Shopify is a hosted platform that handles security, hosting and updates for a monthly fee. WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress that gives you more control but more to manage. Both run successful Australian stores.
Shopify is better if
- You want to focus on selling, not managing software
- You need reliable checkout, payments and apps out of the box
- You plan to grow and want something that scales without fuss
WooCommerce is better if
- You already have a WordPress site with content that ranks
- You want full control over design, data and hosting
- You have someone to handle updates, security and backups
Costs to compare
- Shopify: monthly plan, payment fees, paid apps and theme
- WooCommerce: hosting, premium plugins, payment fees and maintenance time or costs
Australian setup
On either platform, set up GST correctly, connect Australia Post or a courier for shipping rates, and show prices including GST.
See ecommerce website costs, Shopify developer costs and ecommerce SEO.
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