No two eCommerce platforms are exactly the same just as no two businesses are exactly alike. Choosing which option to base your entire online business around can seem daunting but it shouldn’t be made too easily either. It’s important to do your analysis and ensure that the platform you choose for your Australian business provides you with the features you need, matches your level of web development and management experience, and falls within your budget.
We’ve done our research and are here to provide you with the best eCommerce platforms in Australia based on cost, functionality, and ease of use, and how they compare to the giant, which is Shopify.
Shopify Australia
Shopify is a top eCommerce platform in Australia and the world, and for good reason. This Canadian-based platform prides itself on saying “anyone anywhere can start an eCommerce business” and that each one is important to them. The best part about choosing Shopify (other than the fact that it integrates well with PluginHive) is that there are no transaction fees when using Shopify Pay. You can offer multiple payment options, make use of hundreds of features, and scale your business faster with the many tools and resources available to you.
The cost of using Shopify Australia: A basic Shopify account, is great for new eCommerce businesses, starts at $29 USD per month. An Advanced account is $299 and has so many more features such as 15 staff accounts and cheaper Shopify fees.
Wix vs Shopify
In Australia, Wix is tied for the total number of web searches as Shopify. Wix offers excellent user-friendly web-building abilities and can integrate eCommerce applications such as checkout with only a few simple steps. Its sole purpose isn’t solely eCommerce, which means there is more variety if you also offer a blog and other pages. Wix is functional, offers multiple design options, and is cost-effective. It’s said to be a great option for Australian small businesses.
The cost of using Wix in Australia: Depending on what you need for your business, whether it’s simply a payment option or the whole VIP experience, you can expect to pay between $20 and $35 USD per month.
Squarespace vs Shopify
Squarespace is the third most searched eCommerce platform in Australia. It receives almost half as many searches as Shopify or Wix, however, six times more than our fourth place choice, WooCommerce. Squarespace has really grown in momentum over the last few years, offering more features, templates, and usability to its customers. It’s an easy-to-learn platform for small businesses just starting out, however, if you decide to get into some deeper customization it will become difficult or even impossible.
The cost of Squarespace in Australia: Squarespace charges a transaction fee of 3% on all transactions, however, their monthly fees are considerably lower than other options starting at only $18 a month.
Read more about Squarespace vs Shopify Comparison in detail.
WooCommerce vs Shopify
WooCommerce isn’t as popular in Australia as it is in other countries such as Canada and India. It is growing in popularity, however, and offers lower prices than the bigger, well-known options.
The initial membership is free and you only pay for the themes, plugins, and other features you may need. WooCommerce is an excellent option for those wanting to scale their business over time, adding features and tools to their website as needed.
Other eCommerce Platforms in Australia
Now that you’ve been given a bit of information on the top four web platforms in Australia, you may be wondering if one of these options is right for you. If you’re wanting a recognizable name and the trust and reliability that comes with it, as well as the added features that make them so popular, a choice like Shopify would be a great one.
There are other eCommerce hosting platforms out there that offer excellent web design features and tools to help you grow your business. We suggest looking into these newer and lesser-known brands like Magento, Big Cartel, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, and Opencart as they may be exactly what you’re looking for to give your customers the best overall experience.
Read more about Magento vs Shopify comparison in detail.
Why Shopify is the best eCommerce platform in Australia
Some of the most well-known eCommerce brands are using and benefiting from their Shopify-hosted websites. The available price points, free features and Shopify apps, and the ability to customize your own online storefront make it the best option for most businesses.
However, every eCommerce platform is unique and offers a variety of features that may or may not improve your online business. Some may provide so many options that you simply don’t need. Or perhaps you want something a little more advanced so you can meet the niche needs of your customers. Making the right choice first can save you from having to switch platforms – and deal with the annoying transfer of the domain, etc. – later.
By integrating APIs and plugins into your Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce or other hosted websites, you can speed up the buying and shipping process for your customers. Offer real-time tracking of parcels to your clients, multiple payment gateway shipping carriers, and ensure your customer satisfaction keeps them coming back.
Interested in finding out how PluginHive can integrate all of your chosen shipping services right into your Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento or other commerce-based web platforms? Reach out for a conversation with our customer support team.
