Shopify or WooCommerce?

Points to check

• Map products, variants, taxes, shipping rules and returns before comparing platform features. The details of your catalogue often decide the right setup.
• Ask for the full monthly and transaction costs, including payment processing, apps, hosting and maintenance.
• Test an order, refund and stock update during acceptance so the team knows how routine work will happen.

Start with the brief

Write down the business outcome you need, the people you want to reach and any practical constraints. This makes it easier to judge whether a suggested service or platform is appropriate.

Assess product complexity, payments, integrations and the people who will run the store.

Compare the work, not just the headline

Ask providers to describe the deliverables, who will do the work, what they need from you and when the result will be reviewed. A written proposal should distinguish included work from optional extras.

• Storefront and product catalogue design
• Payments, delivery and returns flows
• Training, security and ongoing support

Questions worth asking

• Who maintains the catalogue and payment account?
• What testing covers checkout and refunds?
• Which platform and transaction fees apply?

Compare the full operating cost and the effort required for updates and support.

Make a fair comparison

Use the same brief for each provider, request any missing details in writing, and consider ownership and ongoing support alongside price. You can use the free worksheet to record the answers.