With webshop systems like Shopware, VirtueMart, Magento, PrestaShop and WooCommerce, online shops can be set up and operated without great technical knowledge. If you want to expand the basic functions of the shop system with additional features, this is when plug-ins come into play. They’re so important for webshops that it’s worth knowing more about them.

What are plug-ins?

A plug-in is a smaller or larger enhancement module for software. As an additional program, plug-ins provide websites and web shops with additional functions that they didn’t have before. We frequently use plug-ins every day in web browsers, sometimes without even realising. For example, if we want to read and edit a PDF with Adobe Acrobat Reader, we have to have the relevant plug-in installed. Otherwise, the web browser uses another, preinstalled PDF reader or it can’t read the file.

Why are plug-ins so important for operating a web shop?

A webshop is something like a building block system. The standard software you’ve chosen usually offers only certain basic functions. Plug-ins allow you to expand your webshop to meet your needs.

What should I be mindful of when choosing plug-ins?

It’s important to install plug-ins only from trustworthy sources.

What are the benefits of plug-ins?

The benefit of a plug-in lies in getting an additional function that improves the experience for shoppers, or means the web shop can be operated more efficiently – without having to purchase additional software. Also, many enhancements are free of charge or available at low cost, and can usually be installed easily and automatically.

Which functions can be added with plug-ins?

Plug-in ranges vary depending on the shop system and can be very extensive. For example, there are

• SEO plug-ins to make the web shop easier to find on Google
• Security plug-ins (login)
• Plug-ins for tracking sales
• Plug-ins for compressing images and for presenting photo galleries
• Plug-ins for creating contact forms
• Social media plug-ins to integrate clickable elements like the Facebook Like button, so users can like and share content from a website
• Payment plug-ins
• and many more

Which function does a payment plug-in provide?

If you want to operate an online shop successfully, be sure to have a payment solution that the customer can use to pay with valid payment methods like the PostFinance payment methods, debit cards, credit cards, TWINT, payment by invoice or PayPal. These payment solutions, such as Checkout Flex and Checkout All-in-one, must be integrated into the shop system separately via a plug-in. With the plug-in, the process for payment collection in the web shop is set up in just a few clicks.

Do you want to know whether there’s a payment plug-in from PostFinance solutions for your web shop?

Is your shop system not listed? Then please contact checkout@postfinance.ch.

Tip for installing the payment plug-in

Installing plug-ins is a simple matter. But depending on prior knowledge and resources, support is recommended – whether this is from the shop system provider or from the person who advises and supports your company with regard to technical website questions.

Want to create an online shop?

Go to tips for building a web shop in the blog post “Choosing the right shop system for your online shop”.