OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce platform mostly for small businesses. The platform supports a multi-store setup, with shop owners being able to manage all their stores from a single dashboard. It’s a highly customizable solution with more than 1,300 modules and themes that store owners can use to personalize their stores.
However, there are some valid reasons why OpenCart users may want to migrate to WooCommerce. A big disadvantage of OpenCart is its lackluster SEO capabilities. OpenCart stores don’t rank high in Google searches and shop owners have to find another way to deal with this crucial issue.
Another common complaint is the many updates and the fact that these updates invariably introduce bugs that take time to resolve. The fact that OpenCart customer support is not exactly stellar, adds to user frustration in this regard.
Table of Contents:
OpenCart to WooCommerce migration
In short, store migration is the process of transferring data, design, and functionality from the existing store to a new store. The process allows merchants to export the database (products, customers, orders, etc.) to the new store and configure the store’s look and feel. Moreover, it allows to install the necessary apps to add functionality.
What is OpenCart to WooCommerce Migration?
The eCommerce migration is the transfer of data like products, customers, orders and more from your current OpenCart store to the new WooCommerce one. It consists of a few simple steps if done in automated manner, takes only a couple of hours and requires no tech skills.
With Cart2Cart it’s a four-step procedure to move OpenCart to WooCommerce. The migration process preserves all your order IDs and SEO, and move all your store data securely.
Pre-Migration Tips
Prepare your OpenCart store
Get your OpenCart store ready for the move by scrutinizing all your OpenCart store data so you can determine which data to keep and which data to delete.
Prepare your WooCommerce store
Get your WooCommerce store ready by creating an account at WooCommerce.com.
Set up the theme for your new store
Choose a default theme for your WooCommerce store. Keep the default WooCommerce store theme you decide on and don’t change it at this stage. You can do that when the migration is concluded.
OpenCart to WooCommerce Migration
Set up OpenCart to WooCommerce data transfer by first configuring the Source cart and then specifying the Target cart.
Set up the Source cart
Choose OpenCart from the drop-down menu and paste your current store’s URL. Provide the Client ID, API Path and API Token from the admin account (find a detailed guide on how to do that in our FAQ).
Specify the Target cart
Choose WooCommerce from the drop-down list and click the “Install Plugin” button and provide your store’s URL.
Select data for migration
You can choose transfer data separately or you can select to transfer everything by clicking the “Select All” box. You can transfer orders, customers, products and product categories, customers, manufacturers, orders, coupons, reviews, and CMS pages.
Specify migration extras
Cart2Cart offers many migration extras, including 301 redirects or preservation of product, customer and order IDs on the Target Store and more.
Map customer groups & order statuses
Match your OpenCart order statuses and fulfillment statuses to the corresponding ones on WooCommerce.
Launch a free Demo migration
For this, first transfer 10 products in 15 minutes so you can check that the transfer works as planned. With this step you can transfer a limited amount of data so you can see how everything looks and works on the new platform.
Start Full migration
Click the Start Full Migration button to start the Full OpenCart database transfer to your new WooCommerce store. When it’s completed, check the migration results and if you are satisfied, continue your business on your new platform.
Post-Migration Recommendations
- Confirm that the website migration went without a hitch and that the new store functions correctly. Test the shopping process by creating a test product and placing an order. Select shipping and payment options and check that everything works perfectly.
- To customize your WooCommerce store, you need the free WooCommerce customizer plugin activized.
- When you’ve done that, notify your customers that your store now is at a different place on the internet and invite them to activate their accounts.
Congratulations! You have successfully transferred your store to WooCommerce. Enjoy the new experience!
September 26, 2023 
