Shopify or a custom store?
Shopify launches an online store fast. Custom gives total control. The right choice depends on your catalogue, your margins and your ambitions.
At a glance
| Criterion | Shopify | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to launch | Very fast | Longer |
| Upfront cost | Low | Higher |
| Recurring fees | Subscription + commissions | Hosting only |
| Control / flexibility | Framed by Shopify | Total |
| Complex cases | Limited by the platform | No limit |
| Best for | Standard catalogues | Unusual models, high volume |
Choose Shopify if…
- You want to sell fast with a classic catalogue.
- You prefer a turnkey solution managed for you.
- Upfront budget comes first.
Choose custom if…
- Your sales model is off the beaten path.
- Shopify commissions eat your margins at high volume.
- You want a unique experience and integrations.
Our recommendation
Shopify is unbeatable to start and for most stores. Custom pays off when volume, margins or an unusual model justify it.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we migrate from Shopify to custom later?
- Yes. We can start on Shopify then migrate products, customers and orders to a custom platform.
- At what volume does custom pay off?
- It depends on your margins, but when commissions exceed the cost of a custom platform, it’s worth a serious look.