When Amazon Webstore phases out, some online retailers will be forced to find a new online store builder. For the small businesses that outsource web development or graphic design this can potentially be a costly change. But the entire event could also be an opportunity. Keep reading.

In addition to researching ecommerce platforms, you need to look into the following details before the July 1, 2016 eviction date.

Step 1: Secure the data you’ll need
When Webstore closes, you won’t be able to access your data. Start the process now. Amazon says they have data export features available, but start the migration early to ensure you get everything. Pay special attention to retaining:

•     Images
•     Prices
•     Product descriptions
•     The most up to date inventory numbers

Step 2a: Create your own website if you don’t have one already
This step can actually happen concurrently with step one. Since Webstore also hosted websites for some e-commerce retailers, those retailers will need to create a new site from scratch.

Step 2b: Update your current website if necessary
You’ll want to read through the text on your landing pages to ensure the Amazon branding is removed. Update any old links to the Webstore. Find a new host or additional pages if you decide to expand your site.

Step 3: Find another ecommerce platform
If you used Webstore, chances are that you value a user-friendly experience. Instead of trying to learn how to code or how to integrate a shopping cart onto your website, find a platform that does a lot of that work for you.

Bindo Storefront makes it easy to extend your physical store into an online store. Bindo users who have already entered their inventory onto the iPad POS only need to add one line of HTML code to their website to create an online store. The code insert is so simple a blogger could do it. That’s it. You have an ecommerce site that’s an extension of your brick-and-mortar store.

Step 4: Synch your online inventory management and POS
Instead of having to manually match inventory numbers between your online store and your physical store, Bindo Storefront users already have the inventory synchronized. Your website uses the same Bindo iPad POS as your physical store, so payments and sales numbers are also synchronized.

Change is difficult, but it can also provide new opportunities. Leaving Amazon Webstore will be an adjustment, but synchronizing all your channels will make the change well worth it.