Key takeaways
- Shopify is the fastest way to launch a standard store.
- WooCommerce suits content-led brands already on WordPress and teams that want control.
- Custom or headless commerce fits complex pricing, B2B and unique experiences.
- Payments, shipping, tax invoicing and speed matter more than the logo of the platform.
Side by side
| Shopify | WooCommerce | Custom or headless | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Hosted for you | You manage hosting | You decide |
| Time to launch | Fastest | Fast to moderate | Longest |
| Flexibility | Good, within the platform | High | Highest |
| Upkeep | Platform handles most of it | You manage updates and security | Your team or partner manages it |
| Cost pattern | Monthly plan plus apps and fees | Hosting, plugins and maintenance | Highest upfront, lowest platform fees |
Which one fits you
- Small to mid catalogue, launch quickly: Shopify.
- Strong content or blog, existing WordPress site: WooCommerce.
- B2B pricing, multi-vendor marketplace or custom workflows: custom or headless, for example a Next.js storefront on a commerce back end.
A checklist for Indian online stores
- Local payment options such as UPI, cards and wallets through a gateway like Razorpay.
- Shipping and courier integrations with tracking.
- GST-ready invoices and tax settings.
- Mobile-first checkout tested on real phones.
- Fast pages: compressed images and few heavy plugins.
- Product schema and clean URLs for search visibility.
Common mistakes
- Installing too many plugins or apps that slow the store down.
- Uploading huge unoptimised product images.
- Skipping tests on mobile checkout.
- Ignoring analytics, so nobody knows where shoppers drop off.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Shopify or WooCommerce?
It depends. Shopify has a predictable monthly fee plus apps; WooCommerce is free software but you pay for hosting, plugins and maintenance. Compare the total yearly cost.
Can I switch platforms later?
Yes, products, customers and orders can usually be migrated, but plan for redirects and SEO so you do not lose rankings.
Is Shopify good for Indian stores?
Yes, many Indian brands use it. Check that the payment, shipping and invoicing options you need are supported before you commit.
