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A Guide To Shopify Pros and Cons | DeWinter Marketing & PR USA

Ecommerce Series: Shopify Pros And Cons

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When we are approached by clients with products to sell online, we’re often asked about Shopify pros and cons. Last month, we talked about what we consider the best ecommerce platform, i.e., Woo Commerce. However, Woo Commerce requires development of a WordPress website first – and then you attach the Woo Commerce widget to the WordPress website.

With Shopify, business owners can use Shopify to develop and manage an online store in an all-in-one approach. This means that the Shopify platform provides the website and an online store combined on one platform.

Shopify can serve as a convenient way to sell products online. And like any tech platform, there are pros and cons to using the Shopify platform. In this expert article, we explore highlights of Shopify pros and cons.

What Is Shopify?

Shopify is a cloud-based, commerce platform that allows individuals & businesses to create, operate, and grow their online stores, as well as facilitate in-person shopping. Shopify’s “all-in-one” approach includes modules for developing online stores, processing and managing sales, handling payments, and marketing products in their online store – as well as point-of-sale functionality for in-person shopping. The basic functionality of Shopify includes:

  • An Online Store Builder: A simple, easy-to-use interface that allow users to create online stores, including selecting design themes for the basic look of the pages, adding products, and managing / updating content. There’s also a built-in AI tool that can help write product descriptions and manage content.
  • Multiple Sales Channels: Shopify allows users to sell products directly through their online store, via social media platforms, via other online marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy, and in-person with Shopify’s point of sale system.
  • Payment Processing: Shopify integrates with a variety of payment gateways, including Shopify’s own “Shop-Pay” option that offers a one-click checkout experience for customers.
  • Marketing Tools: The Shopify platform also has a variety of marketing options integrated into the platform that includes email marketing automation, social media integrations, and tools for customer list management and segmentation.
  • Inventory Management: Shopify has an inventory management module that can track inventory levels, manage orders, and streamline the order fulfillment process.
  • Third-party Apps: Shopify also integrates with more than 8000 apps related to commerce, ranging from a drop-shipping app to AI-powered customer support widgets.

Shopify Pros And Cons: There’s A Lot To Like

  • Ease of Use: Shopify has a user-friendly interface where you can use drag-and-drop functionality to easily set up an online store, even if you’re a beginner.
  • A Comprehensive Suite of Features: Shopify has a multitude of built-in features that can help users manage the selling process from start to finish. Examples include modules for building the online store, managing products and inventory, marketing, checkout and payment processing, shipping, and more.
  • Scalability: Shopify also can be deployed by businesses of all sizes – from startups to large commercial enterprises.
  • Multiple Sales Channels: Through Shopify, users have multiple options for selling products, including their online store, on the “Shop” app, through online marketplaces such as Amazon, on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and/or via wholesale.
  • Multiple Payment Processing Options: Users have a choice of multiple payment gateways, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe.
  • Huge Range of App Options: This platform comes with an app store that offers a huge range (thousands) of extensions and tools designed to customize the online store, and enhance the user experience.
  • Built-in Cybersecurity: Shopify has security built into the platform, including SSL certificates and fraud analysis functionality.

Shopify Pros And Cons: Some Negatives To Consider

  • Potentially High Subscription & Transaction Fees: With Shopify’s free trial, users can test plans and features. After the free trial period has ended, there’s a $1 per month, post-trial period that allows entrepreneurs to get their business up and running for a minimal cost. After the post-trial period is done, users must choose and pay for a Shopify plan that best fits circumstances and the business. Shopify has multiple pricing plans, starting as low as $5 per month. The most popular Shopify plan is Basic, which includes everything needed to run a business and costs $29 per month when billed annually. Shopify users can expand their stores’ features with third-party apps, which may carry additional costs. However, the combination of subscription and transaction fees can add up and take a bite out of profits.
  • Limited Design Options: The ability to customize page designs is limited and doesn’t offer as much design flexibility as compared to other platforms.
  • Limitations on Content Management: Blogging and content management capabilities on Shopify are not as strong as platforms like WordPress.
  • Shopify Payments Module Is Not Available In All Countries: For businesses targeted global markets, Shopify may not be able to provide payment processing in all the countries being targeted for the online store.
  • Third-party Apps Can Ratchet Up The Monthly Costs: Users may find that they need to buy additional third-party apps to get features & functions needed or wanted for the online store. This can increase costs.
  • Limited Email Marketing: Shopify’s email marketing module covers the basics but is not as comprehensive as dedicated email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact or Mailchimp.
  • Difficulty In Migrating Data Away From Shopify: Some users have found it difficult to easily migrate their data and online store away from Shopify to another online store platform. In essence, Shopify locks you into staying on Shopify by making it difficult to seamlessly pick up the data and the online store and migrate the elements to another e-commerce platform.

What Business Scenarios Fit Shopify?

Shopify is used for small, medium, and large commercial operations. However, Shopify is particularly helpful for startups because the platform offers drag-and-drop functionality for building online stores. Users can create an online store without having any coding experience. However, Shopify also is used by large commercial operations.

Summary: There are many Shopify pros and cons that affect businesses differently. If you’re just starting a business and need to get an online store going as soon as possible, Shopify provides the ability to quickly create a website/online store. The downside is that design functionality is limited – and when users want a fancier-looking page, it often requires the purchase of third-party apps to achieve a more sophisticated look and feel.

Need help with developing or refreshing your e-commerce presence or an online store? Contact DeWinter Marketing & PR for help.

Courtney DeWinter is the president & founder of Denver-based DeWinter Marketing & PR in Denver, Colorado. She is a marketing & PR consultant with 30+ years of experience in branding, marketing, public relations, websites & journalism. She serves as the agency's strategic & creative director, lead writer & SEO guru.

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