Starting an online store today is easier than ever, but choosing the right platform? That’s where things can get tricky. Two of the most popular options people compare are Wix and Shopify. They’re kind of like Coke and Pepsi – similar at first glance, but still with a different taste as you start drinking.
Both platforms help people build online stores easily, but they do it in different ways. So, which one should you choose for your online business? That’s the question we’ll break down in this short article.
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The basics: Wix vs Shopify
Wix is more like a jack-of-all-trades website builder or like a Swiss army knife – it does a bit of everything. You can create portfolios, blogs, restaurant sites, and yes, ecommerce stores. It’s perfect if you’re dipping your toes into selling online and want a website that also does other stuff.
Shopify, on the other hand, has one goal – to help people sell online. It gives you the tools to both sell handmade candles you craft in your garage and run a growing clothing brand.
Now, here’s something that often trips people up: switching from Wix to Shopify later on can be a bit of a process. If you start with Wix but then outgrow it, you’ll need a Wix to Shopify migration service to get all your data moved over smoothly. It’s doable, but definitely something to keep in mind from the start.
Pros and cons of Wix for ecommerce
Pros:
- Wix offers a drag-and-drop builder that is super intuitive. Building a site on Wix feels doesn’t require complex technical skills.
- You get tons of templates, and you can move elements around wherever you want. It’s great for people who want creative control.
- Wix is generally more budget-friendly when you’re just starting out.
Cons:
- Wix is fine for smaller shops, but once you’re dealing with a bigger product lineup or need more advanced features, you may start feeling that Wix is not enough for your needs.
- It has the basics, but if you want more advanced checkout and logistics capabilities, it falls short.
- The Wix App Market is improving, but it doesn’t match Shopify’s vast range of powerful ecommerce tools.
Pros and cons of Shopify for ecommerce
Pros:
- In Shopify, everything from its interface to its features is made for ecommerce. As if you were starting a physical store, where the shelves are prepared and you just need to bring your products and place them there.
- Whether you’re selling 10 products or 10,000, Shopify can handle it. Big brands use Shopify for a reason.
- Shopify’s App Store is packed with tools to help you boost sales, manage inventory, and streamline shipping.
Cons:
- The templates look sharp, but you don’t get as much creative freedom as you do with Wix. It’s more of a “stick to the structure” kind of platform.
- The starting price is reasonable, but costs add up rather quickly when you start connecting apps and adding features.
- It’s not that hard, but it’s not as straightforward as Wix. More setup and strategy are needed.
So, which one’s right for you?
If you want a simple store and have a small product line, Wix may be a better option. If you have a large product catalog, plan to scale your online business, and need all possible ecommerce capabilities, you may prefer Shopify.
The choice between Wix vs Shopify for ecommerce is similar to choosing between a regular bike and a powerful sports car. The first one is easy to hop on, and the other is better if you need to go the distance. Choose the one that matches where you’re headed.
