Choosing an online store platform

Independent starter guide. No affiliate links or live offers are currently active.

1. Estimate your true monthly cost

Include subscription, payment processing, transaction fees, apps, themes, shipping integrations and domain renewal.

2. Check your sales channels

Make sure the platform supports your intended products, inventory, fulfilment, local taxes and the payment methods your customers use.

3. Think about switching costs

Evaluate export tools, domain portability, ownership of customer data and the effort required to migrate later.

4. Compare options

Shopify is one option; compare it with alternative hosted or self-managed platforms before choosing.

Always verify current plan inclusions, renewal prices, refund conditions and Australian tax treatment on the provider own website.