Shopify Vs WooCommerce – Which Way to Go?

If you are a part of online retail space, it’s crucial to get the bottom of which platform works for you best to get the required attention and profit. While planning to launch your channel, first thing you need to decide on- what your e-commerce platform or structure will be. This decision will influence everything else you do.

To answer this question, here I am presenting you a comprehensive comparison between two leading platforms- WooCommerce and Shopify. Both of them are gaining momentum when it comes to setting up a dynamic online store. In this post, we will take a closer look at both of them and will help you decide which one is better for you- WooCommerce or Shopify.

Also Read: Top 5 Free WordPress E-Commerce Plugins

WooCommerce and Shopify- What They Are?

Launched in 2011, WooCommerce is an open-source WordPress plugin, with a larger legion of fan base. You can integrate this plugin with your existing WordPress site and turn it to a fully-functional e-commerce website. The plugin is gaining popularity among its users and according to the statistics shown by BuiltWith, WooCommerce powers a larger number of small sized online stores than Magento. The plugin was also a Technology Growth Award Winner in 2014.

Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform which allows you create your own store frontend  and customize it without running a single line of code. It’s a cloud-hosted e-commerce platform which allows you run your online channel on Shopify’s server without providing you access to its backend. Shopify is a complete WYSIWYG CMS and makes selling online extremely easy.

Shopify Vs WooCommerce – Pricing

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin, so you don’t have to pay anything initially. But as you start installing some plugins, apps, extensions, hosting, and other things, you will be charged accordingly. You can choose them after analyzing your needs. Also, using WooCommerce, you’ll have to find your own hosting, which is not is the case with Shopify. You’ll also have to pay price for the security and maintenance.

Shopify, on the other hand, comes with a very comprehensive pricing package. It includes three packages, basic ($29) , professional ($79) , and unlimited ( $179). The packages can be selected on the basis of your business size and budget. There is also a plan called Shopify Plus. The package is suitable for large size businesses and it comes with a lot of services. It has a 0% transaction fees, dedicated SSL, multiplass SSO, special prices on exclusive apps and much more.

Shopify Vs WooCommerce – Store Management

Getting started with WooCommerce isn’t an uphill battle. Simply upload the plugin to your WP site and start adjusting the features accordingly and then upload your products. Uploading products is just like uploading a blog or a post. You can also add product descriptions, product category, enable or disable reviews etc. Orders can be managed via dashboard. It also features a great inventory handling ability and shipping options through extensions.

Shopify also gives you an easy way to kick start your online shop. You can choose the plan you want and start uploading the products to sell. You can easily handle order fulfillment, connect to Amazon, and Shopify will manage your inventory completely in the backend. Store owners can provide color variations, materials, and size. And its built-in reports can help you gain knowledge about your customer preferences.

Shopify Vs WooCommerce – Flexibility

WooCommerce is praised for the ease of customization it offers to its visitors. The plugin lets you enjoy full control over the look of your website as you have an access to its backend. This is something which adds to your ability to create a delightful user experience. Also, there are more developers available for WooCommerce than Shopify.

Although Shopify is a nice e-commerce platform, but it restricts your ability to modify the layout or improve the quality of your website. It does not provide you an access to backend, which can be annoying for some retailers who want a complete level of control on their website.

Shopify Vs WooCommerce – Plugins and Add ons

Being a WordPress plugin, it should comes as no surprise that that WooCommerce takes the driver’s seat. It currently offers up to 30,000 plugins which can be added to your website, though you have to pay some price for it. In Shopify, there are around 500 e-commerce apps, which you can use to extend the ability of your online store.

Let’s Wrap Up

Both Shopify and WooCommerce have their own set of features and limitations. If you want to create a website over which you can enjoy full control then WooCommerce will be best for you. However, you’ll need be charged for some plugins and extensions. On the other hand, Shopify is easy to use, but is more restricted in terms of customization. And finally everything boils down your needs and budget which can dictate which way to go.

About the Author:
Amanda Cline is serving as a programmer at Xicom Technologies Ltd- A renowned Web development company. If you need to hire PHP programmer then simply get in touch with Amanda via Twitter. she has also written interesting and informative articles on Custom Software Development, Web Application Development etc.