In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this question and find out which store system stands out as the best and most cost-effective of all solutions by comparing the costs of some of the leading store systems such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Shopware.
Comparison of the leading store systems:
To better understand the cost efficiency of the various store systems, let’s first take a look at the basic features of some of the leading store systems:
- Shopify:
A popular all-in-one e-commerce platform that is particularly characterized by its user-friendliness and large selection of extensions and designs. Ideal for beginners without programming knowledge and for a direct start to online business. - WooCommerce:
An open source plugin for WordPress that offers flexible customization options and a variety of themes and extensions. Well suited for users who want full control over their website and need a long-term online business platform with a very wide range of functions in combination with WordPress. - Shopware:
A powerful system that is particularly suitable for larger online stores. It offers subshops and functions for internationalization. - VersaCommerce:
A flexible store system that is suitable for all company sizes and also supports retail stores with digitalization. - Plentymarkets:
A solution for medium-sized and larger companies, which is characterized above all by the offer of an integrated merchandise management system and good expandability. - Gambio:
A simple, flexible store system that is suitable for companies of all sizes and requires no programming knowledge. - Jimdo:
An intuitive, user-friendly system designed primarily for small businesses and the self-employed. It is easy to use and offers a good selection of templates. - IONOS:
A modular system that includes hosting and domain in most plans and is also suitable for beginners. - Wix eCommerce:
A modular system that is easy to use and offers a wide range of templates and customization options. Ideal for sole traders and small businesses. - JTL:
A comprehensive system with an integrated merchandise management system. Particularly suitable for companies that want to scale flexibly and have individual requirements. - Adobe Commerce:
A professional platform that is aimed at large and growing companies and offers extensive customization and integration options.
Comparison of store system costs
Before you start looking for the most cost-effective option for you, it is important to understand the basic costs of an online store. These include license or subscription costs, domain registration, web hosting, security certificates and the cost of additional plugins and services. Many e-commerce solutions require expensive monthly subscriptions or transaction fees that can add up over time.
| Store system | Pricing model | Monthly costs | Transaction fees | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Subscription | Basic: 36 € Shopify: 105 € Advanced: 384 € |
Yes, from 2% | Over 6,000 extensions and over 70 themes |
| WooCommerce | Open Source | Free (low costs for hosting and plugins) | No | Flexible and customizable, requires WordPress, over 60,000 plug-ins, world market-leading store system |
| Shopware | Subscription | Rise: from €600 Evolve: individual price Beyond: individual price |
No | Solid and large store system, subshops and internationalization possible |
| VersaCommerce | Subscription | Checkout Basic: 39 € Shop Basic: 59 € Business: 99 € Advanced: 359 € |
No | Suitable for all store sizes, also for the digitalization of retail stores |
| Plentymarkets | Subscription | Classic: 159 € Enterprise: Price on request |
0.16 € per order | Mainly aimed at medium-sized and larger companies |
| Gambio | Subscription | Start-up: €24.95 Small Business: €64.95 Professional: €129.95 |
No | Suitable for all company sizes, no programming knowledge required |
| Jimdo | Subscription | Basic: 15 € Business: 19 € VIP: 39 € |
No | Easy to use, ideal for small businesses and the self-employed |
| IONOS | Subscription | Starter: €1 (€12 after 6 months) Plus: €1 (€18 after 6 months) Pro: €16 (€28 after 6 months) |
No | Self-explanatory, can be used without prior knowledge |
| Wix eCommerce | Subscription | Lite: €11.90 Core: €23.80 Business: €34.51 Business Elite: €177.31 |
No | Suitable for small and sole traders, modular system |
| JTL | Subscription | JTL Shop: from €0 (CFE) to €599 (Standard) JTL eazyAuction: from €18.99 (tariff 100) to €479 (tariff Flat) |
No | Includes merchandise management system, suitable for e-commerce starters and wholesalers |
| Adobe Commerce | subscription | Price on request | No | Especially for large and growing companies |
Conclusion
Through this comparison, it’s clear that WooCommerce stands out as the most cost-effective and flexible option for small and medium-sized businesses.
WooCommerce means you don’t pay monthly subscription fees, you have the freedom to choose your hosting provider and you can add extensions as needed without breaking your budget. And you can always find an affordable developer if you get stuck yourself. This makes WooCommerce the best choice for companies looking for a cost-effective yet powerful e-commerce solution.
With WooCommerce, you can realize your e-commerce dreams without jeopardizing your financial stability. Provided the development costs are extremely low thanks to a good solution, such as get-started.online, and offer a solid store installation.
The ongoing maintenance of an online store and the product data as well as the effort required to keep the online store visually and technically up to date have not been taken into account in the comparison. Basically, this has to be done more or less equally regularly for all store solutions and should be taken into account from the outset when calculating the costs of each solution.
Our solutions for a successful online business
With our preconfigured and documented WordPress and WooCommerce solutions, in particular with the ready-to-use installer packages from get-started.online, we are closing the gap between website builders and fully-fledged WordPress content management systems. This way, you can benefit from great flexibility, endless expandability and user-friendliness without having to have a high level of expertise. Our offers are also of interest to web designers and advertising agencies, providing an easy introduction to the more complex world of WordPress and WooCommerce. With the WooCommerce Installer Packages, you as a web designer can, for example, offer your customers a complex WooCommerce online shop – even if it’s your first time.
