Choosing between Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) and Shopify can be confusing, given that both platforms have competitive merits. However, at the end of this ever-present debate, most entrepreneurs use Shopify to gain a competitive edge in the market.
In this second post on our Build Your Online Shop series, we take a comparative look at both storefronts to understand why Shopify is the perfect choice for a growth hacker to start an online shop.
1. Pricing
Adobe Commerce offers two packages, the Commerce Pro and Managed Services. Initially, this open-source platform was offering a subscription plan called Magento Go. This option was scrapped following the announcement in July 2014. The Commerce Pro and Managed Services editions are custom-priced depending on your business size and needs.
On the other hand, Shopify offers a 1-month free trial for customers on 3 of their plan options. These plans are:
- Basic – $24 per month + free month trial
- Shopify – $69 per month + free month trial
- Advanced – $299 per month + free month trial
- Plus – $2,300 per month
Adobe Commerce is ideal for large enterprises as it caters to their large customer base and allows customization. Shopify is the go-to choice for small to medium enterprises requiring a cost-effective, easy-to-manage storefront.
2. Support
For any business, getting support is the key to avoiding frustrations that may result in your online shop failing. A good storefront provider allows support in ensuring the smooth running of technical operations, tailoring the platform to client needs, maintaining site speed, and providing updates and patches to guard against vulnerabilities.
Being an open-source web-based application, Adobe Commerce offers core application and community support. This support includes a dedicated account manager to oversee your application as it requires technical expertise.
Shopify offers 24/7 customer support. Getting in touch with customer support is very easy and the company has professionals including designers, developers, marketers, and photographers who perform various support tasks. You can also easily find a Shopify starter plan online to help you get started.
3. Setting up
The best thing about starting an online shop on a tight budget is getting tools and software that work without forcing you to spend too much on external services. For a startup online shop, avoiding expenses like hosting, hiring maintenance guys for your online shop, and having to pay for expensive SSL certificates is the definition of growth hacking.
Adobe Commerce requires technical assistance when hosting on a server. You will also need developer expertise when customizing its extensions. Due to its complexity in installation, this platform requires a longer time to set up and a dedicated team or agency to manage and configure its features.
To set up a Shopify online business, all you need is a domain, to which you will direct the DNS servers on Shopify and that’s it. Shopify’s editions are hosted on their servers and no matter how high your traffic gets, you will never need to get your hosting solution outside the platform.
4. Theme Templates
Both Adobe Commerce and Shopify offer an extensive range of themes to choose from for your online shop. Adobe Commerce’s themes are highly customizable and require technical skills to navigate. Additionally, these themes are highly priced due to their complexity.
Shopify themes are easier to work with as the storefront has a built-in editor for easy customization. You can choose between free and paid themes on the Shopify Theme Store.
5. User-friendliness
Adobe Commerce requires time and experience to set up and manage. Its dashboard is robust and can be overwhelming for non-technical users. Its design is mainly geared towards users with technical expertise to help customize its features and interpret its documentation.
Shopify has an intuitive interface designed for users of all skill levels. It has a simple drag-and-drop functionality making it easy to customize without coding skills. Its dashboard allows for easy navigation and management of elements. The platform also offers 24/7 customer support and access to tutorials and community support. Many businesses also invest in Shopify web design and development services to further enhance their store’s usability and branding without needing in-house technical teams.
Verdict
The choice between Adobe Commerce ( formerly Magento) and Shopify hinges on your business needs and available resources. While shopfront options are available for startups, these two stand out due to their wider range of features and popularity.
Adobe Commerce offers unbeatable customization and flexibility. It’s ideal for established enterprises with complex requirements and dedicated technical teams. However, its complexity and high costs can be challenging for startups and small businesses.
Shopify is the ideal choice for startups and small businesses. It’s user-friendly, easy to set up, and offers comprehensive customer support. Its balance of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and robust support system allows startups to launch and scale their online shops with minimal hassle. When you use Shopify, you focus on growing your startup and engaging your customers.
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