To sell on the Internet, you need a sales platform or an online store. Of course, you can also build it yourself, but it is very complex and expensive, so this is not an option for everyone. If you want to save time and energy, you can use so-called store systems. Variants equipped with templates and ready-made systems can make your work significantly easier, because you can build on them and sell the first products quickly instead of starting from scratch.
There are more than 370 different store systems. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Some are more popular, some are not. Some are also preferred in some countries, e.g. B. because of different legal situations.
In this article, we will introduce the two online store systems Shopify and WooCommerce in more detail, as they are the 2 most popular online store systems.
TWO SIMPLE AND SOLID ONLINE STORE SYSTEMS.
In principle, both store systems are very good and solid. Overall, you can’t go wrong with the decision. However, there are some criteria that guide you in making your decision. Basically, we could say that both store systems – WooCommerce and Shopify – are suitable for fairly simple projects with a small number of products. In terms of usability and design, they don’t take anything and you can simply start with them. Each type of store system has its fans. But as soon as things get more complicated, both of these store systems can reach their limits. This is where you should think about more stable alternatives for Shopify and WooCommerce, e.g. B. shopware, magento, prestashop and others.
THE STRENGTHS OF SHOPIFY
One of the main strengths of Shopify for creating an online store is that it is very easy to use – it can get you started quickly.
All you have to do is log in and register the domain. You will be guided step by step through the registration and setup process. No prior knowledge is required here and the system is basically very user-friendly. All the simplicity is also reflected in the maintenance of the system while working. So, you don’t have to worry about updates or system upgrades because Shopify does it for you.
WEAKNESSES OF SHOPIFY
An online store as easy as it is to use, Shopify also has some weaknesses to consider. Since you are selling on the Shopify platform, you have to rely on Shopify here, e.g. Regarding guidelines, system adjustments, change requests, etc. Shopify offers a lot of features, of course, but you have to know that you are working on the Shopify platform, that you are limited to it and therefore restricted. Also, you have to pay a monthly and ongoing fee to Shopify for the maintenance of the platform.
STRENGTHS OF WOOCOMMERCE
Since you handle WooCommerce yourself, you also have total control and flexibility here. Changes and adjustments can be made at will and more complex individual designs can be mapped as well.
It’s also basically free, so you don’t have to pay a monthly fee. Only the extensions cost something, but the price is manageable and they are usually paid for with one-time payments.
WEAKNESSES OF WOOCOMMERCE
In order to deal with WooCommerce, you need some basic understanding and prior training. Since it is built as a plugin on WordPress, you also need to deal with WordPress. But don’t let that put you off! Anyone who is interested in it can get familiar with it well and after a short time, can handle everything themselves. That doesn’t make it as complicated as it may seem at first
Since you take care of the webshop system yourself, you also have to take care of the maintenance and upkeep yourself.
CONCLUSION
The choice of the webshop system can be very decisive. Think in advance about your goals and the future of your business. Decide only then, because switching to another store system at a later date can be very costly and time consuming.
WooCommerce and Shopify are both store systems that are great for simple and straightforward projects. However, as soon as it gets complex and multiple products or interfaces are involved, these store systems reach their limits.