Shopify development

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to create and manage online stores. It offers a wide range of features, including product and order management, payment processing, delivery handling, as well as analytical and marketing support. Thanks to its flexibility and intuitiveness, Shopify has become one of the most popular tools in the eCommerce industry. According to BuiltWith's report, Shopify handles over 20% of the eCommerce market, indicating its significant position among online businesses.

The Shopify platform is provided to entrepreneurs on a Software as a Service (SaaS) basis. This model operates on a subscription basis, where entrepreneurs use a ready-made software framework provided by the supplier. Entrepreneurs pay for the service through regular subscription fees (usually monthly or annually). In return, they gain access to a set of features selected according to the subscription level. If necessary, they can expand this set with additional tools or applications. Additionally, the SaaS model often includes additional services such as technical support, data security, and regular backups.

The cost of maintaining the Shopify platform primarily depends on the chosen subscription. Monthly fees start from $24 for the basic version, with the highest amounts reached for Shopify Plus (whose rates start from $2,300) or enterprise versions, where the rate is determined individually. Additionally, depending on business needs, you also need to consider the cost of additional extensions and applications. The monthly fee for Shopify also depends on the level of revenue, as the platform charges a commission on sales (which decreases with the choice of more advanced subscription packages).

Despite the various factors affecting costs, Shopify still remains a cost-effective solution in many cases. Maintaining a store on Shopify can be even several times cheaper than, for example, on an open-source platform, where additional expenses for hosting, security, and regular updates are required.

Shopify offers advanced solutions for companies whose needs go beyond the standard platform features. For larger enterprises, the Shopify Plus package is the ideal choice, providing dedicated tools and features such as flexible customization options and advanced reporting and analysis tools. Additionally, Shopify provides flexible API interfaces, allowing integration with external systems, creation of custom features, and automation of business processes. As a result, regardless of your business's advanced needs, a properly tailored Shopify system can provide solutions that meet your expectations and enable further business growth.

The main difference between SaaS and open-source platforms lies in the degree of involvement and responsibility required to maintain and customize the system. The Software as a Service (SaaS) model is closed-source software (not provided to the user), offering ready-made solutions hosted in the cloud. Their provider (e.g., Shopify) provides technical infrastructure, security, and technical support. Users, on the other hand, use the service by paying subscription fees.

On the other hand, an open-source platform is software whose source code is publicly available and can be modified and customised by users. This means that users have full control over the functionalities and configuration of their system but are responsible for its installation, maintenance, and security.

By choosing to collaborate with a software house for the implementation of your Shopify store, you gain not only access to technical expertise but also ensure understanding of your business needs and translation into specific solutions. Such cooperation guarantees the creation of a smoothly functioning and effective store - from refining user experiences (UX design) to seamlessly expanding the store with additional components such as external systems (PIM types). As a result, working with an experienced team (at Advox, we have been implementing eCommerce projects for over 15 years) will accelerate the Shopify implementation process and provide you with personalised solutions that consider the latest market trends, increasing the efficiency of your online business.