Shopify Vs WooCommerce Which Is Better?
When it comes to starting an online business there are many doubts our customers have. How will they ship their products? How will they position themselves in google? What marketing techniques should they use? Which payment platform is right for you? Etc.
In today’s post we will analyze two of the best-known platforms to create an online store: Shopify vs. WooCommerce.
1.- Ease of use
Shopify
Undoubtedly one of the easiest solutions to create a complete online store is Shopify. This is because from the moment you create your account you have a guide to make your settings.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is also quite easy to set up. The only thing to keep in mind is that a couple of previous steps must be done. These include installing or updating WordPress on your website, and then installing the WooCommerce plugin. It may not be in a single click, but in two or three at most, but it is quite easy.
2.- Themes and Flexibility
Shopify
Shopify has its own theme store which include over 180 different for all tastes. Most of them are premium, but you can also find some benefits with a more than acceptable design.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce does not have its own theme store, but you can use third party services to create your online store. The best and most varied search themes on pages like ThemeForest or Stylish Themes. With its wide range of prices and styles it is sure to find the perfect theme for your project.
SHOPIFY
WOOCOMMERCE
3.- Product presentation and features
Both Shopify and WooCommerce offer options for uploading photos, creating product descriptions, and adding color and size variations.
4.- Payment gateways
This is probably one of the most complicated and important issues to consider when designing your online store.
Shopify
Shopify offers two options. Firstly, as soon as you set up your store, you must accept the express payment with Paypal.
For payments with credit cards has different payment gateways. Each has its rates depending also on whether the payments are national or international.
WooCommerce
Similarly, WooCommerce offers different extensions of payment gateways. You can add PayPal and credit card payments through Stripe for free. But of course there are many more payment options like Authorize.Net or Braintree.
5.- Customer Login and Order Options
Both services offer customers the option of logging in to process their payments or follow the purchase process without having to register on the page.
Shopify has a payment and shipping page that allows the customer to skip the cart and go directly to the payment page. But you need to play code to install it.
This same system is also available with certain WooCommerce themes.
6.- Setting Up Shipping Costs
Both Shopify and WooCommerce allow you to add a shipping price based on different parameters, ie local delivery, international delivery, the next day, etc.
Drop shipping companies are likely to lean towards Shopify as the platform offers native support for Amazon, Rakuten and Shipwire partners, among others. It also gives you a complete guide on how to get the most out of these types of stores.
WooCommerce does not have a native dropshipping option, but what it does have is lots of different plugins to get it if you’re willing to pay for them.
7.- Tax Setup
Both options allow you to display prices with or without VAT. They can also automatically calculate the tax rate that should be included for each part of the world.
8.- Multilingual Capabilities
Shopify
Shopify users had to break their heads for years to be able to offer multilingual support to their stores. For a long time, the only option (and quite expensive) was to duplicate the store or add subdomains. But now they can use the Langify application for $ 17.50 a month that offers multiple language options for the store and several currencies for the payment process.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the clear winner here thanks to its WPML plugin. It allows for a complete multilingual solution and costs $ 79 the first year, and $ 39 thereafter. Still it’s not cheap but it sure surpasses Shopify.
9.- SSL
Shopify
The SSL certificate is free regardless of the plan you contract.
WooCommerce
With WooCommerce you will have to configure it yourself with your hosting provider. Unless you use the aforementioned Bluehost WooCommerce plan, it will take care of all the digital encryption and security you need as part of your package.
Final Decision: Shopify vs WooCommerce
Now, let’s get right to the point. You must choose WooCommerce if:
- You already use WordPress, you love it and you know how to handle it.
- Multilingual support is essential.
- Do not worry about speed and you need the cheapest option possible.
But if none of the above points describes your online business plan, then definitely your choice is Shopify: it’s fast, easy to set up, comes with support included and can be more expensive or cheaper depending on which option you choose.
