Choosing Between Shopify and Ecwid for Your eCommerce Business
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Comparison of Website Builders
- App Store Selection
- Scalability
- Community Support
- Product Limitations and Features
- Pricing Models
- Transaction Fees
- Free Trial and Discounts
- Customer Support
- Conclusion
Shopify vs. Ecwid: Choosing the Best eCommerce Platform for Your Business
Introduction
Starting an online store requires careful consideration of various factors, including the choice of an eCommerce platform. Shopify and Ecwid are two popular options that offer different features and functionalities. In this article, we will compare these platforms in terms of website builders, app store selection, scalability, community support, product limitations and features, pricing models, transaction fees, free trial and discounts, as well as customer support. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which platform is the best fit for your eCommerce business.
Comparison of Website Builders
One of the key aspects to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform is the quality of the website builder. In this regard, Shopify excels, offering a superior website builder that allows for the addition of custom pages and content. On the other hand, Ecwid's website builder is not as advanced and lacks options for customization.
App Store Selection
The availability of apps is crucial for expanding the functionality of your online store. Shopify has a significant advantage in this area, providing a larger selection of apps that cover a wide range of features. Ecwid, while offering a decent app market, still has some gaps that need to be filled, and many of the apps require additional payment.
Scalability
Scalability is an important consideration, as your business may grow over time. Shopify is known for its scalability, catering to businesses of all sizes. With robust features and resources, Shopify offers a platform that can accommodate the needs of any eCommerce business. Ecwid, though capable, is a preferred option for WordPress websites, but if you are looking to build an eCommerce website from scratch, Shopify is a better choice.
Community Support
Having access to a supportive community can make a significant difference in your eCommerce journey. Shopify boasts a much larger community, which means there are more resources available, including forums, tutorials, and guides. Ecwid also has a capable user base, but it falls short in comparison to Shopify's thriving community.
Product Limitations and Features
In Ecwid, the packages differ in terms of the number of products you can sell. The Venture package allows up to 100 products, the Business package allows up to 2500 products, and the Unlimited package allows an unlimited number of products. Furthermore, Ecwid limits the features available in each package, with only the Unlimited package offering all the tools and features the platform provides. However, it is worth noting that Ecwid offers a free plan with limited features and tools, allowing you to test the platform with real customers before deciding on a paid plan.
On the other hand, Shopify includes most of its features with all packages, except for the Advanced package that offers additional functionalities. However, the major difference in Shopify's pricing structure lies in the transaction fees. Shopify charges additional fees for using third-party payment gateways, such as PayPal and Amazon Pay. The fees vary depending on the package, with the Basic plan at 2%, the Standard plan at 1%, and the Advanced plan at 0.5%. However, if you use Shopify Payments, the native payment gateway, you are not charged any additional fees.
Pricing Models
Both Ecwid and Shopify offer a range of plans suited for businesses of different sizes. Ecwid's pricing is based on the package you choose, with the Venture, Business, and Unlimited packages offering increasing features and capabilities. Notably, Ecwid offers a discount equivalent to two months free if you opt for annual payments, which can result in significant cost savings, especially for the Business and Unlimited packages.
Shopify, on the other hand, offers different pricing plans that include varying features. Currently, Shopify is offering a three-day free trial, and the first three months cost just one dollar per month, enabling you to test the platform with paying customers. However, it's important to consider the transaction fees mentioned earlier when considering the overall cost.
Transaction Fees
As mentioned previously, Shopify charges transaction fees for the use of third-party payment gateways. This can add to the total costs of running your online store, especially if you anticipate a high volume of transactions. However, if you use Shopify Payments as your payment gateway, these additional fees are waived, making it a more cost-effective option.
Ecwid, on the other hand, does not charge any transaction fees, regardless of the payment gateway used. This can be an advantage for businesses with higher transaction volumes, as it eliminates the additional costs associated with payments processed through third-party gateways.
Free Trial and Discounts
Ecwid offers a free plan that serves as a replacement for a free trial. This plan allows you to try out the platform with real customers, albeit with limitations. The free plan restricts you to selling only five products and provides a limited selection of tools and features. However, it offers a valuable opportunity to test the platform's capabilities before committing to a paid plan. Additionally, Ecwid provides a discount equivalent to two months free when you choose to pay for the plans annually.
Shopify, on the other hand, offers a three-day free trial that allows you to explore all the features and functionalities of the platform. Moreover, Shopify currently has a promotion where the first three months cost just one dollar per month, providing an affordable option for testing the platform with live customers.
Customer Support
Having reliable customer support is crucial when running an online store, as technical issues can arise at any time. Ecwid offers support options that vary based on the package you choose. The Venture package includes email and live chat support, while the Business package adds phone support. The Unlimited package provides priority email, live chat, and phone support. However, it's important to note that the phone support is only available between 2 pm and 10 pm Pacific time, which may not be ideal for businesses located in different time zones.
Shopify, on the other hand, offers 24/7 support to all users, regardless of their plan. Support is available via live chat, phone, or email, ensuring that you can promptly receive assistance whenever you need it. Shopify's round-the-clock support, along with their active presence on Twitter, ensures that you have multiple channels to reach out for help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Shopify and Ecwid have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Shopify offers a superior website builder, a larger app store selection, robust scalability, a thriving community, and comprehensive customer support. On the other hand, Ecwid excels in being a capable eCommerce option for WordPress websites and provides a free plan for testing purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two platforms depends on your specific business needs, budget, and growth plans. Consider the features, limitations, pricing models, and support options, and make an informed decision that aligns with your eCommerce goals. Whether you choose Shopify or Ecwid, both platforms can provide you with the tools and resources necessary to create and manage a successful online store.
