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Forget Shopify! These Alternatives Can Save You $500/Mo

#E-commerce
2025-10-24 16:2810 min read

Content Introduction
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This video critiques Shopify as an ideal e-commerce platform, arguing that it is not the best fit for everyone. The speaker shares personal experiences running a seven-figure online store for nearly two decades and highlights hidden drawbacks of using Shopify, such as high app fees, restrictive payment processing, and sudden account suspensions. The discussion outlines alternatives like Woo Commerce and Big Commerce, emphasizing their flexibility, lower costs, and better control for users. It cautions against the ease of setting up simple sites on platforms like Wix and Squarespace, which may not scale effectively for serious businesses. The speaker urges viewers to make informed choices based on their unique business needs rather than just following trends.

Key Information

  • The discussion begins with the assertion that while many recommend Shopify for online selling, it may not be the best platform for everyone.
  • Shopify has a base plan that appears affordable but can lead to significant additional costs with app fees.
  • The average Shopify store uses multiple additional apps, which can amount to $400-$500 in monthly expenses, making the initial low cost misleading.
  • Shopify Payments, the in-house payment processing system, is only available in about 22 countries, leading to additional transaction fees for other payment processors.
  • Shopify has hidden drawbacks that include a lack of control for users, and accounts can be suspended due to issues like price gouging during emergencies such as the pandemic.
  • The speaker emphasizes that using Shopify may lead to excessive fees and reduced flexibility for business operations.
  • Alternatives to Shopify, such as Woo Commerce and Shift for Shop, are discussed as potential better options.
  • Woo Commerce allows for greater freedom to sell various types of products, including those otherwise restricted by Shopify.
  • Shift for Shop is highlighted for its potential to be free with certain conditions, compared to Shopify's monthly fees.
  • Big Commerce is positioned as a strong competition for Shopify, offering built-in features that do not incur additional costs.
  • While platforms like Wix and Squarespace are easy to use for small projects, they may not be suitable for scaling businesses due to their limitations.

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

Shopify

A popular e-commerce platform that is widely recommended for online selling, but may not be the best choice for everyone due to hidden costs and limitations. It can become expensive with app fees and restricts some business practices.

E-commerce alternatives

Alternatives to Shopify include Woo Commerce, Big Commerce, and Shift for Shop. These platforms can offer more flexibility and lower costs, catering to the needs of various business models.

Woo Commerce

A WordPress e-commerce plug-in that allows for complete control and customization of an online store. It's suitable for those who want to create a feature-rich site and are technically inclined.

Big Commerce

An e-commerce platform that offers extensive built-in features and flexibility without the transaction fee penalties found in Shopify, making it suitable for businesses with larger catalogs.

Shift for Shop

A lesser-known platform for e-commerce that can be completely free if specific requirements are met, offering a robust feature set similar to enterprise solutions without subscription fees.

Wix and Squarespace

These website builders are good for small side projects or hobby shops but lack the functionality and scalability needed for serious e-commerce ventures.

Related questions&answers

Is Shopify the best e-commerce platform for everyone?

No, Shopify is not the best e-commerce platform for everyone. Depending on what you sell and how you run your business, Shopify could actually be the worst choice.

What are some hidden drawbacks of using Shopify?

Shopify has some serious hidden drawbacks, such as being bare bones out of the box, requiring numerous apps that lead to additional costs, and imposing extra transaction fees if using third-party processors.

What is an alternative to Shopify for e-commerce?

Woo Commerce is one alternative to Shopify that provides more freedom and flexibility as it is built on WordPress, which powers over 40% of the internet.

Does Shopify have payment processing fees?

Yes, Shopify charges an extra 1 to 2% on every sale if you're not using their in-house payment gateway, Shopify Payments, which is only available in about 22 countries.

What are the advantages of using Big Commerce over Shopify?

Big Commerce provides better built-in functionality without additional fees for apps, offers more product flexibility without limits on variants, and does not charge transaction fees for using outside processors.

What should small businesses do if they want to build a serious online store?

If you want to build a serious business that you can scale, it is advisable to choose a platform like Woo Commerce or Big Commerce rather than Wix or Squarespace, which may not support larger catalogs or advanced features.

Is Shift for Shop free?

Shift for Shop can be 100% free, but there are requirements such as processing at least $1,000 a month using their payment gateway.

What should entrepreneurs consider before choosing an e-commerce platform?

Entrepreneurs should consider their business model, budget, and how much control they want over their store when choosing an e-commerce platform. It's important not to just follow the crowd.

What resources can I use to learn more about e-commerce business models?

You can watch videos and tutorials on various e-commerce business models and their pros and cons to better understand your options.

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