Before you build an online store, choose the platform that fits your products and growth plans. All three options below can work well in the right situation.
Shopify
A hosted platform with themes, payments and apps built in. It is fast to launch and easy to manage, which suits standard catalogues. You pay a monthly plan, app subscriptions and transaction fees, and you work within the platform's rules.
WooCommerce
A WordPress plugin that gives you more control and ownership. It suits content-led stores and businesses that want flexible hosting. It needs care with hosting, updates, security and plugin choice to stay fast.
Custom e-commerce
Built around your exact workflow: B2B pricing, bundles, complex inventory, marketplaces or unusual checkout. It costs more upfront but removes platform limits and recurring app fees.
Quick decision guide
- Fewer than a few hundred standard products, want speed: Shopify.
- Content plus shop, want control and lower recurring cost: WooCommerce.
- Special pricing, integrations or scale: custom.
Things people forget
- Payment gateway fees apply on every platform.
- Fast product images and clean pages matter more than fancy themes.
- Plan shipping and inventory sync from day one.
Read the e-commerce cost guide, explore e-commerce development or estimate your budget.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Shopify | WooCommerce | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Very fast | Fast | Slower |
| Hosting and security | Managed for you | You or your developer manage | You or your developer manage |
| Flexibility | Apps and themes, within platform limits | Very flexible with plugins and code | Unlimited |
| Ongoing costs | Monthly plan, app subscriptions and payment fees | Hosting, plugins and maintenance | Hosting and maintenance, no platform fee |
| Best for | Brands that want to launch quickly | Content-led stores and WordPress users | Unusual pricing, B2B, marketplaces, deep integrations |
What every Indian online store needs
- UPI, cards, netbanking and cash on delivery where suitable.
- GST-ready invoices and correct tax handling.
- Courier and shipping integration with tracking.
- Return, refund and cancellation flows.
- Fast mobile experience, since most shoppers use phones.
- WhatsApp order updates and support.
- Policies: privacy, shipping, returns and terms.
Marketing basics once you launch
- Write unique product descriptions rather than copying the supplier text.
- Add good photos and short videos.
- Set up Google Merchant Center for product listings.
- Run Meta ads and Google Ads only after tracking works.
- Collect reviews and email or WhatsApp subscribers.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheapest to start?
Hosted platforms are usually quickest and cheapest to start. Compare the total cost over a year including apps, fees and maintenance.
Can I migrate later?
Yes, but products, customers and URLs need careful migration with redirects to protect SEO.
Where can I learn about cost?
See the e-commerce cost guide and our e-commerce development service.