WooCommerce vs Shopify for Your eCommerce Store | EP 126

WooCommerce vs Shopify for Your eCommerce Store

1. WooCommerce Pros 02:18
   • WooCommerce is actually the most popular e-commerce software on the internet.
   • Also, the plugin is free. Enough said.
   • Because it is so popular, there is a tremendous amount of support for it. So if you have someone build your WooCommerce store and then years later you need someone else to update it, you’ll most likely be able to find someone who can work on it.
   • There are tons of extensions and tutorials for WooCommerce and probably the biggest pro is that you have full control over the store. The website is 100% yours.
2. WooCommerce Cons 03:32
   • It takes time to set up an e-commerce platform. It’s not as simple as installing a plugin and then you’re done. There are shipping, taxes, and more to consider. There are so many factors that go into an e-commerce website.
   • Also, if you’re not using a payment platform like PayPal or Stripe you’re going to need to be PCI Compliant because you’re going to be responsible for customer data.
3. Shopify Pros 04:40
   • With Shopify, you don’t have to worry about security or hosting. They are going to handle that for you. It is a hosted platform, so it is their responsibility to make sure that your website is secure.
   • This means that you can get your store launched really quickly.
4. Shopify Cons 05:41
   • With Shopify, you are locked in. You can move your site to another platform, but not easily. Since it is a hosted platform, you don’t own the site. As opposed to WooCommerce, where you own the site and can migrate your store to another platform.
   • Another factor to consider is that Shopify can get pretty pricey. It has a monthly fee, which adds up. Also, their plugins, or apps, can cost money, and so can the payment processors.
   • You don’t have full control of the site because the platform is not open source. Shopify decides what you can and can’t do with your site.
5. It depends on your needs 08:54
   • If you have the skill set to build your own website or the funds to hire someone else, then go the WooCommerce route.
   • If you’re not a developer and you are more of a plug-and-play type kind of guy or gal, then go with Shopify.
   • Each platform has its pros and cons, so do research on WooCommerce vs Shopify based on your own needs.

For more information on this topic, check out this article from WPBeginner on WooCommerce vs Shopify.