Zen Cart to Shopify
Migrating from Zen Cart to Shopify moves your store from a legacy PHP/MySQL platform to a fully managed eCommerce solution. In 2025, with Zen Cart's aging codebase and Shopify's robust infrastructure, many merchants switch and run migrations from Shopify admin using apps like Cart2Cart. No Zen Cart server or database access is required when using a migration app; everything runs from your new Shopify store.
This guide covers Zen Cart data structure (MySQL), how it maps to Shopify, and a step-by-step migration path using Shopify apps run from your new store.
1. Why Leave Zen Cart?
Security and Support
Zen Cart Pain: Legacy codebase; security updates and support are limited.
Shopify Gain: Shopify handles security and hosting. Migration runs from Shopify admin.
Hosting
Zen Cart Pain: Self-hosted PHP/MySQL; you manage everything.
Shopify Gain: Hosting and CDN included. Run migration from one admin.
Modern Features
Zen Cart Pain: Zen Cart lacks modern eCommerce features and mobile-first design.
Shopify Gain: Modern platform and App Store. Migration apps connect to Zen Cart (bridge or DB) and run from Shopify.
Developers
Zen Cart Pain: Few Zen Cart developers; maintenance is costly.
Shopify Gain: Large ecosystem. Migrate using a Shopify app.
2. Pre-Migration Audit
Zen Cart uses MySQL with a legacy schema; migration apps may connect via database or a bridge.
- Zen Cart version: 2.x or 3.x - confirm your migration app supports your version.
- Access: Migration from Shopify admin uses a bridge or MySQL connection.
- Product attributes: Zen Cart products_attributes map to Shopify options and variants.
- Categories: Map to Shopify collections.
3. Data Mapping
Zen Cart products, customers, and orders map to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Mapping
| Zen Cart (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| products_id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
| products_name (products_description) | title | Direct transfer. |
| products_model / attributes | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
| products_price | variants[].price | Per variant. |
| products_description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| categories | collections | Zen Cart categories to Shopify collections. |
| products_options / products_attributes | options and variants | Attributes become Shopify variants. |
Customer and Order
| Zen Cart Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| customers_email_address | email | Unique identifier. |
| customers_password | password (on create) | Password reset required. Zen Cart uses legacy hashing. |
| orders_id / order_total | name, total_price | Preserve order ID; map statuses. |
4. Toolkit
Option A: Shopify App (Recommended)
Cart2Cart and similar apps in the Shopify App Store
Install the app in Shopify and run the migration from Shopify admin. The app connects to Zen Cart (bridge or DB), maps data, and creates redirects.
- Pros: No coding; runs from Shopify admin; products, customers, orders, SEO redirects.
- Cons: Cost scales with data.
Option B: Custom Script
Zen Cart MySQL + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time, 40+ hours typical.
5. Execution: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Preparation
1.1. Target (Shopify):
Create your Shopify store; enable password protection during migration if desired.
1.2. Source (Zen Cart):
Ensure the migration app can connect (bridge or MySQL credentials).
Phase 2: Connection from Shopify Admin
2.1. Install the migration app (e.g. Cart2Cart) from the Shopify App Store and open it from your Shopify admin.
2.2. Connect Zen Cart as source. Enter store URL and credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration. Product attributes map to variants.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old Zen Cart URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customers: Notify customers; they will need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify: Check products, collections, and orders in Shopify admin.
6. Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Shopify App (e.g. Cart2Cart)
Typical Range
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting and SEO
Common Challenges
- Legacy structure: Zen Cart database structure may have inconsistencies; migration apps handle mapping.
- Product attributes: Zen Cart product attributes need careful mapping to Shopify variants.
301 Redirects
Zen Cart URLs differ from Shopify. Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old URLs to new ones and preserve SEO.
Ready to Secure Your Store's Future?
Migrate from Zen Cart to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. Move from a legacy platform to a modern one with continuous updates and support. No server access or coding required.