Wix vs Shopify : Best Platform for Your E-Commerce Success in 2024

If you’re deciding between Wix and Shopify for your online store, clarity is essential. In this “Wix vs Shopify” comparison article, we give you a concise, straightforward comparison of each platform’s core offerings, especially highlighting design flexibility, pricing, and scalability. We’ll help you navigate the decision without the fluff, focusing on actionable insights that answer your key concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Wix is best for small businesses with a focus on design and simplicity, offering an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and 800+ free templates, while Shopify caters to scalable, larger e-commerce operations with robust sales tools, over 6,000 integrations, and advanced shipping discounts.
• Shopify provides a more comprehensive e-commerce solution with unlimited products, multi-channel selling, localized tools, and over 100 payment gateways, outshining Wix’s more basic, but user-friendly features suitable for smaller product ranges and over 70 payment options.
• Both platforms offer strong marketing and SEO tools, but Wix is superior for customizable SEO strategies, while Shopify excels in marketing integration and advanced e-commerce features, making it more suitable for businesses with growth ambitions.

E-Commerce Essentials: Wix and Shopify Compared

Wix and Shopify are two website builders that have made a name for themselves in the e-commerce landscape. As a website builder, Wix is often seen as the go-to choice for small businesses stepping into the online world, thanks to its user-friendly interface and affordability. It’s tailor-made for online stores with a small number of products, offering a versatile website complete with built-in e-commerce features.

On the other hand, Shopify, with its unlimited products, multiple sales channels, and localized selling tools, caters to a more extensive e-commerce setup. While these two are very similar, they are not. Wix serves as an accessible starting point for small enterprises, Shopify provides a robust set of sales tools designed for comprehensive e-commerce management.

Online Store Setup

If you’re launching an online store, Wix provides a vast selection of over 800 free design templates. This wide assortment enables you to craft a customized storefront that fits various sector-specific aesthetics and personal tastes. With its intuitive drag-and-drop editor along with the Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) feature, Wix caters well to those without much coding or designing background. Such flexibility stands as a notable benefit when contrasted with Shopify’s block editor, which allows for more restricted placement on the webpage.

Both Shopify and its rival present multiple design templates geared towards commercial ventures. Shopify offers just 11 free options alongside a wider array of premium themes at additional costs for those businesses seeking an elevated professional appearance. While the number of complimentary templates is smaller on Shopify compared to Wix’s offerings, it doesn’t diminish its commitment as both are driven by providing powerful e-commerce platforms—and this dedication shines through in their theme quality.

Inventory Management

Managing inventory is an essential component of operating an online store. Both Wix and Shopify provide tools designed to serve various sizes of business needs. With functionalities such as synchronization across multiple channels, notifications for items out-of-stock, and options for pre-orders, the inventory management system provided by Wix is tailored towards small businesses.

Conversely, Shopify includes its inventory management solution in all subscription plans available to users. This integrated feature facilitates not only the handling of stock levels, but also enables smooth customer engagement and website development—features that are particularly beneficial for larger e-commerce enterprises.

Payment Processing

Shopify provides businesses with an expansive selection of over 100 payment gateways, such as Shopify Payments, enabling them to accept a diverse array of online payments from global customers. Wix offers access to more than 70 payment methods but on a slightly smaller scale including:

• Its own Wix Payments
• Popular options like PayPal and Stripe
• Square for card processing

One advantage is that unlike certain platforms, utilizing third-party payment gateways on Wix does not incur additional transaction fees.

At the point of checkout, Wix facilitates various forms of payment which include:

• Traditional credit/debit cards
• Digital wallets such as PayPal
• Alternative financing solutions like “Buy now pay later” services
• Bank transfers among others are also available depending upon the customer’s location and selected method

The capability provided by these platforms to embrace multiple online payments makes it easier for companies to meet their customers’ preferred modes during transactions.

Shipping Options

Shipping is a pivotal component of e-commerce, and both Wix and Shopify provide comprehensive ecommerce tools to manage this aspect efficiently. These platforms facilitate the automation of shipping processes by integrating seamlessly with Zapier, allowing users to connect their shipping workflows with various other business applications.

Key functionalities offered within their shipping solutions include:

• Seamless integration with established carriers
• Automated calculations for real-time shipping rates
• Facilities for printing labels for shipments
• Capabilities for monitoring shipment progress
• Options to avail discounted rates on carrier services

The availability of these integrations along with discounts from carriers can substantially enhance both operational efficiency and cost management within an ecommerce business’s activities.

Nevertheless, when it comes to Benefits in terms of costs related to logistics, Shopify excels by forging partnerships with multiple carriers which enables them to offer up reductions as steep as 89% on shipping charges. Businesses opting into more premium tiers like Shopify Advanced are eligible for even greater savings. Given the impact on overheads associated with large volume shippings, Shopify stands out as an attractive option for those businesses looking at considerable levels of distribution activity.

User Experience: Ease of Use and Customization

In the realm of user experience, Wix is known for its simplicity. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor lets users easily add and customize elements on their pages, offering a flexible and beginner-friendly interface. Wix enhances this experience with customization options, including:

• A vast library of free images
• Graphics
• Fonts
• The ability to upload personal assets

Shopify, on the other hand, provides a section-based editor that simplifies the web design process, even for users without a technical background. However, Shopify’s customization options and advanced e-commerce features may require a bit more time to get familiar with, reflecting a different approach to user experience. Thus, while Wix might appeal to beginners, Shopify’s efficient but more complex setup is ideal for comprehensive online stores.

Marketing and SEO Capabilities

Driving traffic to your online store is imperative, and both Wix and Shopify come equipped with potent marketing and SEO tools.

The SEO settings on a Wix site are extensive, offering various features such as:

• Tailoring of canonical tags
• Management of web crawler access via a Robots.txt editor
• Group editing for aspects like URL slugs, indexability status, open graph information,

Structured data markup, etc.

• Connection with Google Search Console through the built-in Wix Site Inspection function
• Technical website evaluations performed by Lumar (formerly DeepCrawl)
• Keyword analysis capabilities using Semrush

These functionalities significantly bolster the SEO potential for users of Wix platforms.

Conversely, Shopify shines in its specialized e-commerce oriented marketing offerings. Although it may not match the depth of SEO personalization that Wix provides, Shopify’s integration with numerous marketing channels allows merchants to:

• Effectively target their desired customer base
• Conduct pinpointed advertising initiatives
• Harness email marketing techniques
• Craft strategic social media promotions

Scalability and Growth Potential

In terms of scalability and expansion capabilities, Shopify stands out. It boasts an impressive array of over 6,000 third-party integrations for e-commerce, dwarfing Wix’s collection of more than 300 apps. This vast selection amplifies the potential for scaling up online stores on Shopify. The platform also offers merchants flexible plans that can be adjusted to accommodate growth needs and scale business operations with efficiency.

Conversely, Wix Enterprise presents a comprehensive solution designed with scalability in mind. It delivers high-performance websites along with application management and robust enterprise-level security backed by professional support. For growing businesses seeking a complete package tailored to their development needs, Wix emerges as a fitting option.

Pricing and Plans: Which Platform Offers Better Value?

Both Wix and Shopify provide pricing structures that suit various budgets. Here’s a summary of their offered plans:

• Wix has a free plan available, To several premium options. Their e-commerce packages begin at $27 monthly.
• Unlike Wix, Shopify does not have a free option. It offers the Shopify Lite plan for $9 monthly, which allows adding e-commerce capabilities to an existing website.
• The range of business-friendly plans from Shopify includes: the Basic level costing $29 per month, Standard priced at $79 per month, Advanced at $299 per month with custom pricing available through Shopify Plus.

Each platform provides opportunities for users to experience their services without immediate financial commitment. With its 14-day trial period followed by potential full refund within two weeks post-sign-up, Wix invites prospective customers to explore what they offer risk-free. Similarly, after utilizing Shopify’s brief 3-day trial window, you can continue using the service for an introductory rate of €1 during the first month—enabling businesses to thoroughly evaluate whether it is the right choice before making any long-term investment in either platform.

Support and Resources

Both Wix and Shopify excel in providing support and resources to their users, though they approach it differently. Wix provides constant phone support that’s available 24/7 as well as on-site assistance directly from the website editor for immediate help when problems arise.

Conversely, Shopify offers a comprehensive customer service system that operates around the clock through various methods.

• real-time chat
• electronic mail
• scheduled phone calls
• an interactive community forum

Shopify’s diverse communication channels ensure there is always accessible support regardless of user needs. The platform has a detailed help center filled with instructional content covering everything from setting up your shop to managing your business operations – all aimed at helping users proficiently use the services offered by Shopify.

Real-Life Success Stories: Wix vs Shopify

The proof of any platform’s effectiveness lies in its real-life success stories. Shopify, with its robust e-commerce tools and scalability, has been leveraged by a diverse range of businesses to cater to various market demands. Brands such as Hiut Denim Co., Suta, and Rothy’s have reached success by focusing on unique product offerings like high-quality denim, sustainable fabrics, and eco-friendly shoes, all managing their online presence through Shopify.

The success of Shopify stores extends to specialized markets, as evident in Kirrin Finch’s gender-defying apparel and Beefcake Swimwear’s ethically made swimsuits. These stories showcase Shopify’s scalability and diverse applicability, illustrating how the platform can support businesses across a wide range of industries and niches.

Making the Decision: Clearly Choosing Shopify

When it comes to making the right decision for your e-commerce venture, the choice between Wix and Shopify should be influenced by the specific needs and future aspirations of your business. While Wix can be the right fit for content-heavy websites with a smaller e-commerce element, offering:

• A rich variety of customizable templates
• An extensive range of design options
• An intuitive and straightforward user interface

These features make Wix an attractive choice for businesses that value ease of use and design flexibility. However, its capabilities pale in comparison when your venture requires a more formidable e-commerce platform.

Shopify unequivocally stands out as the superior choice, particularly for ambitious small businesses poised for growth or for established medium to large online enterprises. It outshines Wix with its comprehensive suite of e-commerce features, including:

• Advanced selling options across various social media platforms
• A vast array of specialized e-commerce tools
• Streamlined processes to enhance sales and operational efficiency
• Sophisticated inventory and shipping management systems

Shopify is the clear winner for businesses that are serious about scaling up, increasing their digital presence, and maximizing their sales potential with a powerful, feature-rich platform.

Summary : Shopify wins

To summarize, while both Wix and Shopify offer competent platforms, Shopify is the clear choice for businesses focused on e-commerce success. Wix may cater well to small businesses or newcomers to online sales with its accessible design and SEO tools. However, for growth-oriented businesses looking for a scalable, robust e-commerce solution, Shopify is the unmatched contender. With its extensive integrations, flexible plans, and advanced shipping options, Shopify is designed to foster the growth and prosperity of your online store. Ultimately, your selection should be based on your business’s specific needs, but for most e-commerce scenarios, Shopify is the definitive choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I switch from Wix to Shopify?

Absolutely. If you are serious about elevating your e-commerce business, switching from Wix to Shopify is a strategic move. Shopify’s platform is optimized for e-commerce, enabling you to set up an efficient, user-friendly online store quickly. It’s the superior choice for businesses that require a robust e-commerce system.

Is Wix good for an e-commerce store?

While Wix is a viable option for starting an e-commerce store due to its user-friendly design and a variety of templates, it doesn’t offer the same level of e-commerce specialization as Shopify. Wix’s e-commerce features, such as Wix Stores and Wix Bookings, provide a basic foundation, but for a more comprehensive e-commerce experience, Shopify is the recommended platform.

How much does it cost to sell on Wix?

Selling on Wix is free of platform transaction fees, allowing you to keep all your earnings. However, standard payment gateway fees still apply, typically around 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. For a more cost-effective and extensive e-commerce operation, Shopify’s pricing plans and payment options are more conducive to business growth.

What are the differences in payment processing between Wix and Shopify?

Shopify excels with its extensive selection of over 100 payment gateways, dwarfing Wix’s more than 70 options. This vast array of choices, coupled with Shopify’s integrated payment system, Shopify Payments, makes it a more versatile and preferable platform for e-commerce businesses. Unlike Wix, Shopify is designed to facilitate a smoother and more efficient payment processing experience without additional transaction fees on third-party gateways.

What kind of support and resources do Wix and Shopify offer?

Both Wix and Shopify offer comprehensive support systems, but Shopify’s resources are particularly tailored for e-commerce businesses. With 24/7 access to support via chat, email, and scheduled calls, along with a detailed help center and community forum, Shopify ensures that merchants have all the tools