Launching or growing an online shop is a big step — and choosing the right eCommerce platform can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already juggling content, client care, and product fulfilment. For many wellness businesses, the two most common choices are Shopify and WooCommerce. But which one is right for you?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key differences — from cost and features to ease of use — to help you make an informed, aligned decision for your brand.
1. Ease of Use
If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined setup, Shopify has a clear edge. It’s an all-in-one hosted solution, meaning you don’t have to worry about buying hosting or managing technical updates. The admin dashboard is clean, intuitive, and beginner-friendly — perfect for wellness product-based businesses who want to get up and running quickly.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, is a WordPress plugin. While it’s still user-friendly once set up, it does require more technical involvement up front — from choosing your hosting provider to managing updates and security over time. It’s ideal if you’re already familiar with WordPress or working with a web designer (like me!) who can handle the behind-the-scenes setup.
2. Design and Customisation
Both platforms offer beautiful, flexible design options — but they differ in how much control you have.
Shopify themes are polished and thoughtfully designed, especially for product-based businesses. However, free themes come with limited customisation and fewer features. To access more advanced functionality and polished layouts, you’ll likely need to purchase a premium Shopify theme (typically between $200–$400 USD as a one-time cost). While these are a great investment, it’s something to be aware of when planning your budget.
WooCommerce, being open source, gives you full design freedom. With a custom-built theme or the right plugins, your site can be tailored exactly to your brand and goals — ideal for wellness businesses offering a mix of services, courses, memberships or products. It’s more flexible, but also more complex.
3. Cost Breakdown
Shopify uses a subscription model, starting at around $39 USD/month (as of writing). You’ll also need to factor in potential costs like:
- A premium theme (if not using a free one)
- Paid apps or add-ons (e.g. subscriptions, upsells, reviews)
- Transaction fees — unless you use Shopify Payments, which waives extra gateway fees but still charges standard card processing (typically around 2.9% + 30¢ USD per transaction).
While it’s a higher upfront cost, the ease of use and peace of mind — including hosting, security, and support — are often worth it for product-focused wellness brands.
WooCommerce, by contrast, is free to install — but there are additional expenses to consider:
- Website hosting (costs vary depending on your provider and performance needs)
- Premium plugins (e.g. for bookings, subscriptions)
- Payment gateway fees — PayPal and Stripe typically charge similar processing fees to Shopify Payments (around 2.9% + 30¢ USD), though these can vary by region.
- A custom website design if you’re working with a designer (like me, using Elementor), or a pre-made WordPress theme if you’re DIY-ing — although most wellness brands I work with prefer a custom, strategic layout tailored to their goals.
With WooCommerce, you have more flexibility and control over where you invest — but it may take more time, tech confidence, or professional support to set up and manage.
4. Features & Scalability
Shopify is designed for selling — and it shows. From inventory management and built-in analytics to abandoned cart emails and point-of-sale integration, it’s ready to grow with you. You can start simple and scale fast, with lots of add-ons to support your growth.
WooCommerce is endlessly flexible. You can build anything from a wellness membership to an online dispensary, course library or booking system — if you can dream it, it can probably be done. It just may require more setup and the right tools.
5. Support and Maintenance
With Shopify, everything is taken care of behind the scenes: hosting, security, backups, updates — plus 24/7 customer support. It’s a great option if you’d rather focus on your business than worry about tech.
With WooCommerce, you’re responsible for ongoing maintenance (or you’ll need someone to help manage it). This includes plugin updates, security checks, backups and more. If you’re already comfortable with WordPress or working with a designer long-term, this may not be a drawback — just something to factor in.
6. Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here are some general guidelines:
Choose Shopify if…
✓ You want a polished online shop with less setup and ongoing tech.
✓ You sell physical products and want to scale easily.
✓ You prefer an all-in-one solution with built-in hosting and support.
Choose WooCommerce if…
✓ You already have a WordPress site (or want one).
✓ You offer a mix of products, services, or courses and need more flexibility.
✓ You want full control over design and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Both platforms are powerful — it all comes down to what fits your vision, workflow, and budget best. Whether you’re dreaming of a calming online apothecary or a streamlined service-based shop, I’m here to help you choose and create an online store that supports your growth.
Curious which option would work best for your business? Let’s chat — I’d love to guide you towards the right path for your wellness brand.
