Dropshipping Shopify or WordPress in 2024 [Ultimate Winner]

Dropshipping Shopify or WordPress? Finalize the age-old dilemma once and for all!

What comes to your mind when you think about starting an online store? The answer is simple – a platform that is easy to use, efficient, and, most importantly, profitable. In today’s digital age, e-commerce has become the go-to choice for entrepreneurs looking to establish their brands and reach a wider customer base. With giants like Amazon dominating the market, it can seem daunting for small businesses to compete and succeed. However, there is a solution – dropshipping.

Dropshipping has become increasingly popular in recent years with its promise of low risk and high profits. It eliminates the need for physical inventory and shipping, making it an attractive option for those starting their online journey. But the question remains – which platform should you choose for your dropshipping business? Shopify and WordPress are the two most common platforms for online stores. Let’s take a closer look at these platforms and determine which is better for dropshipping: Shopify or WordPress.

WordPress vs Shopify – An Overview

Before diving into the details, let’s understand what these platforms offer.

What is Shopify?

Creating and maintaining an online storefront is a breeze with Shopify, an all-in-one e-commerce platform. Founded in 2004, it has quickly become one of the most popular options for businesses setting up an online presence. With its user-friendly interface and many features, Shopify has become a favorite among entrepreneurs.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) initially created as a blogging platform. However, it has developed into a robust website creator that can be used to make any kind of website. It offers various plugins, themes, and customization options, making it a popular choice for e-commerce websites.

Which is better for dropshipping, Shopify or WordPress?

Now that we have a basic understanding of both platforms, let’s delve into the comparison and find out which is better for dropshipping.

Shopify or WordPress – Pros and Cons

Both Shopify and WordPress have their own set of pros and cons when it comes to dropshipping. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Shopify – Pros

• User-Friendly: Shopify’s simple interface is one of the platform’s greatest strengths. You don’t need coding or technical knowledge to use this platform, making it accessible to everyone.
• Built for E-Commerce: As an all-in-one e-commerce platform, Shopify has all the necessary sales tools already set up for you. Setting up your online store saves a lot of time and effort.
• Hassle-Free Hosting: With Shopify, you don’t need to worry about hosting or security as the platform takes care of it. This will make the process easy and pleasant for you and your customers.

Shopify – Cons

• Transaction Fees: Additional transaction fees of 0.5% to 2% per transaction are one of Shopify’s major drawbacks if you do not use Shopify Payments.
• Theme Limitations: If you ever decide to change your website’s theme, you may have to reformat your content, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
• Not as Simple as Drag-and-Drop: Shopify may not be the best option for those looking for a simple drag-and-drop experience like Wix.

WordPress – Pros

• Customization Options: As a powerful content management system, WordPress allows for total customization of your website. This gives you more control over the design and functionality of your online store.
• Helpful Resources: With a huge community of users and developers, plenty of helpful resources are available online to guide you through any technical hurdles.
• Improved User-Friendliness: The newest version of WordPress, ‘Lionel,’ has made it slightly easier to use for beginners.

WordPress – Cons

• Technical Knowledge Required: Unlike Shopify, using WordPress does require a good level of technical knowledge. This may be a challenge for those unfamiliar with website building or coding.
• Costly Expenses: Running a WordPress site can add up quickly as you must pay for hosting, security, and domain name. Because of this, it may be more costly than Shopify.

Shopify or WordPress – Price and Payments

When deciding between Shopify and WordPress, cost is an important factor. Both platforms offer different pricing plans with various features and benefits.

WordPress Pricing:

WordPress is free, but additional costs involve website setting up and running. These include hosting, tutorials and courses, themes, and plugin costs.

Hosting Costs:

The monthly cost of hosting for a WordPress site can range from $5 – $100 depending on the type of hosting (shared or fully managed).

Tutorials & Courses Costs:

While free resources are available, more comprehensive tutorials and courses can cost up to $50+ per month and take weeks to learn.

Theme Costs:

WordPress has a wide range of themes, with prices ranging from free to $5,000+. Basic templates can cost between $35 – $50, while premium templates can cost between $80 – $200. It is not uncommon for custom designs to cost $5,000 or more.

Plugin Costs:

WordPress plugins can range from one-time costs of $50 – $500 or monthly costs of $5 – $150. Some essential paid plugins for e-commerce include payment software ($100 – $500 one-time cost or $30 – $80 monthly) and membership gateway software ($100 – $300 one-time cost or $50 – $150 monthly). Email marketing software can also be an additional monthly cost of $5 – $99.

In comparison to Shopify, WordPress’ WooCommerce plugin is free to use. However, the Ecwid Unlimited plan at $99/month is required for unlimited product listings.

Shopify Pricing:

Three main Shopify plans are available, including a free 3-day trial: Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify. With Shopify Plus, large corporations can get an e-commerce solution based on quotes. At the same time, small businesses can use Shopify Starter to sell their wares on social media and messaging platforms.

Basic Shopify Plan:

For $25 per month, merchants can access all themes, use the same editor, get 24/7 support, and have the most e-commerce features.

Shopify Plan:

At $65 per month, merchants receive all the benefits of the Basic plan, a detailed reporting tool, and abandoned cart recovery – two major bonuses for any business.

Advanced Shopify Plan:

The most expensive option at $399 per month offers advanced reporting and real-time shipping in addition to all the features of the Shopify plan.

In terms of cost, Shopify can initially seem more expensive, but it includes everything needed for a successful e-commerce business. In comparison, WordPress requires additional costs for hosting, themes, and plugins. It is similar to choosing an all-inclusive resort (Shopify) versus paying separately for food, drinks, and activities (WordPress). Ultimately, the decision between Shopify and WordPress will depend on your business’s needs and budget.

Shopify or WordPress – Themes and Designs

Regarding themes and designs, Shopify and WordPress offer different options for creating a visually appealing online store. Both platforms have a selection of themes and allow for customization to suit your brand’s aesthetic. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Shopify Themes:

Shopify provides a variety of templates for online shops, both free and paid. Eight free themes are available, while the premium ones cost between $120 and $180. In addition to these, over 1,200 third-party Shopify themes are available on platforms like Theme Forest.

Shopify’s themes are mobile-responsive and optimized for sales, automatically adjusting to fit any screen size. The theme editor is also user-friendly and does not require coding knowledge to customize.

Additionally, Shopify offers 24/7 support for any assistance with themes or designs.

WordPress Themes:

WordPress has a much larger selection of themes, with over 8,000 options. However, only half of these include e-commerce functionality, and many may require coding or technical knowledge to customize.

It’s important to note that third-party developers create WordPress themes, so if you encounter any issues, you must contact the theme developer for support.

In terms of cost, Shopify’s themes may seem more expensive initially, but they come with built-in e-commerce features. On the other hand, WordPress themes may require additional costs for plugins or customization.

Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and WordPress for themes and designs will depend on your budget and technical abilities. Shopify offers a more user-friendly option with 24/7 support, while WordPress allows for more flexibility but may require additional resources to customize effectively. Overall, both platforms offer options for creating visually appealing online stores, but it’s important to consider the level of expertise and support needed for your specific business.

Shopify or WordPress – Apps and Plugins

Regarding apps and plugins, Shopify and WordPress have different approaches. WordPress has over 50,000 plugins available, while Shopify’s app store has over 6,000.

Shopify Apps:

Shopify’s built-in e-commerce features mean users require fewer third-party apps for their websites. However, many options remain available for adding functionality, such as marketing, shipping, and inventory management.

The Shopify app store features free and paid options, with prices ranging from zero dollars to more than $500.

Additionally, Shopify takes care of all the technical aspects needed for apps to function properly on the platform, making it easier for users to manage their website’s functionality.

WordPress Plugins:

WordPress relies heavily on plugins to add functionality to websites. With over 50,000 options available, users have various choices for enhancing their website’s features.

However, managing and troubleshooting these plugins can be challenging for users without coding knowledge. Some plugins may also require technical tweaking to work well together.

In terms of cost, WordPress plugins can range from free to over $1,000. It’s important to consider the cost and potential technical difficulties when choosing plugins for your WordPress site.

Shopify offers a more streamlined approach with its built-in features and curated app store. At the same time, WordPress allows for more flexibility but may require more technical knowledge to manage effectively.

Shopify or WordPress – Customer Support

When it comes to customer support, Shopify and WordPress have different approaches. Because it can be difficult to set up and maintain an online store, this is a crucial consideration when picking a platform for your e-commerce website.

Shopify Customer Support:

Shopify offers 24/7 customer support via chat, email, and phone. Technical questions and concerns about their themes, designs, apps, and plugins can always be directed to their helpful support staff. Additionally, Shopify has an extensive help center and active community forums where users can find answers to commonly asked questions.

WordPress Customer Support:

As an open-source solution, WordPress does not offer direct customer support. Instead, users must rely on community forums or specialist websites for assistance. This may be challenging for those who need more technical knowledge or experience with web development. However, plugin makers may offer direct support for issues related to their specific tool.

Overall, Shopify provides a more comprehensive and accessible customer support system than WordPress, making it a better option for beginners or those needing assistance with their e-commerce website. On the other hand, experienced web developers prefer the flexibility of WordPress and can troubleshoot any issues independently. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your expertise level and the support you require for managing your online store.

Shopify or WordPress – Ease of Use

Regarding ease of use, Shopify and WordPress have different approaches due to their varying levels of customizability and complexity.

Shopify Ease of Use:

Shopify is designed with user-friendliness in mind and requires no coding knowledge. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for beginners to set up an online store without facing overwhelming technical challenges. The platform also provides users with a step-by-step guide to help them get started and a dashboard from which they can control every facet of their virtual store.

Adding products is also hassle-free, with Shopify’s interface resembling a Word document. Additionally, the recent integration of AI technology through ‘Shopify Magic’ has made adding product descriptions even easier.

WordPress Ease of Use:

On the other hand, WordPress may require more technical knowledge and experience due to its open-source nature. Users must have basic coding skills to customize their website design or install various plugins, including e-commerce ones.

Compared to Shopify’s streamlined dashboard, WordPress’s many features can bewilder newcomers. However, managing an online store on WordPress may be more straightforward once set up, especially for experienced web developers.

In conclusion, Shopify offers a more user-friendly and intuitive platform for beginners and those without coding knowledge. WordPress may be better suited for experienced web developers who require more customization options. Both platforms have strengths and ultimately depend on the individual’s expertise and preference. However, Shopify takes the lead with its beginner-friendly interface and AI technology for ease of use. Shopify may be your better option if you’re starting with your online store. But if you’re an experienced web developer looking for more customization options, WordPress could be a great fit.

Shopify or WordPress – Popularity

The popularity of a website-building solution is an essential factor to consider when choosing between Shopify and WordPress. A large user base indicates the trust and satisfaction of users and means more support options, resources, apps, and plugins available for the platform.

In terms of popularity, both Shopify and WordPress have many users. According to estimates, WordPress powers over 34 million sites and is used as a content management system by 25% of the top 1 million websites. On the other hand, Shopify powers around 4.6 million online stores.

While WordPress has a larger user base than Shopify, it is also important to consider the risk of the platform disappearing. WordPress may be considered a safer bet due to its long-standing popularity and vast user base. However, Shopify’s significant number of users also indicates its reliability and the unlikelihood of it disappearing shortly.

Shopify and WordPress are highly popular and stable platforms with millions of satisfied users. Choosing one over the other depends on your specific needs and preferences. But rest assured that whichever platform you choose, you can have confidence in its longevity and reliability.

Dropshipping with Shopify and WordPress

Dropshipping has become an attractive option for new online retailers because it eliminates the need to invest in inventory and shipping infrastructure. Both Shopify and WordPress offer options for dropshipping, making it accessible to anyone interested in this type of e-commerce.

Dropshipping with Shopify:

Shopify offers its dropshipping app called DSers, which integrates seamlessly with the platform. DSers allows users to import products from AliExpress directly into their Shopify store, eliminating the need for inventory management and shipping logistics.

Additionally, Shopify has a wide selection of dropshipping apps on its marketplace, allowing users to expand their product offerings and automate various aspects of their business.

Dropshipping with WordPress:

WordPress has no built-in dropshipping solution, but several plugins allow easy integration with popular dropshipping platforms like AliExpress and Oberlo. These plugins also help with automating order fulfillment and inventory management.

One of the most popular plugins for dropshipping on WordPress is WooCommerce, which offers a wide range of features and extensions to support a successful dropshipping business.

Final Verdict – Dropshipping Shopify or WordPress

Overall, both Shopify and WordPress offer suitable options for dropshipping businesses. While Shopify may have a slight edge with its built-in dropshipping app, WordPress offers more flexibility with various plugin options.

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both platforms have successfully supported dropshipping businesses so that you can go right with either option. It’s important to thoroughly research and consider all factors before deciding and ultimately choosing the platform that best fits your unique business goals. Happy dropshipping!

FAQs about Dropshipping on Shopify or WordPress 

Is WordPress good for Drop Shipping?

WordPress can be a good option for dropshipping businesses using plugins such as WooCommerce and AliExpress. These plugins allow for easy integration and automation of order fulfillment and inventory management.

Which is better for Drop Shipping – Shopify or WordPress?

Both Shopify and WordPress offer suitable options for dropshipping businesses. However, Shopify may have a slight edge with its built-in dropshipping app, while WordPress offers more flexibility with various plugin options. Ultimately, the better option depends on personal preference and specific business needs.

Can I switch from Shopify to WordPress?

Yes, it is possible to switch from Shopify to WordPress. However, it may require some technical knowledge and experience in website migration. It’s important to carefully plan and research before switching to ensure a smooth transition.

Is Shopify good for beginners?

Yes, Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and beginner-friendly features. With its AI-powered, drag-and-drop website builder, even those without experience in the field can launch and manage a successful e-commerce venture. Shopify may be your better option if you’re starting with your online store. However, as your business grows and you require more customization options, WordPress could also become a suitable choice for beginners.

Is WordPress WooCommerce better than Shopify?

Determining which platform is better is difficult as it depends on personal preferences and business needs. However, WordPress WooCommerce offers more flexibility and customization options than Shopify. It also has a larger selection of free plugins and extensions available but may require more technical knowledge and time for setup and maintenance. Ultimately, the best option depends on your business goals and capabilities.

Is Shopify faster than WordPress?

Shopify is a hosted platform that hosts your website, while WordPress is self-hosted. Regarding speed, Shopify’s servers are optimized for e-commerce websites and can provide faster loading times than WordPress sites. However, a WordPress site can achieve fast load speeds with proper optimization and caching plugins. Ultimately, the speed of your website will depend on various factors, such as the size of your content and images, the number of plugins used, and server optimization.

Is Shopify harder than WordPress?

It’s difficult to say whether Shopify is harder than WordPress as it depends on the user’s experience and familiarity with each platform. Shopify may be easier for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop website builder. However, WordPress can offer higher control and customization options for those with more technical knowledge and coding experience.

Is Shopify easy to make money?

Shopify can be a profitable platform for dropshipping businesses. However, any business venture requires hard work, dedication, and proper marketing strategies. With Shopify’s built-in features and resources, as well as the option to integrate with various dropshipping apps and plugins, it can make it easier for entrepreneurs to monetize their online store.

Start your own dropshipping business with an exclusive prebuilt dropshipping store at Dropship Launchpad:

If you’re interested in starting your own dropshipping business but don’t want to spend time building and designing a website from scratch, consider using Dropship Launchpad. It offers prebuilt stores with customizable templates and automatically integrates with AliExpress and DSers for easy product sourcing and order fulfillment. You can put your efforts on expanding your business rather than learning the ins and outs of putting up an online store.