With the rapid growth of online shopping, many e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Etsy have become a must for entrepreneurs. When it comes to creating your online store, choosing the best platform can be a headache.
In this article, we’re going to help you make the best choice between three industry giants – Shopify, Etsy, and Wix. You’ll learn about their main features, advantages, disadvantages and more.
So, dear readers, get ready to explore these platforms and determine which one will best suit your needs.
Shopify vs. Etsy vs. Wix: What are the main features of each platform?
Shopify is a platform specialized in e-commerce that allows entrepreneurs to create and manage their own online store. Shopify’s main features include product and order management, customization and design options, as well as third-party integrations and applications.
Etsy, meanwhile, is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and creative supplies. There, sellers can create their shop and benefit from specific features for these types of products, such as advertising and promotion options, as well as the support of a community of sellers.
Wix is a website creation platform that also includes e-commerce functionality. Wix offers advanced customization through its visual editor and offers third-party applications and integrations to enhance the functionality of your online store.
How to choose between Shopify vs Etsy vs Wix to create your online store?
Choosing the most suitable e-commerce platform for your project depends on several factors, such as your needs, your goals, your budget and your technical skills. Here are some things to consider helping you decide:
Analyze your needs and objectives
What type of products do you want to sell? What is your target audience? What level of customization do you want for your store? Answering these questions will help you determine which platform is best for your project.
Evaluate your technical skills and your budget
Each platform has different costs and learning curve. If you have limited technical skills or a tight budget, you might prefer a more affordable, easy-to-learn platform.
Compare features and costs
Carefully consider the features offered by each platform, as well as their associated costs, to choose the one that offers the best value for your project.
Shopify vs Etsy vs Wix: What are the costs associated with each solution?
To better understand the costs associated with each platform, we’ve prepared detailed charts outlining the different fees and subscriptions for Shopify, Etsy, and Wix.
Shopify
| Plan | Monthly cost | Transaction fees | Fees for using an alternative payment provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Shopify | $29 | 0% | 2.0% |
| Shopify | $79 | 0% | 1.0% |
| Advanced Shopify | $299 | 0% | 0.5% |
- Additional fees: Third-party applications (variable), premium theme purchase ($140-$180)
Shopify offers three monthly subscription plans with zero transaction fees if you use their own payment system (Shopify Payments). However, there is a fee if you choose another payment provider. Additional costs include third-party apps and premium themes.
Etsy
| Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fees for putting online | $0.20 per item |
| Transaction fees | 5% on the selling price and shipping costs |
| Advertising costs (optional) | Variable cost per click (CPC) |
- Additional fees: Promotional services for a fee (variable)
Etsy charges a listing and transaction fee, as well as an optional advertising fee based on a cost per click(CPC). There are no fixed monthly fees for sellers on Etsy.
Wix
| Plan | Monthly cost | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| Business Basic | $17 | 0% |
| Business Unlimited | $25 | 0% |
| Business VIP | $35 | 0% |
- Additional fees: Third-party applications (variable), custom domain purchase (starting at $14.95 per year)
Wix offers three monthly subscription plans for online stores with zero transaction fees. Additional costs include third-party applications and the purchase of a custom domain.
When comparing the three platforms, it’s important to consider monthly fees, transaction fees, and additional costs to choose the best fit for your budget and business model. Shopify and Wix offer monthly subscriptions with variable transaction fees, while Etsy operates with a flat fee per item and transaction, but no fixed monthly fee.
Shopify vs Etsy vs Wix : How to optimize SEO on these e-commerce platforms ?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to attracting visitors to your online store. Here are some tips for optimizing SEO on Shopify, Etsy and Wix:
- SEO best practices for each platform: Each platform has its own recommendations for improving SEO. It is important to follow these tips to maximize your visibility on search engines.
- Content and meta tag optimization : Make sure your content is well-structured, with proper headings, subheadings and meta tags. Use relevant keywords for your niche and make sure your copy is unique and informative.
- Using built-in SEO tools and third-party apps:Take advantage of the SEO tools offered by each platform and explore third-party apps that can help you further optimize your SEO.
Which platform offers the best support and resources for e-commerce merchants?
Good support and educational resources are essential to help you succeed in e-commerce. Here’s a comparison of the support and resources offered by Shopify vs Etsy vs Wix :
- Shopify has responsive customer service available via phone, email or live chat. The platform also offers extensive documentation, guides and online courses to help you grow your business.
- Etsy offers email customer service and a community forum where sellers can share tips and tricks. Articles and guides are also available to help sellers optimize their store and promote their products.
- Wix provides email and phone support, as well as a detailed knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and videos. Webinars and online courses are also available to further your skills.
Summary table: Comparison of Shopify, Etsy, and Wix
Here’s a rundown of the main differences between Shopify vs Etsy vs Wix :
- Shopify is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to create a customizable and scalable online store, with many apps and integrations.
- Etsy is suitable for sellers of handmade, vintage products and creative supplies, who will benefit from a dedicated marketplace and supportive community.
- Wix is suitable for people looking for a website creation solution with e-commerce features, offering great flexibility and customization through its visual editor.
Here is a summary table to help compare these three platforms:
| Criteria | Shopify | Etsy | Wix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | E-merchants | Artisans | All |
| Customization | High | Average | High |
| Features | Complete | Specific | Versatile |
| Costs | Monthly plans | Fees per sale | Monthly plans |
| SEO | Integrated + Apps | Integrated | Integrated + Apps |
| Support | Extended | Community | Varied |
| Resources | Complete | Articles, guides | Tutorials, webinars |
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the key features, associated costs, and benefits of Shopify vs. Etsy vs. Wix, you’re better equipped to choose the right e-commerce platform for your business. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice will depend on your specific needs, budget and technical skills.
If you’re looking for a turnkey solution, with advanced customization options and a robust app ecosystem, Shopify is a great choice. For artisans and sellers of handmade, vintage, and creative supplies, Etsy offers access to a dedicated marketplace and supportive community. Finally, if you’re looking for a versatile solution to create a website and online store, Wix can meet your needs with its visual editor and third-party integrations.
No matter which platform you choose, make sure you understand the costs, features, and resources available to maximize your chances of success in e-commerce. We wish you a great adventure in the exciting world of online sales!
FAQ
Is Shopify better than Wix?
Shopify is better for e-commerce, while Wix is more versatile for website creation.
Is it better to have an Etsy or Shopify store?
If you sell handmade, vintage, or creative supplies, Etsy is a great option, as it is a dedicated marketplace. If you prefer to have a customizable and scalable online store, Shopify is a solid choice.
Is Etsy cheaper than Shopify?
Etsy can be cheaper for smaller sellers, while Shopify is suitable for businesses with higher sales volumes.
Does Wix work with Etsy?
Wix does not integrate directly with Etsy, but you can add a link to your Etsy store on your Wix site.