Is WooComerce better and cheaper than Shopify?

The online consensus seems to be that WooCommerce is cheaper in the long run, but Shopify is easier to set up… Let’s compare WooCommerce and Shopify.

Let’s quickly look at:
1) initial setup
2) expertise required to setup
3) monthly backend maintenance
4) cost, purchase costs as well as monthly subscription costs.

Let’s compare WooCommerce and Shopify based on these factors.

1. Initial Setup:
   • WooCommerce: Requires more effort during initial setup. It’s a self-hosted plugin for WordPress, so you’ll need to set up a WordPress site, install WooCommerce, and configure it.
     • Hosting costs
     • Basic WooComerce is free, although you might need to shell out for an extension or 3.
     • Payment gateway might need a subscription service and/or transaction fees.
   • Shopify: Easier and faster to set up. It’s a fully hosted platform, so you don’t need to worry about server setup or technical details.
     • Need to create an account to start off with (like hosting).
       
2. Expertise Required:
   • WooCommerce: Offers better customization and design flexibility, but this also means you’ll need some developer knowledge to fully utilize its features.
   • Shopify: Provides a more complete package, ideal for business owners who want to avoid dealing with technical aspects. Less expertise is required.
     
3. Monthly Backend Maintenance:
   • WooCommerce: As a self-hosted solution, you’ll need to handle updates, security, and backups yourself, or alternatively, an E-commerce hosting service subscription.
   • Shopify: Handles backend maintenance for you, including updates, security, and hosting. You can focus on your business.
     
4. Cost:
   • WooCommerce:
     • Hosting costs from R2400.00/year (around $125/year) and domain registration fees from R150.00 (about $9/year).
     • No monthly subscription fee, but transaction-based fees may apply.
     • If you’re in S.A., you can take payments through YOCO or Payfast (accounts required).
     • Requires robust hosting, not the cheap kind. You can’t skimp here.
   • Shopify:
     • Basic Shopify: R500/month ($25/month) (best for new e-commerce businesses).
     • Shopify (middle package): R1350/month ($69/month for growing businesses).
     • Advanced Shopify: R7700.00/month ($399/month (for scaling businesses with advanced reporting needs).
     • Hosting, SSL certificate, and other essentials included in the subscription.
     • List of all features.
     • Transaction fees apply.
       
5. Other Factors to Consider:
   • Customization: WooCommerce offers more creative freedom, and additional functionality at a cost. But Shopify simplifies things.
   • User-Friendliness: Shopify’s dashboard is user-friendly, while WooCommerce requires more familiarity with WordPress.
   • Scalability: Shopify scales well as your business grows. WooCommerce tends to get more expensive the more its functionality extends (through added paid extensions, renewable each year.)
   • Community Support: Both platforms have active communities and support resources.

In summary, is WooCommerce cheaper? Eh! It depends on what your goal is. If you are running a simple store with not much additional features, then WooCommerce might just be the better option on price.
If you prefer simplicity and want to avoid technical complexities, Shopify might be a better choice and is most definitely better for non-tech people. However, if you value customisation and have some developer -, or nerd expertise, WooCommerce could be a great fit, offering better non-default features and expandability. When it runs, it is smooth and there seems to be a plugin or a piece of code for every extra extension. Consider your specific needs and business goals when making your decision!