Shopify vs Ecwid: Which is Better for Small Business?

If you’re a small business owner looking to kickstart your e-commerce journey, you’ve probably come across Shopify and Ecwid.

Both platforms are popular choices, but you’re asking Shopify vs Ecwid: which is better for small business?

Will your small business be better served by a Shopify store or an Ecwid store?

It’s not an easy answer, everyone’s business needs are going to be different.

For example, how much control do you want on things like inventory control, email marketing strategies, product layouts or SEO?

Almost as important, what is the budget for your e-store?

Your ecommerce platform is vital to the long-term success of your online business, so you want to make the right, informed decision.

This article will give you the information you need by getting into the nitty-gritty of the pros and cons of these two popular ecommerce platforms.  

Shopify vs Ecwid: Key Takeaways for Small Businesses

• Shopify is ideal for building a fully-fledged online store from scratch.
• Ecwid excels at integrating e-commerce features into existing websites.
• Pricing: Ecwid offers a free plan; Shopify has a 3-day trial and $1/month for the first three months on Basic or higher plans.
• Ease of Use: Ecwid is simpler for beginners; Shopify offers more customization.
• Inventory Management: Shopify is more robust.
• Design & Customization: Shopify offers more themes and customization.
• SEO & Marketing: Shopify has stronger SEO tools.
• Customer Support: Shopify provides 24/7 support; Ecwid’s support depends on the plan.

Introduction

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for small businesses.

It can make or break your online presence, and by extension, your entire business.

So with that in mind, here’s a quick comparison of the key differences between Shopify and Ecwid to help you decide.

(But keep reading for a more in-depth comparison of these two e-commerce platforms.)

Key Differences Between Shopify and Ecwid

• Scalability and Growth:
  • Shopify: Offers advanced features and scalability, making it suitable for growing businesses.
  • Ecwid: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with simpler e-commerce needs.
• Integration with Existing Websites:
  • Ecwid: Excels at integrating e-commerce functionality into existing websites like WordPress, Wix, or Joomla.
  • Shopify: Primarily designed for creating standalone e-commerce sites, but offers some integration capabilities.
• Customization and Design:
  • Shopify: Offers over 210 themes and extensive customization options, including HTML and CSS access.
  • Ecwid: Provides 30+ customizable templates, but lacks the depth of customization available in Shopify.
• Point of Sale (POS) Features:
  • Shopify: Built-in POS features, including Shopify POS Lite and advanced options in Shopify POS Pro.
  • Ecwid: Relies on third-party POS solutions, which may require additional setup and costs.
• Inventory Management:
  • Shopify: Comprehensive inventory management tools, including location-based tracking and automated updates.
  • Ecwid: Basic inventory tracking, lacking advanced features.
• SEO Capabilities:
  • Shopify: Strong SEO tools, including control over URL creation, redirects, and Core Web Vitals optimization.
  • Ecwid: Limited SEO functionality, may require additional manual steps or third-party apps.
• Customer Support:
  • Shopify: Omnichannel support, including phone support for higher-tier plans.
  • Ecwid: Support depends on the plan, with more limited options for free and lower-tier plans.

The In-Depth Shopify vs Ecwid Comparison

Shopify vs Ecwid: Price

Shopify Pricing Plans

To open a Shopify store, they offer five pricing plans:

• Starter: $5/month
• Basic: $39/month
• Shopify: $105/month
• Advanced: $399/month
• Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month
• Transaction Fees: 2% on the Starter plan if not using Shopify Payments.

Shopify also provides a 3-day trial and an offer of $1/month for 3 months on the Basic or higher plans.

Each plan allows you to sell an unlimited number of products, but the higher the plan, the more advanced features you get, such as better reporting and lower credit card transaction fees.

Ecwid Pricing Plans

To open an Ecwid store, there are four pricing plans:

• Free: $0/month
• Venture: $25/month
• Business: $45/month
• Unlimited: $105/month
• Transaction Fees: No transaction fees, even with third-party payment gateways.

The free Ecwid plan is a standout feature, though it limits you to 5 products and doesn’t allow selling on social channels like Facebook or Instagram.

As you move up the pricing ladder, you get access to more products and advanced features like abandoned cart saving and point-of-sale (POS) capabilities.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to cost considersations?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel for small businesses that Ecwid’s free plan is a great starting point if you have a limited budget and a small product catalog.

However, if you need a more comprehensive solution with unlimited products and advanced features, Shopify’s Basic plan at $39/month offers better value.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Ease of Use

Shopify

• Shopify is known for its drag-and-drop customization and intuitive setup process.
• Even beginners can easily navigate through its detailed guides and start building their online store without much hassle.

Ecwid

• Ecwid boasts a simple control panel and a visually appealing setup wizard, making it incredibly easy for existing website owners to add e-commerce functionality.
• It’s perfect for those who want a quick setup without diving deep into technicalities.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to being easy to use for beginners and non-tech users?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel for absolute beginners, Ecwid might be easier due to its straightforward setup and integration with existing websites.

However, Shopify offers more comprehensive guides and a more intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it user-friendly as well.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Store Design and Customization

Shopify:

• Themes: 13 free themes and over 210 paid themes ($0-$450).
• Customization: Easy drag and drop customization, with Liquid code for advanced customization.
• Mobile Optimization: All themes are mobile-optimized.

Ecwid:

• Templates: 79 free templates for Instant Site.
• Customization: Limited, mainly focused on the homepage.
• Design Simplicity: Ideal for small businesses with tight budgets.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid: Which is better for small business when it comes to store design and customization?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel if you want a fully customizable and aesthetically pleasing store, Shopify is the clear winner.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Inventory and Product Management

Managing products and inventory isn’t sexy, but it’s the backbone of e-commerce.

Shopify and Ecwid tackle this differently, and your choice could save (or cost) you time, money, and headaches.

Shopify:

• You can add unlimited products (yep, go wild) and organize them with categories and tags. Shopify doesn’t just keep tabs on stock; it runs the show.
• Bulk uploads: Got a boatload of items? Upload them all at once with CSV files.
• Real-time tracking: Know what’s selling and where it’s going.
• Multi-location management: Selling from multiple warehouses? No problem; Shopify’s got you.
  

Ecwid:

• Product Uploads: Limited (5 on free plan, 100-2,500 on paid plans).
• Ecwid provides basic inventory tracking, allowing you to manage stock levels at the product level.
• Sends you low-stock alerts.
• However, it lacks advanced features like multi-location tracking, which can be a limitation for growing businesses.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to inventory and product management?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel businesses with large product catalogs will find Shopify’s inventory management superior.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Point of Sale (POS)

Shopify:

• Built-in POS Lite and Advanced POS Pro: Shopify offers built-in POS features with its POS Lite included in all plans and an advanced POS Pro available for $89/location/month. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses with physical storefronts.
• Availability: Shopify POS is available in multiple countries, ensuring that you can manage sales seamlessly whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, or other major markets.
• Hardware: Easily order POS hardware online.

Ecwid:

• Limited POS Integrations: Ecwid provides POS features only on its Unlimited plan, with integrations limited to Square, Clover, and Alice. This can be restrictive if your business operates in a country where these services aren’t available.
• POS Availability: Ecwid’s POS features are available only on the Unlimited plan, making it a more costly option for small businesses that need physical store capabilities.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to a point of sale (POS) system?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify, with its built-in POS features, is more versatile for businesses with physical locations.

Shopify vs Ecwid: SEO and Marketing

Shopify:

• Comprehensive SEO Features: Shopify excels in SEO with robust tools for URL creation, meta descriptions, and Core Web Vitals. This ensures your store ranks well on search engines.
• Built-in Blogs: Shopify includes built-in blogging capabilities, which are crucial for content marketing and driving organic traffic.
• Advanced Marketing Tools: Shopify offers advanced marketing tools like Shopify Email, Facebook Ads, and Google Shopping, making it easier to reach your target audience.

Ecwid:

• Basic SEO Controls: Ecwid provides basic SEO controls over titles and meta tags but lacks the depth of Shopify’s SEO features.
• Limited Marketing Tools: On the free plan, Ecwid doesn’t offer blogs, and its marketing tools are limited compared to Shopify.
• Multilingual Support: Ecwid supports 36 languages, making it easier to cater to a global audience.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to SEO and Marketing?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify takes the crown here with its comprehensive SEO tools and advanced marketing capabilities.

Ecwid’s basic SEO features and limited marketing tools make it less effective for driving organic traffic.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Multi-Currency Selling

Shopify:

• Shopify makes global selling easy with Shopify Payments and Shopify Markets.
• Shopify Payments allows for multi-currency checkout, automatically displaying prices based on the customer’s IP address.
• Shopify Markets takes it a step further by enabling localization, allowing you to tailor your store’s language, currency, and payment preferences for different regions.

Ecwid:

• Ecwid offers built-in multilingual support for up to 36 languages, making it easier to cater to a global audience.
• However, for currency conversion, you’ll need to rely on third-party apps like the Currency Converter app. This app displays prices in various local currencies but switches back to the default currency at checkout, which can be a bit confusing for international customers.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to being able to sell in multiple currencies?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel when it comes to global selling features on the two e-commerce platforms, Shopify takes the lead over Ecwid.

Its integrated multi-currency checkout and localization tools offer a seamless experience for international customers, making it a more robust option for businesses looking to expand globally.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Payment Gateways

Shopify:

• Integrations: 100+ payment gateways, Shopify Payments with no transaction fees (country-restricted).
• Fees: 2% transaction fee on the Starter plan for alternative gateways.

Ecwid:

• Integrations: 100+ payment gateways, no transaction fees by Ecwid.
• Lightspeed Payments: Available in select countries.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to available payment gateways?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel both platforms offer extensive payment options, but If you’re looking to avoid additional transaction fees, Ecwid is a good option.

However, if you prefer a more integrated payment solution and don’t mind paying a small fee, Shopify Payments can be a convenient choice.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Apps and Integrations

Shopify:

• 13,000+ apps in the Shopify App Store.
• Advanced integrations for automation and functionality.
• Flexibility for scaling and adding features.

Ecwid:

• 347 apps in the Ecwid App Market.
• Zapier support for additional integrations.
• Perfect for small businesses needing basic e-commerce features.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to available apps and intergrations?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify’s larger app store provides more flexibility and integration options.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Dropshipping and Print-on-Demand

Shopify:

• Shopify is a dropshipping powerhouse with over 623 dropshipping apps, including popular ones like DSers, Spocket, and Oberlo.
• It also boasts robust print-on-demand integrations with services like Printify and Printful.
• This extensive ecosystem makes Shopify a go-to platform for entrepreneurs looking to start a dropshipping or print-on-demand business.

Ecwid:

• Ecwid supports dropshipping and print-on-demand but with fewer options—only 13 dropshipping apps and 3 print-on-demand apps, including Printful.
• While it gets the job done, the limited selection means fewer choices for suppliers and products.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to dropshipping and print on demand?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify wins hands down in the dropshipping and print-on-demand arena.

Its vast array of apps and integrations provides more flexibility and options for businesses, making it the better choice for those focusing on these business models.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Languages

Shopify:

• Translation: Requires third-party apps for translation.
• Localization: Shopify Markets for localization.

Ecwid:

• Translation: Built-in multilingual support for 36 languages.
• Custom Text: Available for product details and more.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes translating into other languages?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel this is easily Ecwid’s win.

Ecwid’s built-in multilingual support makes it easier to reach a global audience in their own language.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Customer Support

Shopify:

• Shopify offers 24/7 support via email and live chat,
• Phone support available for Shopify Plus users.
• The platform also has a comprehensive library of online resources and an active user community.

Ecwid:

• Ecwid’s support varies by plan.
• The free plan offers email support, while the Venture plan adds live chat.
• Phone support is available on the Business and Unlimited plans.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to customer support?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify offers more extensive support options, including 24/7 availability, making it easier for businesses to get the help they need, available across all paid plans.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Shipping Options

Shopify:

• Real-time shipping rates for USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, etc.
• Discounts up to 88% (plan-dependent).

Ecwid:

• Supports USPS, UPS, FedEx, and others.
• Discounts up to 50% through USPS.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to shipping options?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel Shopify offers more comprehensive shipping options and significant discounts.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Social and Marketplace Selling

Shopify

• Supports sales on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, and more.
• Buy Button for selling on blogs/websites.

Ecwid

• Supports Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay from Venture plan ($25/month).

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to shipping options?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel both ecommerce platforms support multi-channel selling, but Shopify offers more flexibility and integration options.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Best Platform for New vs Existing Websites

Shopify:

• Shopify is the go-to platform if you’re starting from scratch.
• It allows you to build a fully-fledged standalone online store with multi-page websites.
• The customization options are extensive, and the platform is highly scalable.
• Shopify’s themes are optimized for mobile, and you can tweak every part of your website to fit your brand’s aesthetic.

Ecwid:

• Ecwid, on the other hand, shines when it comes to integrating with existing websites.
• Its Instant Site feature allows you to create a one-page store quickly.
• The platform integrates seamlessly with popular website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.

Verdict

So when comparing Shopify vs Ecwid, which is better for small business when it comes to a new or existing website?

At Launchyoursmallbusiness.com, we feel if you already have a website and want to add eCommerce functionality, Ecwid is the obvious choice.

If you’re just starting out, Shopify will work better.

Shopify vs Ecwid: Success Stories and Use Cases

Shopify:

Shopify is renowned for supporting large-scale businesses like Gymshark and Allbirds.

These brands started small but scaled rapidly, thanks to Shopify’s robust features.

If you’re growth-oriented and looking to scale your business, Shopify is the better option.

Ecwid:

Ecwid is popular among small local businesses and artisans.

Take Northbound Coffee, a mom-and-pop business devoted to producing the perfect cup, or Sand And Stone Jewelry, run by a work-at-home mom.

These businesses thrive on Ecwid because it’s budget-friendly and easy to use.

Final Thoughts: Shopify or Ecwid?

Shopify: Best for standalone stores, extensive customization, and scalability.

Ecwid: Ideal for adding e-commerce to existing websites, budget-friendly, and simpler needs.

Choosing between Shopify and Ecwid depends on your specific needs.

For fully-fledged online stores, Shopify is unbeatable.

For integrating eCommerce into an existing site, Ecwid shines.

Evaluate your business goals and budget to make the best decision.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wait! While we hope you found this article helpful, we’ve got lots of other useful content for new and aspiring small business owners and side hustlers! Check out our small business tools list, including calculators or learn about Systeme.io, another online marketing platform that offers a free plan for beginners.

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