In todays digital world, businesses can sell their products and services online through an e-commerce store. However, the decision of whether to rent or own a shop system can be daunting for many. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of renting a shop system like Shopify and owning your shop on your server.
Renting a Shop System Like Shopify
Shopify is a cloud-based, all-in-one e-commerce platform that provides businesses with everything they need to sell online. Here are the pros and cons of renting a shop system like Shopify:
Pros of Renting a Shop System
- Quick and Easy to Set Up: Businesses can have their online store up and running in a matter of minutes without needing to worry about website design or development. This makes it ideal for small businesses or those that are just starting with e-commerce.
- Cost-effective: Businesses only need to pay a monthly fee, which covers everything from web hosting to payment processing. This means that there are no upfront costs, and businesses can scale up or down as needed.
- Large App Store: Shopify has a large app store that allows businesses to add additional functionality to their online stores.
Cons of Renting a Shop System
- Limited Customization: Businesses don't have complete control over their online store. The platform provider controls the servers, which means that businesses can't make changes to the underlying code. This can be limiting for businesses that require a high level of customization.
- Tied to the Platform Provider: Businesses are tied to the platform provider. If the provider goes out of business or decides to change its pricing structure, it can have a significant impact on the business. This can be especially problematic for businesses that have invested a lot of time and resources into their online store.
- Risk of Payment Issues: When using a rented shop system like Shopify, businesses are relying on the payment processing system provided by the platform. If the platform experiences any issues or problems with their payment processing system, it could result in delayed or missed payments. Additionally, if the platform were to go bankrupt or shut down, businesses could potentially lose access to any funds that have not yet been transferred to their account.
Having Your Own E-Commerce Shop on Your Server
Having your own shop on your server means that you have complete control over your online store. Here are the pros and cons of owning your shop on your server:
Pros of Having Your Own Shop on Your Server
- Complete Control: Businesses have complete control over their online store. This means that they can customize every aspect of their online store, from the design to the underlying code. This can be a significant advantage for businesses that require a high level of customization.
- Optimized Performance and Security: Businesses have complete control over their servers. This means that they can optimize performance and security, which can be essential for businesses that handle sensitive data.
Cons of Having Your Own Shop on Your Server
- Complex and Time-consuming: Having your own shop on your server is more complex and time-consuming to set up. Businesses need to have extensive technical knowledge or resources to create a highly customized online store. This can be a significant barrier for small businesses or those that are just starting with e-commerce.
- Responsible for Server Maintenance: Businesses are responsible for maintaining and updating their servers. This can be time-consuming and expensive, especially for businesses that don't have dedicated IT resources.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to rent or own an e-commerce shop system, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Renting a shop system like Shopify is quick, easy, and cost-effective, but businesses are limited in terms of customization and are tied to the platform's features and pricing. On the other hand, owning an e-commerce shop system provides greater flexibility and control over the platform, but it requires a significant investment of time, money, and technical expertise. Ultimately, the decision to rent or own an e-commerce shop system depends on a business's unique needs, resources, and goals. It's essential to carefully consider both options and choose the one that aligns with the business's long-term vision and growth strategy.
If you are tight on your budget, a simple Store like Shopify would be the cheapest solution, you can then use our 20 Simple Marketing Strategies for a Small Business on a Tight Budget from our Article to save yourself some money, so you can spend it on some plugins for your shopify store or pay your first months after the Trial with Shopify.
Try Shopify for just €1/month.
For a limited time, you can start your online store for just €1/month. With Shopify, you'll have access to a wide range of powerful tools and features to help you build, launch, and grow your business.
