Copy > Rename — and it’s all yours.