Article
Shopify vs a custom shop
The decision isn’t “Shopify or custom”. It’s what the shop must do now — and in two years.
01
When I choose Shopify
I have clients on Shopify where it was the better call given size and complexity. Standard catalogue, ordinary basket, fast start.
- Smaller or mid-size range without unusual processes
- Need to start selling quickly with a lower upfront investment
- What the platform does natively is enough — no workarounds or plugin puzzles
02
When a custom shop makes sense
Other clients wanted specifics that Shopify would only do the hard way. I’d often have to say: “This won’t work 100% the way you want.”
With a custom build I don’t have to say that. I like saying: “Everything is possible.”
- Own B2B prices, access and order flows
- Hooks into warehouse, ERP or accounting you already run
- A catalogue or process that doesn’t fit a template
03
Low-cost start, custom later
Shopify works as a start — test demand, learn to sell, don’t pour a fortune into version one.
When you hit the platform ceiling, the shop can be rebuilt as custom. Better to know that up front, not when it’s already slowing you down.
04
How to decide
- What you sell and how — retail, B2B, or both
- What must match your operations, not a template
- The 1–3 year view, not just the launch price
Related service: Custom ecommerce
