Overview
Shopify
Shopify is a fully hosted ecommerce platform designed specifically for building and managing online stores. It offers a wide range of features tailored to ecommerce, including payment processing, inventory management, marketing tools, and customer support. Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem, making it easy for users to enhance their store’s functionality.
Wix
Wix is a versatile website builder that allows users to create a variety of websites, including online stores. It is known for its drag-and-drop interface, which makes website creation accessible even to those without technical skills. While Wix offers ecommerce capabilities, it is primarily a general website builder with ecommerce features added on, making it suitable for smaller stores or businesses with simpler needs.
Comparison Tables
General Features
| Feature | Shopify | Wix |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, specifically designed for ecommerce | Very user-friendly, drag-and-drop builder |
| Hosting | Fully hosted platform | Fully hosted platform |
| Customization | Extensive with apps and themes | Good customization with drag-and-drop editor |
| Payment Options | Supports over 100 payment gateways | Limited compared to Shopify, supports major gateways |
| SEO | Strong SEO tools, customizable meta tags and URLs | Basic SEO tools, less powerful than Shopify |
| Scalability | Scales well with growing businesses | Suitable for small to medium businesses |
| Support | 24/7 customer support via chat, email, phone | 24/7 customer support |
| Security | PCI compliant, SSL certificates included | SSL certificates included |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Integrated selling on Amazon, eBay, Instagram, Facebook | Basic multi-channel selling features |
Pricing
| Pricing Aspect | Shopify | Wix |
| Base Cost | Starts at $29/month (Basic) | Starts at $23/month for Business Basic |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (waived with Shopify Payments) | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction |
| Additional Costs | Apps, themes, domain registration | Apps, domain registration |
Ecommerce Features
| Feature | Shopify | Wix |
| Inventory Management | Robust inventory tracking, alerts, bulk import/export | Basic inventory management |
| Product Variants | Supports multiple product variants | Supports product variants, but with limitations |
| Shipping Options | Integrated shipping solutions, real-time carrier rates | Basic shipping options, fewer integrations |
| Taxes | Automatic tax calculations | Configurable tax settings |
| Mobile Responsiveness | All themes are mobile responsive | All templates are mobile responsive |
Marketing and SEO
| Marketing Aspect | Shopify | Wix |
| SEO Tools | Built-in SEO features | Basic SEO tools |
| Marketing Integrations | Integrates with email marketing, social media, and more | Integrates with email marketing, social media |
| Discounts and Coupons | Built-in discount codes and promotions | Supports discount codes and coupons |
| Analytics | Comprehensive analytics and reporting | Basic analytics, additional features with premium plans |
Key Takeaways
When to Choose Shopify:
- Ecommerce Focus: If you need a platform specifically designed for ecommerce with a comprehensive set of tools tailored to online selling.
- Scalability: For businesses planning to grow significantly and need a platform that can scale with them.
- App Ecosystem: If you prefer access to a wide range of third-party apps to extend the functionality of your store.
- 24/7 Support: If having access to dedicated customer support around the clock is crucial.
When to Choose Wix:
- Ease of Use: If you want a simple, drag-and-drop website builder that doesn’t require technical skills.
- Budget: For those looking for a more affordable option for starting an online store, especially if the store is small or supplementary to other business activities.
- General Website Needs: If you need a versatile website builder that can handle not only ecommerce but also blogs, portfolios, and other types of sites.
- Small Businesses or Individuals: Ideal for small businesses, artists, or individuals who need a straightforward and easy-to-manage online presence.
