Reminder: why should you sell online?
Before we start, let us remind you of the importance of being active and allowing people to buy our products and services online. Nowadays, primarily since the latest pandemic, people use the internet for purchases. Platforms such as Amazon and Etsy made everything easier; therefore, it is expected that many people decide to sell their products in their online stores. E-commerce increases every year.
There are several benefits to having an online store. First, it is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It is possible to have sales at any time. Second, an online store allows you to increase your clientele and target people outside your area through delivery services. Consequently, whether you are a craftsman or already have a physical boutique, it could be wise to consider e-commerce. Many platforms and options now exist to help you with the process.
Five interesting alternatives to Shopify
Which platforms allow you to create an online store easily? Whether it is because you have a small budget or everything seems too complicated, here are five relevant alternatives to Shopify.
WebSelf
WebSelf is a website builder founded in Canada in 2009. Since then, thousands of websites, blogs, and online stores have been created with this tool. Two builders are also available: the advanced builder, where you can customize everything, and the simplified builder, which can generate your website by answering a few questions.
Creating an online store with WebSelf is relatively easy. They provide several tools to help you during the creation process, whether templates made especially for e-commerce, a help center, or blog articles. Moreover, over the last three years, hundreds of kids and teenagers have used their builder to create an online store for their business projects. If they can sell online, you can surely do it too!
One of WebSelf’s benefits is that its packages remain among the less expensive ones in the e-commerce market. They also have several promotions throughout the year. You can decide to start your online store for free and pay for the e-commerce features when you are ready to sell your products. You can take all the time you need to before subscribing to their plan.
Summary: A relevant option for beginners
Rate: Starting at $29,95 per month or $293,40 per year. No commissions on sales.
Wix
Wix is among the most popular builders for websites. Founded in 2006 in Israel, this platform provides several features to create an online store, including a logo maker and a booking tool. Online stores made with Wix allow up to 50,000 items and support dropshipping.
If you do not know which plan to choose, please note that it is possible to try one and ask for a complete refund in the 14 following days if it does not meet your needs.
Summary: A solution with several features
Rate: Starting at $25 per month for basic e-commerce. No commissions on sales.
Squarespace
Squarespace is another Shopify alternative popular today because of its marketing campaigns. Founded in New York in 2004, this builder offers many templates for websites, portfolios, and online stores.
Its creation process is interesting; it allows you to create a customized template with a design kit or choose from their list of templates. Regarding the e-commerce features, we find integrations with UPS and Printful. Please note that you have access to a free 14-day trial.
Summary: Many integrations and attractive templates
Rate: Starting at $32 per month + transaction fees of 3% on all products (except with the Business plan)
Site W
Site W is another website and online store builder that has existed since 2009. Founded in France, they allow the creation of a basic free website and have many options for e-commerce.
Indeed, three options are available. First, the Essential plan allows you to create a small online store with a maximum of 25 products and five categories. The Advanced plan provides more product limits and features like delivery management and emailing campaigns. Finally, the Illimited plan offers advanced statistics and priority support.
Summary: An interesting European-based solution for basic online stores
Rate: Starting at $28,33 per month for the small online store. No commissions on sales.
Square
It is essential not to mix Squarespace and Square since they are both platforms that allow you to create online stores and alternatives to Shopify. You might already use Square as a payment terminal. Did you know that it can help you create your store?
Indeed, the main benefit of Square is that you can create a basic online store for free; however, there are transaction fees. If you need more features, two other plans provide more customization options. It may be an interesting tool if you already use it for your payments.
Summary: There is a possibility to create an online store for free with transaction fees
Rate: Starting at $0 for the basic online store, but a commission fee of 2,9% + $0.30 per transaction
In conclusion, several platforms can help you create an online store easily, including many Shopify alternatives. Some are complete and provide various features, while others are affordable and made for beginners. Whatever your choice, after the creation, do not forget to consider the shipping fees since they can impact your revenues.