VirtueMart to ESHOPMAN
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration guide (2025). Planning a Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration? This guide walks you through data transfer, field mapping, and best practices for moving your store without losing rankings or customer data.
Migrating from VirtueMart to ESHOPMAN is a strategic upgrade from a Joomla e-commerce extension to a dedicated platform. In 2025, with VirtueMart's Joomla dependency, extension conflicts, and scaling challenges, and ESHOPMAN's standalone Node.js architecture and Admin API, the case for migration has never been stronger.
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration: Quick Facts
- Average cost: $69–$400 (automated) vs $2,500+ (custom)
- Typical duration: 2–4 hours (automated) vs weeks (manual)
- Recommended method: Automated cloud migration (Move My Store, Cart2Cart, LitExtension)
- Password migration: Supported with migration integration
- SEO preservation: 301 redirects required—automated tools create them (preserves SEO)
Why Migrate from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN? Key Benefits
Virtuemart has served its purpose, but limitations hold you back. Moving to ESHOPMAN opens specific opportunities:
💰 Modern Architecture
The Virtuemart Pain: Joomla dependency. Extension conflicts. Scaling challenges.
The ESHOPMAN Gain: Modern Node.js architecture. Admin API and Store API. Headless commerce. HubSpot integration.
🚀 Admin API & Headless
The Virtuemart Pain: No native headless support. Limited API. Custom development required for modern frontends.
The ESHOPMAN Gain: Native Admin API and Store API. Built-in headless commerce. HubSpot app integration.
🛠 Product Variants
The Virtuemart Pain: Product options structure can be rigid. Limited variant flexibility.
The ESHOPMAN Gain: Flexible product variants with options. Streamlined product management.
⚡ Admin Panel & UX
The Virtuemart Pain: Dated or limited admin. Inconsistent UX.
The ESHOPMAN Gain: Modern, intuitive Admin Panel. Rule-based pricing. Advanced catalog management.
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Pre-Migration Checklist
Before migrating from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN, audit your source data and prepare your ESHOPMAN environment. Virtuemart and ESHOPMAN use different data structures—mapping them correctly prevents data loss.
A. Understanding the Platform Disconnect
Virtuemart uses its own data structure. ESHOPMAN uses Node.js architecture with Admin API and Store API.
- Virtuemart Version: Check your version. Structure may differ.
- Database/API: Ensure access for data export.
- ESHOPMAN Setup: Deploy ESHOPMAN (Node.js, PostgreSQL). HubSpot app integration available.
- Product Structure: Source variants map to ESHOPMAN product variants.
- Images: Export from source. Upload to ESHOPMAN media system.
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Data Mapping: Products, Customers, Orders
Accurate data mapping from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN preserves product variants, customer history, and order relationships. Below are the field mappings developers need for products, customers, and orders.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| Virtuemart Field (Source) | ESHOPMAN Field (Target) | Notes & Logic |
|---|---|---|
product_id / id |
product.id |
ESHOPMAN generates new IDs. Use SKU for mapping. |
name / title |
product.name |
Direct string transfer. |
sku / model |
product.sku |
Direct mapping. |
price |
product.price |
Direct price transfer. |
description |
product.description |
HTML content. Images need re-uploading. |
categories |
product_category |
Source categories map to ESHOPMAN. |
variants / options |
product_variant |
Source variants map to ESHOPMAN product variants. |
👥 Customer Data Mapping
| Virtuemart Field | ESHOPMAN Field | Critical Logic |
|---|---|---|
email |
customer.email |
Unique identifier. |
password |
customer.password_hash |
Password migration supported with extension. |
address |
address |
Source addresses map to ESHOPMAN. |
📦 Order Data Mapping
| Virtuemart Field | ESHOPMAN Field | Mapping Logic |
|---|---|---|
order_id |
order.display_id |
Preserve order ID in ESHOPMAN. |
status |
order.state |
Map source statuses to ESHOPMAN states. |
total |
order.grand_total |
Direct mapping. |
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration Tools: Automated vs Manual vs Custom
Choose your Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration method: automated cloud migration (recommended), CSV import, or custom development. Compare ESHOPMAN migration tools for features and pricing.
Option A: Automated Cloud Migration (Recommended)
Tools: Move My Store, LitExtension, Cart2Cart
Specialized tools that connect via Virtuemart database/API and ESHOPMAN Admin API.
- ✅ Pros: Handles structure complexity, preserves relationships, formats data for ESHOPMAN automatically.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200 - $400). Requires ESHOPMAN migration integration installation.
Option B: CSV Import
Tools: Virtuemart CSV Export + ESHOPMAN Admin Import
Export from Virtuemart, format for ESHOPMAN, and import manually.
- ✅ Pros: Lower cost, direct control.
- ❌ Cons: Manual work required, may lose some data relationships. Limited to products and categories.
Option C: Custom Development
Tools: Virtuemart DB/API + ESHOPMAN Admin API
Build a custom script using Virtuemart database or API and ESHOPMAN Admin API.
- ✅ Pros: Complete control, reusable.
- ❌ Cons: Expensive ($2,500+), time-consuming. Must handle both platform structures.
How to Migrate from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration process using automated cloud migration—the industry standard for zero-downtime cutovers. See the full ESHOPMAN migration guide for detailed planning.
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (ESHOPMAN):
Deploy ESHOPMAN (Node.js, PostgreSQL). Ensure Admin API access for migration tools. Do not point your domain there yet. Use subdomain for testing.
Tip: Use maintenance mode to prevent public access during setup.
1.2. Prepare Source (Virtuemart):
Ensure database or API access. Keep your Virtuemart store live during migration.
Phase 2: The Connection Setup
2.1. ESHOPMAN Access:
Configure Admin API access for ESHOPMAN. Migration tools connect via Admin API.
2.2. Virtuemart Access:
Provide database credentials or API access. Migration tool connects to Virtuemart data source.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
Select what to move. Be careful with these specific settings:
- Create 301 Redirects: Check this box if using custom domain. It creates redirects from Virtuemart URLs to ESHOPMAN URLs. Without this, your SEO dies.
- Migrate Product Options: ESHOPMAN supports product variants. Virtuemart variants/options map to ESHOPMAN product variants automatically.
- Migrate Images: Images are downloaded from Virtuemart and uploaded to ESHOPMAN's media system automatically.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration tools. Customer passwords are migrated and converted to ESHOPMAN format.
Phase 4: The Full Migration
Launch the process. The migration tool handles Virtuemart data extraction and ESHOPMAN import automatically.
Time Estimation: 5,000 products + 10,000 orders usually takes 2-4 hours.
Phase 5: Post-Migration Cleanup
5.1. Customer Communication:
Notify customers about the migration. With password migration support, customers can log in immediately.
5.2. Verify Products:
Check all products migrated correctly. Verify images, prices, and product options.
5.3. Design & Customization:
Choose or customize ESHOPMAN theme. Virtuemart themes cannot be migrated, but ESHOPMAN offers headless storefront options and HubSpot integration.
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration Cost (2025)
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration cost depends on method and data volume. For a medium-sized store (2,000 products, 10,000 orders, 5,000 customers), here is the breakdown.
Custom Script
Developer Time
Automated Cloud
Average Cost
Agency Service
Starting Cost
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration: Troubleshooting & SEO Preservation
Common Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration Challenges
- Option Mapping: ESHOPMAN supports product variants. Virtuemart variants/options map to ESHOPMAN product variants automatically.
- Database/API Structure: Virtuemart structure differs from ESHOPMAN. Migration tools handle translation.
- Image Migration: Virtuemart images need to be re-uploaded to ESHOPMAN's media system.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration integration.
- Multi-Store: ESHOPMAN supports multi-store natively.
301 Redirects: Preserve SEO During Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration
Virtuemart URLs differ from ESHOPMAN URLs. Create 301 redirects from old Virtuemart URLs to new ESHOPMAN URLs to preserve search rankings. Automated migration tools create redirects automatically—verify in ESHOPMAN Admin or configure redirects.
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN Migration: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about migrating from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN—cost, duration, password migration, and SEO preservation.
How long does a Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration take?
A typical Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration takes 2–4 hours for automated tools (5,000 products, 10,000 orders). Manual CSV import can take weeks. Automated migration via Move My Store or Cart2Cart runs in the cloud while your store stays live.
How much does Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration cost?
Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration costs $69–$400 for automated tools (Move My Store, LitExtension, Cart2Cart), depending on data volume. Custom development runs $2,500+. CSV import is free but time-consuming and risky for complex data.
Can I migrate Virtuemart customer passwords to ESHOPMAN?
Yes. Customer password migration from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN is supported with migration integrations. Automated tools convert password hashes to ESHOPMAN format so customers can log in immediately after migration.
Will my SEO rankings survive a Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration?
Yes, if you create 301 redirects from old Virtuemart URLs to new ESHOPMAN URLs. Automated migration tools offer 301 redirect creation. Submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console and verify redirects before going live.
What data can I migrate from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN?
You can migrate products, categories, customers, orders, coupons, reviews, and CMS pages from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN. Product variants map to ESHOPMAN product variants. Images are downloaded and uploaded to ESHOPMAN's media system.
Ready to Migrate from Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN?
A Virtuemart to ESHOPMAN migration unlocks enterprise features: Admin API, Store API, product variants, and headless commerce. Run a free demo migration to verify your data maps correctly before going live.