The E-commerce Boom
With UPI and cheap 5G, selling online in India has never been easier. But choosing the right platform can make or break your margins. Should you pay a monthly fee to Shopify or build a custom asset?
Option 1: Shopify (The Rental Model)
Shopify is like renting a fully furnished shop in a mall. You pay rent (monthly subscription) and commission (transaction fees), but everything is ready to use.
- Pros: Up and running in 24 hours. Great hosting included. Easy to use.
- Cons: Monthly fees ($29+ per month). Apps cost extra. Transaction fees on top of gateway charges. You don't own the code.
- Best For: First-time sellers, dropshippers, and small D2C brands.
Option 2: Custom Development (The Ownership Model)
Building a custom store (using MERN stack, WooCommerce, or Magento) is like building your own showroom. You pay for construction once, and then you own it forever.
- Pros: No monthly platform fees. Unlimited customization. Full control over SEO. One-time integration with Razorpay/Cashfree.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost. You are responsible for hosting and security upgrades.
- Best For: Scaling brands, B2B sellers, and businesses with unique requirements.
Cost Comparison (Year 1)
| Item | Shopify | Custom (DeveloperBee) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | Low (Do it yourself) | Medium (Dev fees) |
| Monthly Fees | ~₹2,500 + Apps | ₹0 (Just Hosting) |
| Transaction Fees | 2.0% + Gateway | 0% + Gateway |
Our Recommendation
Start with **Custom/WooCommerce** if you are budget-conscious in the long run and want to avoid monthly dollar-pegged fees. Use **Shopify** if you have zero technical knowledge and high cash flow.
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