The short answer
Shopify is fastest to launch and easiest to run, at the cost of monthly fees and less control. WooCommerce gives full control and ownership on WordPress but needs someone to maintain hosting, security and updates. A custom build only makes sense when your business model genuinely doesn't fit a platform and you can fund ongoing development.
Side by side
| Shopify | WooCommerce | Custom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch speed | Fastest | Fast to medium | Slowest |
| Running effort | Low: hosted for you | Medium: you manage hosting and updates | High: you own everything |
| Cost pattern | Monthly plan + apps (+ possible transaction fees) | Hosting + paid plugins + maintenance | Large build cost + ongoing development |
| Control and flexibility | Within Shopify's rules | Very high | Total |
| Content and SEO | Good | Excellent (WordPress) | Depends on the build |
Choose Shopify if
- You want to launch quickly with a small team.
- Your catalogue and checkout are fairly standard.
- You'd rather pay monthly than manage servers.
In India, check the payment gateways you plan to use and whether Shopify adds a transaction fee for them on your plan.
Choose WooCommerce if
- Content and SEO are central to how you sell.
- You need unusual pricing, B2B rules or integrations.
- You have a reliable developer or partner for maintenance.
Choose custom if
- Your model doesn't fit a store: marketplaces, complex configurators, or unusual workflows.
- eCommerce technology is part of your competitive advantage.
- You can fund a team for years, not just the launch.
From our work[A platform choice PURSHO advised on, and why that platform won for that business]
Questions to settle before choosing
- Which marketplaces, ERP, accounting and courier systems must it connect to?
- Who will run it day to day?
- What will it cost over three years, not just at launch?
- How easily could you leave, with your data?
Platform selection is part of our technology consulting.
How PURSHO approaches this
Technology & IT Consulting
Build, buy or migrate, decided with confidence.
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