Over the past few years, Shopify has widened its scope to include online sales. More than a million businesses in over 175 different countries use this platform, making it one of the most popular online marketplaces. E-commerce platforms can now be selected by online enterprises based on their individual needs and available resources.
Whether you are an existing Shopify user seeking alternatives or are just beginning to study what e-commerce platforms are available on the market, we can assist you.
We will discuss the leading Shopify alternatives, including the pros and cons of each e-commerce platform. This post will explain why some business owners have abandoned Shopify for other e-commerce platforms.
With Shopify’s e-commerce platform, you can create an online store that offers several features including the ability to create a website, manage products, calculate shipping costs, and sell on several channels. It is an e-commerce platform that is hosted, cloud-based, commonly referred to as software as a service or SaaS, which eliminates the need for maintaining the software.
When your technical knowledge is limited and you don’t have the funds to hire a web developer, Shopify is a clear winner. It is a complete platform with a number of stylish templates that can be added. It is also easy to use and has a lot of features. With its Shopify and Shopify Plus e-commerce programs, it caters to both small businesses and larger corporations.
- Shopify: Shopify is for small companies. Depending on the plan you select, you have access to different features with three pricing tiers: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced.
- Shopify Plus: This is for larger companies. Shopify Plus users have access to more advanced features built for high-volume stores for a bespoke price (a percentage of revenue with a minimum of $2,000 per month).
While there isn’t a free plan available, Shopify does provide Shopify Lite as an alternative to its lack of a free plan for those who wish to add a buy button to an existing website or blog.
What Are Some of Shopify’s Best Advantages And Features?
Shopify, like anything else worthwhile, has its advantages and features. For your convenience, we have compiled a number of Shopify’s most useful functions. The specs are as follows:
1. Installation In Just A Couple Of Minutes
Shopify gives you a simple method for swiftly launching an online store without the hassle of infrastructure and the associated expenditures. It comes with self-hosted platforms like Magento.
Since all of the features are set up in a logical way, the admin interface is clear, easy to use, and almost perfect.
2. No Technical Knowledge
Shopify takes care of everything from the software to the servers, so even those without technical knowledge may run a business.
As a result of Shopify’s hosting, you are guaranteed to achieve faster and more secure performance than you would achieve on your own, and you are also able to withstand any traffic spikes you may encounter, which makes it not only easier to get started but also an all-around better choice.
3. Confidential
In the retail industry, dealing with impatient customers and private information like credit card numbers is a given. The loading time, safety, and availability of your website are all crucial. One of the primary advantages of a hosted solution is the stability it provides.
4. 24×7 Hotline
Customer service is a priority for Shopify. Because they are accessible around the clock, every day of the week, and they respond quickly, your company is never left in the dark. You can contact them by phone, email, or online chat.
The Shopify Help Center has extensive documentation, several community forums, and several advanced Shopify University guides.
Shopify Alternatives: A Few Things To Keep In Mind Before Choosing Them
1. Transaction Fees
Is there a monthly cost in addition to transaction or processing fees for each purchase on the platform? Can you use your own payment gateway, or does the platform offer built-in processing of payments? When doing a price analysis, these are vital questions to ask.
2. Hosting
Hosting is yet another crucial factor. Some websites, such as Shopify and Wix, charge a monthly fee that includes hosting.
To help you decide, think about how hands-on you want to be with your store’s hosting. If you’d rather let the platform handle everything, a hosted solution like Shopify could be the way to go.
3. Themes & Design Options
Your website should reflect your company’s identity and convey an air of professionalism when it goes live. Choose a platform with a customizable theme and layout features to accomplish this. A wide variety of platforms, including Shopify and Wix, offer themes.
4. Security
When running an online store, security is always your first concern. Ideally, hackers won’t be able to access your store or the information about your customers.
Look for a platform that offers benefits like SSL encryption and PCI compliance when observing security.
5 Best Shopify Alternatives To Read Below
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is suited for a few e-commerce platforms as well as for WordPress enthusiasts. It is a free, open-source platform that receives high marks for user-friendliness.
The growth could be challenging, and you might need to invest in advanced functionality. However, you can create a website with its free package that can easily compete with pricey carts.
You can create a mobile-friendly website with WooCommerce and a few adjustments while merely paying for hosting. Although it is something you can do better at Shopify.
WooCommerce offers product bundles for $49, and you may pick and choose the extensions you require if your budget allows for more bonuses.
2. Big Commerce
BigCommerce is one of the most well-known Shopify rivals. It is a major e-commerce platform for larger companies. Big Commerce is still unable to compete with Shopify in terms of customer service.
With its drag-and-drop editor, Big Commerce may be the ideal solution for those who are looking for a simple, hassle-free experience. For your e-commerce website, this reputable vendor offers a full-cycle solution.
3. Wix
The Wix website builder offers everything you need in a user-friendly interface complemented by a variety of budget-friendly plans. If we compare it to Shopify, people would still say Shopify is easier to set up than Wix.
It is a go-to option for both novice and experienced users because of its more than 100 useful templates, a broad selection of apps, highly configurable theme settings, and a slick editor.
4. Magento
You may have previously heard of Magento. In 2011, eBay bought the business, and in 2018, Adobe purchased it. This well-liked platform has a large and well-established community around the world, making it perfect for experienced store owners.
In cases of expense, people prefer Shopify over Magento because of the costs they have to bear.
5. Open Cart
OpenCart is a free alternative to Shopify. It has a fairly modern framework that lets you build websites that look professional and can be changed to fit your needs.
OpenCart provides many features, but Shopify is much better at setup and installation than OpenCart.
Strong user support is provided, and the documentation is excellent. Thousands of add-ons and third-party modules are also supported, which is what the majority of e-commerce clients often seek.
Final Thought
As you can see, the market is flooded with Shopify alternatives. What should you pick out of the options? You need to list your requirements before evaluating the features offered by different e-commerce platforms.
You are not required to invest if it does not satisfy your demands. Always pick the platform that best suits your requirements!
Shopify has far more features than the previously mentioned platforms. It is cheap and easy to use, which is why you don’t need technical knowledge to operate it. It is undeniable that Shopify is one of the most efficient e-commerce platforms on the market. Although there are other platforms too that provide many good features like no transaction fees, ease of use, and compatibility with every device,
While these platforms have one or two features, Shopify possesses all of these qualities.
