Technology
shopify is too expensive
Sep
When small business owners set out to create an online presence, the question of which platform to use always comes up. Shopify is one of the most widely advertised options, but many quickly realize the monthly cost is higher than expected, especially when adding necessary apps and themes. Meanwhile, alternatives like Wix and Squarespace don’t give enough flexibility for growth, leaving WordPress as the most cost-effective and customizable solution.
Why Shopify’s High Costs Don’t Fit Small Businesses
At first glance, Shopify looks like a convenient, all-in-one option. However, once you break down the expenses, its pricing can become overwhelming for smaller operations. The monthly subscription alone often feels steep for businesses still testing the waters, and that doesn’t even include the extra fees that pile up quickly. Small businesses, especially those starting on limited budgets, need to be cautious about recurring expenses that can eat away at profits.
Another factor that contributes to Shopify’s costs is the reliance on additional apps. While some apps are free, most of the essential tools for shipping, marketing, or custom design come at a monthly fee. It’s not uncommon for a Shopify store to become dependent on a handful of these, doubling—or even tripling—the base subscription. This places unnecessary financial strain on small businesses that simply want to focus on growing sustainably.
Beyond that, Shopify charges transaction fees for stores not using its own payment system, which is a tough pill to swallow for owners who prefer flexibility. For an entrepreneur running a side hustle or a new store, these extra charges make Shopify feel less like an empowering solution and more like a costly commitment. The platform’s structure simply doesn’t accommodate the lean budgets and experimental nature of small businesses trying to find their footing online.
WordPress Offers Better Themes at a Lower Price
WordPress, on the other hand, provides a much more budget-friendly pathway to creating a professional website. Unlike Shopify’s high monthly obligations, WordPress itself is free, and hosting plans come at varying price points that can easily fit within a small business budget. This flexibility means business owners can start small without going into debt, scaling up only when necessary.
When it comes to design, WordPress clearly outshines Wix and Squarespace. Wix and Squarespace often attract users with promises of simple drag-and-drop features, but their templates are limiting and performance doesn’t hold up as a site grows. WordPress offers thousands of themes—many free, others reasonably priced—that give businesses freedom to create a site that captures their unique brand identity. The diversity of themes available ensures you don’t get stuck with a cookie-cutter design.
Finally, WordPress offers an abundance of assistance and resources for business owners who may lack technical experience. Communities, tutorials, and affordable professional services are widely available. Whether you’re looking for a pre-made theme, custom tweaks, or full-scale professional design, WordPress makes it accessible without forcing you into heavy monthly payments. Compared to Shopify’s closed ecosystem, WordPress is an open platform that supports businesses rather than weighing them down with costs.
For small business owners, every dollar matters, and spending wisely on the tools that build your online presence is crucial. Shopify’s pricing model, paired with its reliance on apps and fees, simply doesn’t align with the needs of startups or budget-conscious entrepreneurs. While Wix and Squarespace may seem like simpler alternatives, their lack of flexibility makes them poor long-term choices. WordPress stands out as the true cost-effective and versatile solution—delivering professional themes, customization, and scalability at a fraction of the price. Choosing WordPress allows small business owners to invest more into growth rather than recurring fees, creating a stronger foundation for their online success.
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