Discover the Best Shopify Alternatives for Ecommerce in 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Wix
3. Squarespace
4. Bigcommerce
5. WooCommerce
6. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento)
7. Big Cartel
8. Zyro
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In the world of e-commerce, Shopify is a well-known and widely trusted platform that provides an all-in-one solution for online merchants. However, its pricing can be a bit steep, especially for those just starting their e-commerce journey. Fortunately, there are several Shopify alternatives worth considering. In this article, we will explore these alternatives in detail, discussing their features, pricing, and suitability for different types of businesses.

Wix

Wix is a popular website builder that also offers an e-commerce platform. It is ideal for beginners and small store owners who are not tech-savvy. With its easy drag-and-drop editor and a wide range of e-commerce templates, Wix makes it simple to build a good-looking store. However, it's important to note that while building a basic website is free on Wix, access to e-commerce features requires a paid subscription. The basic e-commerce plan starts at $27 per month.

Squarespace

Squarespace, like Wix, also provides a drag-and-drop functionality that doesn't require extensive technical skills. Originally designed for building beautiful websites, Squarespace can also be used for e-commerce. However, it's important to consider that Squarespace's e-commerce features are limited, making it more suitable for businesses where the online store is not the main focus. Squarespace offers high-quality templates but lacks extensive integrations and payment options. The business plan for e-commerce starts at $23 per month.

Bigcommerce

Bigcommerce is an e-commerce platform primarily designed for building online stores, especially for enterprise-level companies. It offers a wide range of built-in features and customization options. One of the advantages of Bigcommerce is that no coding skills are required to build a store. However, customization options are not as extensive as those provided by Wix or Squarespace. Bigcommerce has fewer integrations compared to other platforms, and it also charges additional fees if you exceed your sales limit. The cheapest plan starts at $29.95 per month, with a 10% discount available for annual sign-ups.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress that allows users to build an online store on their existing WordPress website. The plugin itself is free to download, but it's important to note that users still have to pay for their WordPress website. While WooCommerce offers a high level of customization, it requires some technical knowledge. Businesses that use WooCommerce often require the assistance of a professional developer. Despite its initial cost-effectiveness, there are additional expenses for extensions and plugins. It's best suited for those who already have a WordPress site and want to add a shopping cart.

Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento)

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is a powerful e-commerce platform designed specifically for online businesses. It offers a wide range of features, including live search and complex product recommendations. However, Magento has a steep learning curve and can be quite complex for beginners. It's not a platform for DIY enthusiasts, and businesses using Magento usually require the assistance of a professional developer. Pricing for Adobe Commerce is not readily available and requires a request on their website, indicating that it is more suitable for enterprise-level companies.

Big Cartel

Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform popular among makers, artists, and crafters. It provides customizable templates, domain name registration, and marketing tools, making it easy to set up a simple online store. However, Big Cartel lacks advanced features and integrations necessary for scaling a business. Pricing is based on the number of products sold, and while the first five products are free, costs can increase as the business grows. Big Cartel also has limitations on the number of pictures per product, even on paid plans.

Zyro

Zyro is a relatively new e-commerce platform designed for smaller online stores. It's easy to learn and has an affordable starting price of just $3.99 per month. With a low barrier to entry, Zyro is suitable for beginners who want to try out e-commerce without making a significant investment. However, it's important to note that as a new platform, Zyro lacks some tools and features typically found in more mature e-commerce builders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several Shopify alternatives available for those seeking an e-commerce platform. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the right one will depend on your specific needs and budget. Wix offers extensive customization options and is ideal for small online stores. Squarespace is known for its beautiful designs and is a good choice for niche markets. Bigcommerce is a comprehensive platform suitable for large volume sellers. WooCommerce integrates seamlessly with WordPress sites. Adobe Commerce is a powerful but complex platform for enterprise-level businesses. Big Cartel is a simple option for creative individuals. Finally, Zyro is an affordable choice for beginners. Consider your requirements and explore these alternatives to find the best fit for your e-commerce business.

Highlights

• Wix: Extensive customization for small online stores.
• Squarespace: Beautiful designs for niche markets.
• Bigcommerce: Comprehensive platform for large volume sellers.
• WooCommerce: Seamless integration with WordPress sites.
• Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento): Powerful but complex for enterprise-level businesses.
• Big Cartel: Simple option for creative individuals.
• Zyro: Affordable choice for beginners.
• Consider your requirements and budget to make the best choice.

FAQ

Q: Can I start with Shopify and migrate to one of these alternatives later? A: Yes, it is possible to migrate from Shopify to a different platform. However, it can be a complex process, so proper planning and assistance may be required.

Q: Are these alternatives suitable for dropshipping businesses? A: Yes, most of these alternatives support dropshipping. However, it's important to check each platform's specific features and integrations to ensure they meet your dropshipping requirements.

Q: Can I customize the look and feel of my store on these platforms? A: Yes, most of these platforms offer customization options to match your brand's look and feel. However, the level of customization may vary, so it's important to explore each platform's capabilities.

Q: Do these platforms provide SEO tools and features? A: Yes, these platforms generally offer SEO tools and features to optimize your online store for search engines. However, the extent of these tools may vary, so it's worth exploring each platform's SEO capabilities.

Q: Can I sell digital products on these platforms? A: Yes, all of these platforms support the sale of physical and digital products. However, it's important to check the specific features and limitations of each platform regarding digital product sales.