Shopify (hosted SaaS)
Catalogues that fit Shopify’s model, teams that want less server ops, and roadmaps driven by apps + theme work.
Shopify vs Custom Ecommerce: Cost, Speed and Fit (United Kingdom)
UK SMEs weigh SEO Growth (€399/mo) against Ads management (from €299/mo + spend) and web packages (€590–€1690). Decision pages should convert GBP mental maths to published EUR floors without pretending London day-rates are the baseline. Shopify wins for most growing brands that need a reliable storefront quickly. Custom commerce wins when unique business logic or deep integrations exceed what apps should carry. WooCommerce sits between for WordPress-centric teams.
Best use case
When each option fits
Custom ecommerce
Unusual pricing rules, heavy ERP coupling, or product experiences that fight Shopify’s grain.
Cost & speed
What it costs and how fast it moves
Shopify (hosted SaaS) — Cost
Duyuz Shopify Starter from €1,490; Business from €2,490 (campaign) plus Shopify subscription, apps and payments.
Speed
Usually faster to a usable checkout.
Custom ecommerce — Cost
Custom builds often from €3,990+ and require ongoing engineering ownership.
Speed
Longer discovery and build; more control later.
Total cost of ownership includes apps, theme debt and ops — not only the build invoice.
Advantages and limitations
Both sides have trade-offs — we recommend based on fit.
Shopify (hosted SaaS) — Advantages
- Mature checkout and app ecosystem✓
- Less hosting burden✓
- Faster iteration for standard retail✓
Limitations
- App sprawl and theme fragility✓
- Platform fees forever✓
- Harder when logic is deeply custom✓
Custom ecommerce — Advantages
- Full control of UX and data model✓
- No SaaS ceiling on unique workflows✓
Limitations
- Higher build and maintenance cost✓
- You own security and uptime discipline✓
When to combine
Using both — deliberately
Start on Shopify to validate demand; migrate components to custom only when constraints are proven — not speculative.
How to decide
Default to Shopify (or Woo when WordPress is strategic). Choose custom when the product truly cannot live in a SaaS storefront without painful workarounds.
Remote delivery across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Published floors are in EUR; quotes clarify local tax and currency expectations. No fabricated local offices.
Local decision factors in United Kingdom
- Dense agency and freelancer market — buyers shortlist on proof and written scope, not pitch decks✓
- Google Ads CPCs run high in legal, finance, home services and clinics; weak landing pages burn budget fast✓
- Maps pack competition is fierce in major cities; Local SEO vs broader SEO is a real budget fork✓
- Trustpilot and Google review volume often decide “agency vs freelancer” before creative taste does✓
Related services & cost guides
Request an ecommerce scope
Tell us your market, timeline and constraints — we recommend a mix based on fit for your market and constraints.
FAQ
Is Shopify cheaper than custom?
Usually for standard stores. Custom can cost less long-term only if SaaS workarounds would be endless — rare for first stores.
What about WooCommerce?
Strong when content and store live together on WordPress. Still not “fully custom platform” complexity.
Will you push custom to raise the fee?
No. We recommend the smallest stack that sells.
Do you migrate Shopify later?
Yes when justified — migration is scoped explicitly.
Should UK businesses pick Ads or SEO first?
If you need leads this month and can fund CPC, Ads can start sooner. SEO compounds but rarely replaces paid while rankings are immature. Many combine both once conversion paths work.
Is a UK agency required for Local SEO?
Yes. We work remotely when business details, review process and service-area language match your real footprint.
Related comparisons
SEO vs Google Ads
SEO vs Google Ads compared honestly: cost, speed, advantages, limitations and when to combine. Duyuz for Europe, UK, US and Australia.
Freelancer vs web design agency
Freelancer vs web design agency — cost, speed, risk, advantages and when a hybrid makes sense. Honest decision guide from Duyuz.
Website redesign vs new website
Redesign vs new website — cost, SEO risk, speed and when to rebuild. Honest decision framework from Duyuz.
SEO vs Local SEO
SEO vs Local SEO — use cases, cost, speed, limits and when to combine Maps work with broader search. From Duyuz.
AI receptionist vs human receptionist
AI receptionist vs human staff — cost, speed, advantages, limits and when to combine. No “AI replaces everyone” hype.
WordPress vs custom website
WordPress vs custom website — cost, speed, maintenance, advantages and limits. Practical decision guide from Duyuz.