A practical comparison for small European shops: ownership, apps, ops cost and when each platform wins.
Shopify suits teams that want hosted checkout, app ecosystem and less server fuss. WooCommerce fits when you already run WordPress, need deep custom flows or want tighter control of hosting and data. Neither is “better” in the abstract — match the platform to catalogue size, shipping rules and who will manage the store day to day.
Shopify fees are predictable; apps and payment rates add up. WooCommerce looks free until you pay for hosting, security, plugins and skilled maintenance. Factor staff time: a fragile stack with unpaid plugins can cost more than a cleaner SaaS fee. Model year-one cost with realistic app and support lines.
Most SMEs launch faster on Shopify if the catalogue is straightforward. WooCommerce wins when content marketing and store must live in one WordPress system — if you accept ongoing technical care. Decide who handles updates, stock sync and campaign landing pages before you pick a logo theme.
Lock the decision to growth plans: multi-currency, B2B pricing, subscriptions or marketplace sync can tip the scales. Duyuz helps SMEs pick, build and care for either stack without forcing a trendy default. The right shop is the one your team can run without weekly firefighting.
Practical conversion fundamentals for SME stores: clarity, trust, checkout friction and measurement that matters.
Realistic European website price ranges, what drives cost, and when packages beat fully custom builds.
Hosting, updates, monitoring and iteration — what happens after go-live if you want the site to keep performing.