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Shopify vs WooCommerce. Which one should you choose in 2020

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If the thought of starting an online store has crossed your mind, then you might be wondering which platform you should choose from. This is because Shopify and WooCommerce are the top e-commerce platforms in the world. However, each platform has its advantages and disadvantages, and settling for one means that you will choose one platform that serves your business well. As a business owner, selecting the best platform for your business is vital because the success of your business depends on it. Some of the guidelines that will help you select the right choice arise from how different the stores are and what advantages one has over the other.

To begin with, Shopify is an online e-commerce platform that has made creating an online store, accepting payments, and managing inventory much more comfortable. In addition to that, you do not have to worry about the technical aspects of website management such as caching or security when using these platforms.

WooCommerce, on the other hand, is an e-commerce plugin built specifically for WordPress. It allows leveraging of the most powerful content management systems and enables you to use it to run an online store. WooCommerce is an open-source platform, meaning that you can customize all the aspects of your store and build a custom extension easily. Making a choice between Shopify and WooCommerce entirely depends on your skill levels and needs.

Examples of WooCommerce Templates

Shopify vs WooCommerce Cost Comparison


When using Shopify, starting an online store is very easy. The basic plan goes for $29 per month. The upgraded Shopify plan goes for $79, while the advanced is $299 per month. Purchasing any of these plans is inclusive of domain names, SSL certificates, and web hosting. Purchasing the basic plan only guarantees enough features to help you set up an online store. However, this pricing is not inclusive of add-ons and third-party tools that you will require to take your store to a higher level.
WooCommerce is a free plugin, but using it is not that cheap. Especially when you are just starting. You require a domain name, an SSL certificate, and a WordPress hosting account to start an online store on WooCommerce. The good news is that there are several hosting companies offering specialized hosting plans on WooCommerce at a reduced cost. Bluehost is one of the recommended hosting providers that will help you start an online store for $6.95 per month. It is evident that the price of starting a WooCommerce online store is lower than Shopify. This makes WooCommerce the best option for your online store.

Ease of Use

Many people who start online stores are not professionals or web developers. This is why it is important to provide a platform that is easy to navigate and beginner friendly.
Shopify is fully hosted, meaning that you do not have to worry about security, compatibility issues, updating any software, installing different software and backups. After you have signed up, the platform takes you through the rest of the processes. It even helps you add products to your store.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, is not hosted, meaning you will have to install the platform, manage all the updates, and ensure that the website is secure to use. This is too much work, especially for a beginner. It is not easy to use when compared to Shopify. This means that Shopify is the best option for ease of Use.

Dropshipping

If you are an online business owner, then you must have thought about dropshipping products.
Shopify has integration applications for various dropshipping marketplaces such as Oberlo, and AliExpress among others. The disadvantage is that all of these product marketplaces have different shipping and membership fees, and any other charges that may come about as a result of dropshipping.
Dropshipping with WooCommerce is an added advantage, especially since it is the popular choice among dropshipping businesses. The main reason behind this is that WooCommerce allows you to install extensions that make order fulfillment quite easy. In addition to that, you can also create a personal e-commerce marketplace that allows other vendors to sell their products on your platform. This makes WooCommerce the best choice in terms of dropshipping.

Customizability

Therefore, choosing between WooCommerce vs Shopify depends entirely on your preferences and personal skills, since both platforms are powerful in different ways. As seen in the discussions above, Shopify is easy to use as compared to WooCommerce. You do not need to install anything or worry about security when using this e-commerce platform because it is fully hosted for you. As this may come as an advantage, it is also a disadvantage in that you do not have full control over everything. This means that you cannot control costs, transaction fees, or customizing the code.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, gives you full control of your website. In addition to that, starting an online store with WooCommerce costs much lower, especially with the support of the hosting companies and free plugins. The disadvantage is that you will have to maintain the software to continue access to the platform, and this requires some learning. The good news is that millions of new users and beginners are already using the platform, meaning that getting around this e-commerce platform is not difficult.

In conclusion, both e-commerce platforms have amazing advantages making each to be unique in its own way. When comparing costs, WooCommerce is the best e-commerce platform because it has hosting companies that offer hosting plans at a discounted fee. This means that you will spend less using WooCommerce. Also, since dropshipping has taken over many companies, WooCommerce is the best to go with since it is popular among dropshipping businesses. You also have full control of your website when using WooCommerce, unlike Shopify, which is fully hosted. Therefore, if you are looking for a platform that is cost-effective, and you want to regain full control of your online store, then WooCommerce is the best option.

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Nikita Skitev is an expert in online payments and e-commerce. He is a public speaker in the commerce industry and the author of the "Payments Strategy, how to accept online payments" book.
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