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In the wake of expanding ecommerce, choosing the proper stage to sell your items on is pertinent to success. Two giants currently reign supreme Amazon and Shopify; nevertheless, their capabilities align with different business types.
The purpose of this article is to inform the audience about what Shopify is, the differences between Shopify and Amazon and advantages and disadvantages of selling items on Amazon versus using Shopify. By the time you are through with this article you will be in a real position to distinguish between the two depending on what your business requires from each.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an all-round solution for commerce that allows companies to create their own websites for online selling. It provides an easy to use interface for designing, building, and modifying your Website, making it easier for you to own your brand and the relationship you share with your customers.
Some standout features include:
- An editable interface that is designed to allow users to drag and drop any design aspect on the site.
- E-business enablers that are integrated to enable features such as tax calculation screen and stock control.
- The integration of third party apps, with added functionality to the services offered.
Shopify is suitable for companies with their own or slightly individual ecommerce based on a template.
Difference Between Amazon and Shopify
The primary difference between these platforms lies in their purpose and functionality:
Feature | Amazon | Shopify |
Platform Type | Online marketplace | Ecommerce website builder |
Ownership | Hosted on Amazon’s platform | Fully owned by you |
Traffic | Provides access to millions of buyers | Requires driving your own traffic |
Customization | Limited to Amazon’s templates | Fully customizable store design |
Reputation | Leverages Amazon’s credibility | Requires building your own brand |
Amazon vs. Shopify: Pros and Cons
- Access to Massive Traffic: Every sixty days, there is a steady visitation of about 213 million customers from the United States, and they are a ready market for the products sold on this platform.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): FBA put in Amazon’s hands packaging, storage, shipping and all the returns services for the sellers.
- Quick Setup: Establishing an Amazon online shop is very easy because there are templates that one can work with.
- Credibility Boost: Selling on Amazon also has its advantages primarily due to the positive recognition of it among customers which creates trust.
- High Competition: Over a million sellers, and it means that cutting through the noise is very doable, yet takes a lot of work and fine tuning.
- Multiple Fees: The subscription fees, referral fees, and other charges apply to sellers, and there are additional fees regarding FBA services.
- Limited Customization: A storefront on Amazon is limited to the appearance of their platform like the layout.
- Restricted Payment Options: Amazon only accepts payment using the one payment method which is amazon specific payment option and it has low flexibility.
- Customizable Storefront: Develop a custom web store right for your brand, do so by utilizing the simplicity and ease of drag and drop of Shopify.
- Ecommerce Tools: Have access to the tools depending on the package, the features include inventory, cart abandonment, automated tax.
- Flexible Payment Options: Sell with Shopify Payments, PayPal, Amazon Pay and other payment gateways.
- Building Reputation: But in Shopify’s case, the current seller has to build its reputation and attract the attention of the client himself.
- Additional Costs: Monthly fee charged is between $29 and $299 with other features that may attract an additional fee depending on app and templates.
- Limited Full Customization: Shopify has many themes that a user can choose from, but getting a fully custom built website may be difficult.
Comparison Table: Amazon vs. Shopify
Feature | Amazon | Shopify |
Platform Type | Marketplace | Ecommerce platform |
Traffic | Access to millions of buyers instantly | Requires independent traffic generation |
Customization | Limited templates | Extensive customization options |
Fulfillment | Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) available | Sellers manage inventory and shipping |
Reputation | Leverages Amazon’s brand trust | Requires building a brand reputation |
Fees | Referral, subscription, and FBA fees | Monthly subscription, app, and add-on fees |
Payment Options | Limited to Amazon Payments | Multiple options (Shopify Payments, PayPal, etc.) |
Amazon vs. Shopify: Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between Amazon and Shopify depends on your business goals and priorities:
1. When to Choose Amazon
- If you want to reach millions of people to buy your products as soon as possible.
- Choosing whether or not to outsource fulfillment through FBA if you prefer it.
- If maintaining a positive association with Amazon’s branding strategy is beneficial to your intended plan.
2. When to Choose Shopify
- That is if you want no external interference with the design and branding of the store.
- If you’re in need of an independent ecommerce site or channel.
- If you appreciate choice of payment and options for customization.
3. Why Not Both?
Some owners opt for a dual strategy using Shopify to grow a brand while selling on Amazon to target as many customers as possible. It does so without compromising any of the prospects that are offered by either of the two social networking platforms.
Conclusion
There is no clear winner when it comes to the battle of Shopify and Amazon. Every one of them has its advantages that can be useful for those who need to expand their presence on
the Internet.
- Amazon is perfect for companies who want to get in front of an enormous amount of customers and have easy access to solutions of FBA.
- Shopify is ideal for businesses that want to establish an individualistic and business centred online store.
For most people, integrating both platforms is the perfect solution in order to achieve the maximum brand management while at the same time, getting maximum exposure to the largest population possible.
Not decided how to proceed with the whole platform? Contact us to speak with a professional about how you can effectively strengthen your ecommerce presence and achieve your objectives.
