WooCommerce case studies

Shopify Disadvantages

1. Price

   While the starter plan is affordable, the options with it are quite limited. It's best suited if you plan to sell on social networks using a link that directs customers to a relatively simple store. If you want more value-added features, such as the ability to edit themes or have a blog, you will need to purchase the Basic plan or higher.

Moreover, although all Shopify plans provide the basic e-commerce features, some important features are only available in certain plans.

• Automation: Marketing automation is available only to users of the Basic plan or higher.
• Analytics: To generate standard analytics reports, you need to have the Shopify plan or higher.
• Shipping Discounts: The higher your plan, the more discounts you receive.

2. Transaction Fees

   The higher your plan, the lower the fees you have to pay.Every store owner needs to consider their finances and decide if Shopify is the right choice. You can opt for a lower-priced plan in exchange for only essential features, and later, as your business grows, choose higher plans.

   However, it's important to understand that by choosing Shopify, you will always be tied to subscription fees, and if you use them, app fees.

3. Limited Design Options

   Although Shopify allows customization at various levels, from drag-and-drop to back-end coding, customization options are limited. This is partly because Shopify uses its proprietary programming language (Liquid).

   Regardless of the merchant's programming knowledge level, they are likely to be new to Liquid. This means that to make minor changes to your Shopify site, you will need to spend time learning the platform's unique programming language.

   Everything from custom forms to standard blog functionality requires coding if you are dissatisfied with the standard features.

   Additionally, Shopify does not offer a feature that allows customers to send you files with their order details (for example, an image they would like printed on a mug). You must program this feature into your store or pay for an app.

4. Shopify Processing Fees

   Shopify charges a credit card processing fee. This fee can reach up to 2.9% per transaction.

   Shopify relies on a multitude of apps and templates to create a unique e-commerce experience. Unfortunately, many of these tools are paid, and their access cost can be prohibitive. It's common to see themes priced at $300 and more, and apps that are three times more expensive.

5. Difficulties Leaving

   While many do not consider leaving Shopify, those who try encounter several difficulties. The first obstacle in leaving Shopify is that there's no clear path in your Shopify dashboard on how to terminate your account.

   To close your account and deactivate your Shopify store, many first have to visit the help center and look for instructions on how to leave the platform. Again, there are no obvious categories dedicated to leaving the platform. However, a simple search with a query like "how to close my account" provides instructions.

   Shopify conveniently offers instructions on how to avoid significant data loss or unexpected expenses. You can export CSV files with all important data product details, customer information, orders, gift card codes, discount codes, and even financial information.

   Before making the big exit, you also need to cancel any third-party accounts you regularly receive. Check and clear any pending subscriptions related to things like monthly app payments, third-party themes, etc. – make a list and check it twice.

   So, leaving Shopify isn't easy, but with a bit of patience and manual work, you can exit smoothly.

6. No Email Hosting

   Email marketing plays an important role in the successful operation of your online store. You need to communicate with customers, send product order notifications, inform them about new releases, etc., and a robust email marketing feature is essential for that.

   However, Shopify does not provide email hosting, which can cause some difficulties in your email marketing efforts. This means that without using apps, you are limited to using emails with domain names of popular email providers like @Gmail.com.

   The problem is that customers are likely to not take you seriously if you don't have a professional email that indicates your store or business name. Fortunately, there are ways to work around this obstacle.

   If you have a domain name that you use with Shopify, you can set up a forwarding email address with most email providers, such as Zoho, G Suite, and MailChimp.