Choosing the right ecommerce platform can make or break your online store—especially for Canadian businesses dealing with unique tax rules, local payment methods, and bilingual audiences. At 101 Keys, we’ve helped businesses across Canada build high-converting online stores using both Shopify and WooCommerce. But which one is right for you?
In this post, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and key features of Shopify and WooCommerce to help you make the best choice for your business.
What Are Shopify and WooCommerce?
Shopify
Shopify is a fully hosted, all-in-one ecommerce platform designed to make launching and managing an online store fast and simple. It’s a Canadian company—headquartered in Ottawa—and is particularly popular with small businesses and entrepreneurs thanks to its ease of use and 24/7 support.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress. It offers unmatched flexibility and customization, but it requires a bit more technical know-how. You’ll need your own hosting and will be responsible for managing the platform yourself.
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Starts at $38 CAD/month (basic plan) | Free plugin, but requires hosting (~$10–$25/month) 3 Value |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ (unless using Shopify Payments) | Varies by payment gateway 3 Value 2 |
| Add-ons | Many paid apps | Free and paid plugins available |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Shopify if:
- You want an all-in-one solution with minimal setup
- You’re a small business or startup launching your first online store
- You value simplicity, speed, and support
Choose WooCommerce if:
- You need full control over your store design and functionality
- You already have a WordPress website
- You plan to scale or heavily customize your ecommerce site
Final Thoughts
Both Shopify and WooCommerce are excellent platforms—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and technical comfort level. At 101 Keys, we help Canadian businesses launch e-commerce websites that are secure, fast, and built for growth—on the platform that fits best.
Need Help Choosing the Right Platform?
We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals, product catalog, and growth plan.
Book a free e-commerce consultation with our team in Hamilton.
