Ecwid is an e-commerce widget that allows you to promote your product on any platform you already use, while Shopify permits you to create an online store. Unlike before, some of their features now overlap, and it’s tough to tell which is better. Below, I’ll examine some of their characteristics.
Price
Ecwid has 4 plans available, and one of them is free. A disadvantage of the free plan is that it doesn’t allow to sell on important platforms like Instagram or Facebook using Ecwid. The higher you play, the more products you can promote and the more features you enjoy. The pricing of each plan varies in different countries. For instance, the prices in the USA are lower than in the UK.
Shopify offers 5 different plans, and on each, you can post a limitless quantity of products. The higher the plan, some features like inventory locations, transaction fees, and the number of users accounts become better. The ‘Shopify Lite’ is the only plan that doesn’t permit you to create an online store. It’s similar to Ecwid because it allows you to sell on other platforms or sites.
Point Of Sale (POS)
With POS, you can sell at physical locations like pop-up stores and your online store. Shopify offers this functionality. If you want to enjoy the full features of a POS, you’ll have to pay for Shopify’s $79 plan. Otherwise, the POS features you have access to will be limited.
The same goes for Ecwid. Accessing Ecwid’s full POS features require you to be on its most expensive plan. Third-party services are engaged to use the POS functionality. Ecwid’s POS option is available in fewer countries than Shopify.
User Friendliness
Both platforms are easy for beginners, but setting up is easier on Ecwid. With a few clicks on Ecwid, your store is ready for sales, and it’s even easier if you already have a site running. Shopify’s users need to spend more time building their store because they are building a store from the start. But Shopify supplies countless customization options that will make your store look fetching.
Another aspect where Ecwid beats Shopify is in products’ image management. On Shopify, you need to adjust the images to have the same ratio unless your store will look awkward. Ecwid, on the other hand, allows you to apply the same proportion to all your product pictures.
Payment Options
Ecwid has close to 80 payment options, and Shopify has over 100. On Ecwid, only third-party payment gateways are available. One benefit is that there are no transaction costs, but you’ll have to spend more time setting up your preferred gateway.
Shopify not only offers payments through third parties, but it also has its payment system, Shopify Payments. There are no transaction costs when you use Shopify payments, but Shopify charges 0.5% to 2% transaction costs when you use third-party payment options. Also, Shopify Payments is only available in limited countries.
How Do You Sign Up For Ecwid or Shopify?
You can visit their websites or download their apps, fill in your details, answer some questions about your business, and get started. From there you can start setting up your online store and getting ready for business.
What Are Other Platforms Available?
Besides Ecwid and Shopify, platforms like Wix, BigCommerce, Squarespace, Volusion, and Square Online can support your online business. They are all acceptable options based on your preferences.
If you are looking to create a standalone store from scratch, Shopify is the right choice. It is user-friendly and will help you easily build a stunning online store from scratch. However, if you have a working website that you want to continue with, Ecwid is a better option. They both have their benefits and drawbacks. It’s left to you to decide which one suits your business better.
Can Ecwid be used to build a standalone store?
Yes, it can. Ecwid has a feature called Instant Site. It allows you to build an online store, but it’s not as good as Shopify.
Can beginners use Shopify and Ecwid?
You don’t need special skills to use Shopify and Ecwid, so they are suitable for beginners.
Is a business license necessary for Ecwid or Shopify?
Shopify doesn’t require a business license from its users. But depending on your business or location, you might need to get one because the law requires it.
Which country uses Ecwid the most?
According to Lyft, over 60% of Ecwid’s customers are from the USA. Following that number is 9% from the UK.
