Website builder or ecommerce platform?

Start with the job the software must do, not the longest feature list.

Checks that matter

1. Define the site's main job.
2. List payment/product needs.
3. Add app and transaction costs.
4. Check export options.
5. Consider future customisation.

Test the awkward part

Product demos show the happy path. Test the part of your workflow that usually causes trouble before committing.

Compare the real cost

Use the price of the plan containing the features you need, then account for users, contacts, usage, integrations and other add-ons.