Volusion to Shopify Migration: A Detailed Guide 2024

Feeling trapped by your Volusion store's limitations? Migrating to Shopify can unlock many new possibilities for your online business. This comprehensive guide will give you a step-by-step roadmap for a seamless Volusion to Shopify migration so you can start elevating your store to new heights!

Let’s get started!

Why Switching From Volusion To Shopify?

Better User Experience & Usability

Shopify's user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it easier to manage your store, even for those with limited technical expertise. It also offers over 200 themes and many customization options, which is much higher than the nearly 30 options available on Volusion.

Enhanced Features and Functionality

Shopify offers a much broader range of built-in features and functionalities than Volusion. It includes advanced analytics, marketing tools, and extensive customization options right out of the box. 

On top of that, Shopify’s capabilities can be easily expanded with over 8,500 apps available in the Shopify App Store, allowing you to enhance your store's functionality as needed. In contrast, Volusion provides a more limited app selection, with only 84 apps.

Scalability

As businesses grow, Shopify offers seamless scalability. From small startups to large-scale businesses, Shopify provides the infrastructure, tools, and app ecosystem necessary to scale without worrying about platform limitations. Volusion, on the other hand, has been criticized for being less flexible as businesses expand.

Dedicated Support and Community

Shopify offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. You also gain access to a vibrant community of Shopify merchants and experts, providing a valuable support network and knowledge base. Volusion also has 24/7 live chat support, but phone support is only available for higher-priced plans.

Payment Gateways

Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways and offers Shopify Payments, eliminating transaction fees. In comparison, Volusion itself doesn’t charge transaction fees, but its payment gateway options are more limited.

In essence, migrating Volusion to Shopify can provide your business with a more powerful, flexible, and scalable platform for e-commerce success. While the transition might require some effort, the long-term benefits in terms of features, customization, and growth potential make it a worthwhile consideration for many businesses.

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.

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

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

Method 1: Automated Migration Using An Importer App

Step 1:  Research & Install a Suitable Migration Tool

• Head to the Shopify App Store, choose a migration tool (e.g., Cart2Cart, LitExtension, etc.), and click Install to add it to your Shopify store.
• Create an account with the migration tool provider.

Step 2: Choose Volusion as your source cart

• Launch the migration tool from your Shopify admin panel.
• You’ll be prompted to select a “source cart” – the platform from which you’re migrating data. From the dropdown list or given options, choose “Volusion.” 

• 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

• After selecting your source cart, you’ll be prompted to select a “target cart” – the platform to which you’re migrating data to. Choose “Shopify” from the dropdown list.

• 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

• The tool will display a list of data types available for migration from Volusion. This typically includes products, customers, orders, categories, reviews, etc.
• 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.
• 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.

Step 6: Complete the migration

Once the migration is finished, you’ll receive a notification or status update. Thoroughly review your Shopify store to ensure all data is migrated accurately. 

Method 2: Manual Data Migration

Migrate Product Data Manually

Step 1: Export Product Data from Volusion

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

• Choose the export format, typically CSV, as Shopify prefers CSV for imports.
• Click “Export”. Depending on the number of products, this might take a few minutes.
• 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, image URLs, and more.

Step 2: Import Product Data into Shopify

• Compare the CSV exported from Volusion with Shopify’s product CSV template. You might need to modify the headers or rearrange some columns in your CSV to match Shopify’s requirements.
• Access your Shopify Admin Dashboard by logging into your account.
• In your Shopify admin, go to “Product.”
• In the products section, click “Import products.”

• Click “Add File” and select the prepared CSV file from your computer.

• Choose “Upload and preview”
• Review the products in Shopify to ensure data accuracy. If product images didn't transfer correctly, you might need to manually update them.
• After checking the imported data, finalize any product details, SEO settings, tags, collections, or other specifics in Shopify.

Migrate Customer Data Manually

Step 1: Export Customer Data from Volusion

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

• Opt for the CSV format for your export
• Click  “Export”.
• 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

• Match your exported CSV from Volusion with Shopify’s customer CSV format.
• Navigate to your Shopify Admin Dashboard
• Go to “Customers”
• Click on “Import customers”

• Click “Add File” and pick the modified CSV file from your computer.

• 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.
• After confirming the mapping, click “Import customers”.
• Once importing concludes, check the customer data in Shopify to confirm accuracy. Validate details like names, addresses, phone numbers, and other essential fields.

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.

After Migration

Migrating your store from Volusion to Shopify is a significant step, and ensuring a seamless transition is crucial for maintaining your online presence and customer experience. Here's a post-migration checklist to guide you through the essential tasks:

Transfer Domain

If you own a domain on Volusion (e.g., www.yourstore.com), you'll want to transfer your custom domain to the Shopify store. This will maintain your brand consistency and avoid confusing customers with a new URL. Shopify provides a straightforward domain transfer process within your admin panel.

Thorough Testing

Before making your Shopify store live, test all aspects of its functionality, including navigation, product pages, checkout process, and any integrated apps. This helps identify and resolve any potential errors or inconsistencies, ensuring a smooth experience for your customers.

URL Redirects

If your product or category URLs have changed during the migration, set up 301 redirects from your old Volusion URLs to their corresponding pages on Shopify. This preserves your SEO rankings and prevents customers from encountering "Page Not Found" errors when clicking on old links.

Train Your Staff

If you have a team managing your store, provide them with adequate training on Shopify's platform and any new apps or features you've implemented. This ensures they can efficiently manage the store, fulfill orders, and provide excellent customer service.

Launch Your Store

• Go Live: Once your store is fully migrated and tested, remove any 'maintenance' or 'coming soon' notifications and officially launch the site. This makes your store accessible to customers again.
• Monitor User Behavior: Use analytics tools to track how visitors interact with your new store. Pay attention to any sudden changes in metrics like conversions or bounce rates, which may indicate issues that need to be addressed.
• Gather Feedback: Encourage your customers to share their thoughts on the new platform. Their feedback can provide valuable insights for improving the shopping experience and fixing any potential problems.
• Celebrate and Promote: Consider launching a special promotion or sale to celebrate your store's reopening. This can attract both previous customers and new shoppers, generating excitement and boosting initial sales post-launch.

Types Of Data That Can Be Migrated From Volusion To Shopify

Type of Data	Details
Products: Basic Details	Names, descriptions, SKU, weight, Product ID, pricing details (retail, sale, wholesale)
Products: Images	Image sequencing, alt texts for SEO and accessibility
Products: Variants	Attributes such as size, color, material; variant-specific pricing
Meta Tags & Descriptions	SEO-friendly meta tags and descriptions to improve product page visibility
Product Reviews	Customer feedback and ratings to build trust with potential buyers
Customers: Basic Information	Customer profiles, including name, email, contact details, shipping/billing addresses
Customer Groups	Segmentation of customers for targeted marketing or special pricing
Purchase History	Record of past customer orders for personalized marketing and customer support
Password Migration	Passwords cannot be migrated directly; customers will need to reset upon first login
Orders: Order Details	Includes Order ID, product listings, quantities, and order status (completed, pending, refunded)
Orders: Transaction History	Detailed logs including purchases, refunds, discounts, and taxes
Orders: Shipping Information	Shipping details such as tracking numbers and carriers used
Categories and Navigation	Product category hierarchy and structured navigation menus, including dropdowns
Content Pages	Static pages (About Us, Contact) and blog posts, including publication dates and media
SEO Data	URL redirects, meta titles, and descriptions to maintain search rankings during the migration
Discounts and Coupons	Promo codes, discount eligibility, and expiration dates
Custom Fields & Data	Custom product specifications or additional details, such as engraving instructions
Tax Rates	Tax rates based on buyer location and 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.

Top 3 Volusion To Shopify Migration Paid Tools

Here are the top 3 paid tools for Volusion to Shopify migration that can simplify and automate the migration process:

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.

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.

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.

FAQs: Volusion to Shopify migration

Why would someone consider migrating from Volusion to Shopify?

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.

Are there any potential problems to be aware of when migrating from Volusion to Shopify?

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

What should I do with my old Volusion store after completing the migration to Shopify?

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.

How do I choose the best Volusion to Shopify migration app?

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.

Are there any professional services available for 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.

Bottom Line

Migrating your online store from Volusion to Shopify may seem like a complex process, but with the right tools and a step-by-step approach, it can be a smooth and rewarding transition. By carefully preparing your data, choosing the right migration method, and thoroughly testing your new store, you can ensure a seamless Volusion to Shopify migration with minimal downtime.