# Defining Ecommerce Migration Requirements

> Use controlled steps to complete defining ecommerce migration requirements, validate the result and resolve exceptions before launch.

- Type: Merchant guide
- Level: Intermediate
- Reading time: About 4 minutes
- Audience: Written for store owners, builders, and designers refining high-performance ecommerce stores.
- Last updated: 2026-11-04
- Canonical page: https://academy.getzenbasket.com/merchant-questions/defining-ecommerce-migration-requirements/
- Part of: [Merchant Questions](https://academy.getzenbasket.com/merchant-questions/) on ZenBasket Academy

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## What you need to know

### How do I define ecommerce platform requirements?

Define requirements by interviewing process owners and describing what the store must do in testable language. Record priority, volumes, markets, data, integrations, security needs, and the evidence required for acceptance.

### Which existing features actually need to be migrated?

Migrate only features that support approved future requirements, required records, or essential workflows. Retire, replace or redesign unused customizations instead of reproducing them automatically.

### Should every existing customization be recreated?

No. Recreate a customization only when its business purpose remains important, and a standard platform capability or simpler process cannot meet that need.

### How should future requirements be included?

Include future requirements as separately identified, prioritized needs with an expected time horizon. Do not let uncommitted possibilities expand the launch scope without a business owner and acceptance criteria.

### How do I distinguish must-have from nice-to-have features?

A must-have is required for launch, legal compliance, financial control or a critical customer journey. A nice-to-have can be deferred without creating unacceptable harm; record that decision instead of relying on opinion.

### How should integrations be included in migration requirements?

List every integration, the data it exchanges, direction, frequency, owner, failure behavior and launch importance. Turn those details into testable requirements rather than writing only the vendor name.

### How should international requirements be included?

State the countries, currencies, languages, tax treatments, payment methods, address formats and fulfillment rules the platform must support. Include realistic transaction volumes and any market-specific compliance constraint.

### A quick store check

Take one vague requirement and add the user, scenario, volume, priority, and acceptance evidence. Confirm its owner agrees with the wording.

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## Frequently asked questions

### Can requirements change during migration?

Yes, but each change should be approved with its effect on cost, schedule, testing, and launch scope.

### Who decides whether a requirement is mandatory?

The accountable business owner decides after legal, operational, and technical constraints are documented.

## Related articles

- **Building an Ecommerce Migration Business Case**
- **Evaluating Ecommerce Platforms for Migration**