Choosing Your eCommerce Platform
The platform you build your online store on will affect everything — from day-to-day management to long-term scalability. Here's an honest comparison of the main options.
Shopify
Best for: Businesses that want a reliable, all-in-one solution with minimal technical overhead.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and manage
- Excellent app ecosystem
- Built-in payment processing
- Strong security and uptime
Cons:
- Monthly fees add up (especially with apps)
- Limited customisation without Liquid knowledge
- Transaction fees on non-Shopify payments
WooCommerce
Best for: Businesses on WordPress who want maximum flexibility on a budget.
Pros:
- Free core plugin
- Unlimited customisation
- Full ownership of your data
- Huge plugin ecosystem
Cons:
- Requires more technical management
- Security is your responsibility
- Performance depends on hosting quality
Custom Build
Best for: Businesses with unique requirements that off-the-shelf solutions can't meet.
Pros:
- Complete control over every aspect
- No ongoing platform fees
- Built exactly for your workflows
- Maximum performance potential
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment
- Longer development time
- Requires ongoing developer support
Making the Decision
Consider these factors:
- Budget — both upfront and ongoing costs
- Product catalogue size — hundreds vs thousands of SKUs
- Integration needs — ERP, CRM, accounting software
- Growth plans — where you'll be in 2-3 years
- Technical resources — do you have in-house developers?
We work across all major platforms and can help you choose the right one. Explore our eCommerce services or get in touch for a recommendation based on your specific needs.