Use your catalogue and order workflow as the test
Prepare sample products, variants, stock rules and shipping destinations. Walk through one normal order, one failed payment, one cancellation and one return in each shortlisted setup. The right platform is the one your team can operate reliably with the required integrations, not simply the one with the most attractive demo theme.
What a hosted platform changes
Shopify manages much of the platform infrastructure within its subscription model. Your team still needs to manage content, accounts, apps and store configuration. Check current plan limits, app subscriptions, transaction terms and gateway availability directly with the providers. Features and pricing can change; do not base a decision on an old comparison chart.
What a WordPress store changes
WooCommerce gives a WordPress-based store substantial flexibility. That also means hosting quality, extension compatibility, updates and backups need an owner. Compare the work needed to keep the store healthy, not just the plugin’s initial cost. If your team already operates WordPress, test whether its existing workflow can support orders as well as content.
Confirm payments and fulfilment before design approval
For India-focused sales, verify the payment methods your customers need with the selected gateway and platform. Merchant verification, settlement terms, refund handling and provider charges are business decisions. Test shipping zones and serviceability with representative addresses. Your business must approve tax settings and store policies using appropriate advice.
Check the cost of leaving later
Ask what products, orders and customer records you can export, how images are stored and what happens to URLs during migration. Document domain ownership and account access. Choose on the combined cost of operating, maintaining and eventually moving the store, alongside the customer experience you need now.
Your practical checklist
- Representative products and order exceptions tested
- Gateway support, merchant approval and fees checked
- Shipping zones and return workflow agreed
- Recurring apps, hosting and maintenance compared
- Data exports and domain ownership documented
- Store manager able to complete common tasks
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