Free Shop vs. Shopify

Starting an online store today is easier than ever, thanks to the various platforms that allow the rapid creation and launch of an e-commerce site. Two popular solutions for e-commerce are WordPress WooCommerce and Shopify. In this article, we will compare our free WordPress WooCommerce store and Shopify to help you choose the right solution for your business.

1. Basic solution overview

• Free WordPress WooCommerce Store:
  • Our store is based on the WordPress and WooCommerce platform, one of the most popular e-commerce solutions in the world.
  • Advantage: Our clients win a fully configured store for 5690 dinars per year, ready for use. All they have to do is enter your text, images and products.
  • Includes: Unlimited number of business email addresses, video instructions and technical support in Serbian, as well as site submission to Google WebMaster Tools.
  • Flexibility: Ability to customize and add numerous add-ons in the future.
• Shopify:
  • Shopify is a globally known platform that offers an easy way to create stores with professional tools to manage online sales.
  • Advantage: All-in-one solution with excellent support, SEO tools and integrations.
  • Price: Starting from 41,400 dinars per year for the basic package (29$ per month), up to 214,200 dinars per year for advanced packages (149$ per month).
  • Includes: Only basic functionality in cheaper packages. More advanced packages are required for add-ons such as professional email addresses.
  • Flexibility: Limited to customization at no additional cost.

2. Price and functionalities

One of the most important criteria when choosing a WordPress store is price. Here's a side-by-side review:

• Free WordPress WooCommerce Store:
  • Price: 5690 dinars per year.
  • Includes: Hosting, Site Builder, unlimited number of professional email addresses, video tutorials and login to Google WebMaster Tools.
  • Additional benefits: Complete technical support in the Serbian language and guides in the Serbian language.
• Shopify:
  • Price (annual):
    • Basic package: 41,400 dinars per year (29$ per month)
    • Standard package: 124,200 dinars per year (89$ per month)
    • Advanced package: 214,200 dinars per year (149$ per month)
  • Includes: Site creation, basic sales and SEO tools. However, additional functionality like email addresses or advanced options require a higher plan or add-ons.
  • Transaction Fees: Shopify charges additional transaction fees if you do not use Shopify Payments.

3. Ease of setup and use

• Free WordPress WooCommerce Store:
  • Our store is already set and fully functional. All users need to do is fill out basic information about their store, add products, images and descriptions.
  • Unlike other solutions, you don't have to worry about technical settings, because we have already configured the basic options for you.
  • Customizing the design, adding new functionality and managing sales are easy with the help of guides and support in the Serbian language.
• Shopify:
  • Shopify features a very simple store setup process, with guides and integrated tools.
  • However, for greater customization or more advanced functionality, users often have to rely on additional apps that increase costs.

4. Support and localization

• Free WordPress WooCommerce Store:
  • Our store is optimized for users in Serbia, including local support in the Serbian language, which is important for faster resolution of potential problems.
  • Also, support is free and available with every hosting package.
  • Video instructions in Serbian make it easy to set up and manage the store, without the need for technical knowledge.
• Shopify:
  • Shopify offers global support, but it can be more difficult to communicate in specific cases or when local adjustments are needed.
  • Most of the guides and instructions are in English.

5. Additional functionalities and flexibility

• Free WordPress WooCommerce Store:
  • The WordPress-based platform is known for its flexibility. Users can add plugins, change themes, and customize functionality as needed.
  • Local service support included, making it easy to integrate with local payment and delivery systems.
  • The store is scalable, which means that it is suitable for small start-up stores as well as for large businesses.
• Shopify:
  • Shopify is great for getting a store up and running quickly, but flexibility comes at a price. If you want specific functionality or a custom design, you'll often need to hire a developer or use paid apps.
  • The integrations are great, but many options are limited to global services.

6. Conclusion: Which solution to choose?

If you are looking for an affordable solution that includes a complete package with hosting, an unlimited number of business email addresses and a free login to Google WebMaster Tools, with a simple site creation tool, our WordPress WooCommerce Store is an ideal choice. The price of 5,690 dinars per year and support in the Serbian language is a great advantage for small companies, entrepreneurs and all those who want to quickly and efficiently start a professional store without high costs.

On the other hand, Shopify offers more functionality and advanced tools, but at a significantly higher price. This makes it more suitable for users who want complex design capabilities and have a larger budget.

Depending on your needs and budget, choose the platform that offers the best balance between price, functionality and support. Our free store allows you to start selling without investing in development, while Shopify is better for more advanced users with global business needs.