Compare complete store setups rather than platform reputations. Shopify provides a hosted commerce environment. WooCommerce adds commerce functionality to WordPress. Custom development can address specific requirements but creates its own maintenance responsibilities. Each needs a scope and running-cost comparison.
Start with operational requirements
List products, variants, delivery areas and stock sources. Identify payment methods and accounting or fulfilment connections. Ask providers to demonstrate how each proposed option handles those requirements using currently supported integrations.
Do not assume a feature is included because an app exists. Check licence fees, setup work and who supports it. Separate native functionality from third-party dependencies and custom code.
Compare management and maintenance
A hosted platform can reduce infrastructure responsibilities, but still needs configuration, content upkeep and integration monitoring. A WordPress-based shop needs an explicit update and compatibility process. A custom shop needs an owner for deployments, dependencies and transaction checks.
Test product editing and order handling with the people who will use the store. A technically flexible solution can be a poor purchase if ordinary changes overwhelm the team.
Compare costs over the same period
Include build, subscriptions, paid extensions, payment charges and maintenance. Request current provider terms for the actual plan and payment arrangement; fees change and vary by setup. Do not compare only starting subscriptions.
Ask about data export and migration. Custom work is worth considering when a defined need cannot be met sensibly by standard options, not simply because “custom” sounds premium.
Decision checklist
- Required functions demonstrated in the proposed setup.
- Paid dependencies and support ownership identified.
- Staff editing and order tasks tested.
- Comparable operating costs and exit options documented.
Request a recommendation based on your catalogue and team. The best platform is the one that supports reliable selling and manageable daily operations.
A brief you can use to compare proposals
Use the following as an illustrative procurement check, not a promise of results or a fixed package. Ask the provider to turn it into named deliverables, exclusions and a test you can witness before accepting the work.
Compare the same checkout, catalogue and integration needs, including recurring apps and maintenance responsibility.
A published example to inspect
A calm, editorial website for a beauty studio, bringing natural sugaring, manicure services and booking into one coherent experience. Visitors can compare treatments and prices, understand sugaring, explore the studio and continue to booking from clearly placed calls to action.
Inspect the project: Maison Lumia
This published example illustrates presentation and visitor flow. It is not evidence of a conversion uplift, a ranking position or a price for your own project. Compare the scope you need with the capabilities actually demonstrated, then ask what would be different for your business.
Primary reference
Shopify Help Center. Use the reference to check terminology and platform requirements when briefing a provider; the proposal still needs to define your own implementation and responsibilities.
Continue your comparison
Comparing E-commerce Agency Quotes: Payments, Delivery, Product Import and Support
Official references
Discuss your project
E-commerce development · See our website and service pricing
Send your current website, target customers and the problem you want to solve. We will discuss the appropriate scope, responsibilities and next step before you commit.