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Top Shopify Alternatives to Consider in India in 2023

Top Shopify Alternatives to Consider in India in 2023

India is a rapidly growing market for ecommerce, with online sales expected to reach $200 billion by 2026. Shopify has been a popular choice for Indian businesses looking to start an online store, but it’s not the only option.

However, as a business owner in India, you may be looking for alternative options to Shopify. There are several reasons why you might want to consider Shopify alternatives in India, such as cost, features, and customization options.

When choosing an ecommerce platform, there are several factors to consider, such as pricing, features, customer support, ease of use, and security. It’s important to find a platform that meets your business needs and budget, as well as provides a positive shopping experience for your customers.

Let’s take a look at some of the best alternatives to Shopify in India in this article, and you can explore the top Shopify alternatives to consider in India in 2023

Why Should You Try Shopify Alternatives?

It May Not  Meet Specific Needs :

While Shopify is a great platform for many businesses, it may not be the best fit for everyone. One of the main Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that provides a range of features to help businesses create and manage their online stores. While Shopify has many benefits, some businesses in India may find that it doesn’t meet all of their specific needs. As such, it’s important to consider Shopify alternatives in India to ensure that you choose the platform that’s best suited for your business.

 Customization Options: 

Customization options are also a consideration when looking for Shopify alternatives in India. While Shopify is customizable to an extent, it may not offer the level of customization you need for your business. With a Shopify alternative, you may have more control over the look and feel of your online store, as well as more flexibility in terms of integrations and third-party apps.

More Control Over Website: 

Another reason to consider Shopify alternatives is that some businesses may want more control over their e-commerce platform, which may not be possible with Shopify. By choosing an alternative platform, businesses may be able to customize their online store more extensively or have more flexibility in how they manage their products, orders, and customer data.

While Shopify has many features, it may not have everything you need for your business. For example, you may require more advanced inventory management or shipping options that Shopify does not offer. In this case, a Shopify alternative with more robust features may be a better fit for your business.

Overall, there are many reasons why businesses in India may want to consider Shopify alternatives. By exploring different options, businesses can find the platform that best fits their unique needs and goals.  reasons to consider Shopify alternatives in India is cost. Shopify can be expensive, especially when you factor in the monthly subscription fees, transaction fees, and add-ons. For small businesses and startups in India, these costs can add up quickly and eat into profits.

Reasons Why Sellers Are Looking for Platforms Like Shopify

While Shopify is a popular and widely used platform for online stores, some sellers may be looking for alternative platforms for various reasons. Here are a few possible reasons:

  • Customization: While Shopify offers customizable templates, some sellers may be looking for more flexibility in terms of design and customization. They may be looking for platforms that offer more options for customizing the look and feel of their online store.

  • Integrations: While Shopify has a wide range of third-party apps, some sellers may be looking for platforms that offer more integrations with specific apps or tools that they use for their business.

  • Target market: Depending on the type of products or services being sold, some sellers may find that alternative platforms better cater to their target market.

  • Technical skills: While Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, some sellers may find that they need more technical skills to fully customize and optimize their online store. They may be looking for platforms that are more suited to their technical expertise or that offer more support and resources for technical issues.

  • Cost: While Shopify’s pricing plans are generally affordable, some sellers may find that the fees add up over time, especially if their store is growing quickly. They may look for alternative platforms that offer lower fees or more flexible pricing plans.

How to Choose the Best Shopify Alternative?

Choosing the best Shopify alternative for your business can be a daunting task, but it’s an important decision that can impact the success of your online store. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an alternative platform:

Cost:

Consider the pricing plans of each platform and compare them to your budget. Look for platforms that offer competitive pricing and transparent fees.

Customization:

Consider how important customization is to your business. Look for platforms that offer a range of customization options, such as custom templates, themes, and design tools.

Integrations:

Consider the third-party apps and tools that you use for your business and look for platforms that offer integrations with those tools. This can help streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.

Target market:

Consider the demographics and preferences of your target market and look for platforms that cater to those needs.

Technical expertise:

Consider your level of technical expertise and look for platforms that offer support and resources that match your skill level. Look for platforms with user-friendly interfaces and helpful support documentation.

Scalability:

Consider your long-term growth plans and look for platforms that can accommodate your future needs. Look for platforms that offer scalability, such as unlimited product listings, bandwidth, and storage.

Security:

Consider the security features of each platform, such as SSL encryption, fraud detection, and PCI compliance. Look for platforms that prioritize security to protect both you and your customers.

Ultimately, the best Shopify alternative for your business will depend on your unique needs and preferences. Do your research, compare platforms, and consider these factors when making your decision.

Shopify Alternatives
(Free, Paid, and Open Source)

When looking for Shopify alternatives in India, you will come across a variety of options, including free, paid, and open-source platforms. Free and open-source platforms offer flexibility and customization options, but may require more technical knowledge to set up and maintain. Paid platforms offer more advanced features and support options, but can be expensive. Ultimately, the best Shopify alternative for your business will depend on your budget, features, and customization needs.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a popular ecommerce platform that offers a variety of features for businesses of all sizes. Here’s a closer look at what BigCommerce has to offer as an alternative to Shopify in India:

Overview of BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a fully hosted ecommerce platform that provides everything you need to start and run an online store. It offers a range of features, including:

  • Customizable themes and templates

  • Mobile optimization

  • SEO tools

  • Payment and shipping integrations

  • Product and inventory management

  • Customer management and marketing tools

Pros and Cons of Using BigCommerce as an Alternative to Shopify in India

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if BigCommerce is the right alternative to Shopify for your Indian ecommerce business:

Pros

  • Robust feature set: BigCommerce offers a wide range of features that can help you manage and grow your online store.

  • Mobile-friendly: BigCommerce’s themes and templates are optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

  • Scalable: BigCommerce is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

  • 24/7 Support: BigCommerce offers round-the-clock customer support.

Cons

  • Pricing: BigCommerce’s pricing plans can be more expensive than some other ecommerce platforms.

  • Learning curve: BigCommerce’s feature-rich platform can take some time to learn and navigate.

  • Limited free themes: While BigCommerce offers several customizable themes, only a few are available for free.

  • Here’s a comparison of BigCommerce’s pricing with Shopify:

Platform                          Pricing

BigCommerce              Plans start at $29.95/month

Shopify                         Plans start at $29/month

Apptmart

Apptmart launches an e-commerce store with no technical knowledge. Start your free trial with Apptmart and see how our features can help you reach your business goals. No obligation and no credit card is required. Apptmart’s stunning, ever-growing themes, will get you the access to beautiful themes or to buy a premium design. Our themes contain everything you need to build an online business quickly and easily. Apptmart is one of the most affordable platforms than Shopify.

Overview of Apptmart

  • Automated E-mailers

Send cart abandonment and new offer emailers automatically with one click. Engage your customers and enhance your conversion rate.

  • Inventory management

Manage your inventory efficiently and in real time. AI-powered alerts ensure that you are never out of stock. Plan your inventory in advance and improve your inventory to sales ratio.

  • A fully integrated dashboard

Manage all of your functions in one go. On a single dashboard, you can access all of the information you need to run your business.

  • Integrated payment gateway

Access built-in payment gateway integrations like Razorpay and Cashfree to take different kinds of payments from customers.

  • Integrated access with our delivery partner

We make shipping easy for you. Apptmart is an official partner of Delhivery. You can easily ship and track the product using our dashboard.

In-built subscription option for your customers

Take advantage of the subscription feature and increase your recurring earnings. This will ensure your customers can order their favorite products regularly without any hassle.

Pros and Cons of Using Apptmart as an Alternative to Shopify in India:

 Pros

Lower fees: Apptmart charges a lower transaction fee compared to Shopify, which can be beneficial for small businesses with lower profit margins.

Customizable design: Apptmart allows more freedom in terms of customizing the design of your online store, which can be advantageous for businesses that want a unique look and feel for their brand.

  • Indian Payment Gateways: Apptmart supports a range of Indian payment gateways like Cashfree Payments, Razorpay, etc. which makes it more convenient for Indian merchants to accept payments.

  • Indian Languages Support: Apptmart supports various Indian languages which makes it easier for businesses to cater to a wider audience across India.

Cons 

  • Limited app integration: Apptmart offers limited integration with third-party apps compared to Shopify. This may limit the functionality of your online store and may require more manual work.

  • Limited Customer Support: Apptmart offers less customer support compared to Shopify, which can be challenging for businesses that require assistance in setting up or running their online store.

  • Limited documentation: Apptmart has less documentation available compared to Shopify, which can make it difficult for businesses to find the information they need.

  • Smaller Community: Shopify has a larger community of users and developers, which means there are more resources and support available to users.

Platform                          Pricing

Apptmart              Basic (500/- per month), Advanced (1500/- per month) & Premium (9500/- month)

Shopify                  Plans start at $29/month

Weebly

Weebly provides a convenient hosted platform for those seeking a free Shopify alternative to kickstart their online store. While Weebly offers fewer features compared to Shopify, their priciest plan is much more affordable than Shopify’s Basic Plan. Weebly could be the ideal choice for those who don’t wish to splurge a lot of money on a fully-functional online store. It is a great option for setting up a website using a simple builder that is user-friendly. However, Weebly may not be the best choice for those looking for scalability.

Pros and Cons of Using Weebly as an Alternative to Shopify in India:

Pros

Budget-friendly

Easy and fast to begin with

Launch your website within minutes

Offers various apps and tools to select from

Enables team collaboration and membership areas Provides a free domain name Offers a free trial

Cons

Scalability can be an issueLimited advanced features compared to other platformsNot suitable for managing high-volume stores

Platform                          Pricing

Weebly                     Basic plan is free to use

Shopify                         Plans start at $29/month

Prestashop

If you’re an ecommerce entrepreneur with a limited budget, Prestashop is a well-known alternative to Shopify. Although it’s technically free, you’ll need to purchase a hosting package and a domain name, like with all the other platforms on this list. Prestashop has partnerships with Azure, WebHostingHub, and 1 & 1.

Overview of WooCommerce

  • Prestashop has teamed up with Azure, WebHostingHub, and 1&1. While its themes and templates may not be as impressive as Shopify’s, Prestashop matches Shopify in terms of usability. 

  • It doesn’t charge any extra transaction fees and can handle up to 25 languages as well as multiple currencies. 

  • With the help of an experienced Prestashop developer, you can create an excellent online store without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons of Using

Prestashop

as an Alternative to Shopify in India:

Pros:

  • It is open source and available for free.

  • There are no extra transaction fees.

  • Supports multiple languages.

  • Offers a broad range of features.

  • Allows hosting your store on any server or with any hosting provider.

Cons:

  • Limited themes and templates available.

  • Not as many features compared to other platforms.

  • Considerable technical skills are required to use it

Here’s a comparison of Prestashop pricing with Shopify:

Platform                          Pricing

Prestashop              Plan starts at around $10 per month

Shopify                         Plans start at $29/month

Dukaan

Dukaan offers various powerful eCommerce features, all conveniently accessible via the platform’s dashboard. Despite its advanced capabilities, Dukaan is straightforward to use, making it a unique and attractive option.

Overview of Dukaan

  • B2C or D2C business in need of a comprehensive eCommerce solution

  • User-friendliness and high scalability

  • The platform offers a library of free, fast-loading, and mobile-responsive themes, and those with technical skills can further customize their store using custom CSS.

Pros and Cons of Using Dukaan as an Alternative to Shopify in India:

Pros

  • The interface is highly intuitive

  • It’s easy to set up

  • You can sell unlimited products

  • No transaction charges are applied when using your own payment gateway

  • No technical expertise is required

  • Loading speed is highly optimized

  • Supported by a global network of 22+ data centers

Cons

  • Not suitable for B2B businesses

  • Limited selection of themes

  • Analytics section is basic

  • Does not support dropshipping

Here’s a comparison of Dukaan pricing with Shopify:

PlatformPricing

Dukaan

Silver ₹500/month

Gold ₹834/month

Platinum ₹2,500/month

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free, open-source ecommerce platform that integrates with WordPress. It offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. With WooCommerce, you have complete control over your online store, including the design, functionality, and payment options. You can also use a variety of plugins and extensions to add additional features and integrations.

Overview of WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free ecommerce plugin for WordPress that allows you to turn your WordPress site into an online store. It offers a range of features, including:

  • Customizable themes and templates

  • Mobile optimization

  • SEO tools

  • Payment and shipping integrations

  • Product and inventory management

  • Customer management and marketing tools

Pros and Cons of Using WooCommerce as an Alternative to Shopify in India

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if WooCommerce is the right alternative to Shopify for your Indian ecommerce business:

Pros

  • Free: WooCommerce is a free ecommerce plugin for WordPress.

  • Customizable: WooCommerce is built on WordPress, which means it’s highly customizable and flexible.

  • Large community: WooCommerce has a large community of users and developers who can help with support and customization.

  • SEO-friendly: WooCommerce is SEO-friendly, making it easy to optimize your online store for search engines.

Cons

  • Learning curve: WooCommerce can be more challenging to set up and use than some other ecommerce platforms.

  • Hosting fees: While WooCommerce is free, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain name.

  • Security: As an open-source platform, WooCommerce can be more vulnerable to security breaches.

Here’s a comparison of WooCommerce’s pricing with Shopify:

PlatformPricing

WooCommerce

Free

Shopify

Plans start at $29/month

Magento

Magento is a popular ecommerce platform that offers both free and paid versions. It is a highly customizable platform that offers advanced features such as multi-store management, advanced SEO options, and customer segmentation. Magento is a good option for larger businesses with more complex needs, as it offers more advanced features than many other ecommerce platforms.

Overview of Magento

Magento is a free, open-source ecommerce platform that provides a range of features, including:

  • Customizable themes and templates

  • Mobile optimization

  • SEO tools

  • Payment and shipping integrations

  • Product and inventory management

  • Customer management and marketing tools

Pros and Cons of Using Magento as an Alternative to Shopify in India

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if Magento is the right alternative to Shopify for your Indian ecommerce business:

Pros

  • Customizable: Magento is highly customizable and flexible, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

  • Large community: Magento has a large community of users and developers who can help with support and customization.

  • SEO-friendly: Magento is SEO-friendly, making it easy to optimize your online store for search engines.

  • Scalable: Magento is a scalable platform that can grow with your business.

Cons

  • Learning curve: Magento can be more challenging to set up and use than some other ecommerce platforms.

  • Hosting fees: While Magento is free, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain name.

  • Security: As an open-source platform, Magento can be more vulnerable to security breaches.

Here’s a comparison of Magento’s pricing with Shopify:

PlatformPricing

Magento

Free

Shopify

Plans start at $29/month

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that also offers ecommerce functionality. It’s a user-friendly platform that’s suitable for small businesses. Here’s a closer look at what Squarespace has to offer as an alternative to Shopify in India:

Overview of Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder that offers ecommerce functionality through its online store feature. It provides a range of features, including:

  • Customizable themes and templates

  • Mobile optimization

  • SEO tools

  • Payment and shipping integrations

  • Product and inventory management

  • Customer management and marketing tools

Pros and Cons of Using Squarespace as an Alternative to Shopify in India

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if Squarespace is the right alternative to Shopify for your Indian ecommerce business:

Pros

  • User-friendly: Squarespace is easy to use and navigate, making it suitable for small businesses without much technical expertise.

  • All-in-one platform: Squarespace provides all the tools you need to build a website and sell products online.

  • Attractive templates: Squarespace offers a range of attractive templates and themes that can help your online store stand out.

Cons

  • Limited features: Squarespace’s ecommerce functionality is not as robust as some other platforms, which may limit your ability to grow your online store.

  • Limited payment options: Squarespace only supports a limited number of payment gateways, which could be an issue for some businesses.

  • Limited scalability: Squarespace is only suitable for small businesses and may not be able to handle larger ecommerce operations.

Here’s a comparison of Squarespace’s pricing with Shopify:

PlatformPricing

Squarespace

Plans start at $18/month

Shopify

Plans start at $29/month

Volusion

Volusion is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that offers a range of features for online stores. It’s a scalable platform that’s suitable for businesses of all sizes. Here’s a closer look at what Volusion has to offer as an alternative to Shopify in India:

Overview of Volusion

Volusion is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that provides a range of features, including:

  • Customizable themes and templates

  • Mobile optimization

  • SEO tools

  • Payment and shipping integrations

  • Product and inventory management

  • Customer management and marketing tools

Pros and Cons of Using Volusion as an Alternative to Shopify in India

Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if Volusion is the right alternative to Shopify for your Indian ecommerce business:

Pros

  • Scalable: Volusion is a scalable platform that can grow with your business.

  • All-in-one platform: Volusion provides all the tools you need to build a website and sell products online.

  • Strong customer support: Volusion offers strong customer support, with a dedicated account manager for each customer.

Cons

  • Limited customization: Volusion’s themes and templates are not as customizable as some other platforms, which may limit your ability to create a unique online store.

  • Limited payment options: Volusion only supports a limited number of payment gateways, which could be an issue for some businesses.

  • Limited third-party integrations: Volusion does not offer as many third-party integrations as some other platforms, which could limit your ability to expand your online store’s functionality.

Here’s a comparison of Volusion’s pricing with Shopify:

PlatformPricing

Volusion

Plans start at $29/month

Shopify

Plans start at $29/month

Shopify Alternatives in various countries Here are some Shopify alternatives in different countries:
  • India: Apptmart, Dukaan, Zoho Commerce, WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, PrestaShop

  • United States: BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Volusion, 3dcart

  • Canada: Wix, Squarespace, OpenCart, PrestaShop

  • United Kingdom: Ecwid, WooCommerce, Big Cartel, PrestaShop, OpenCart

  • Australia: Neto, WooCommerce, Big Cartel, OpenCart, PrestaShop

  • Germany: Shopware, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, OpenCart, Gambio

  • <

    France: Oxatis, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, OpenCart

  • Spain: PrestaShop, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Magento

These are just a few examples, as there are many more e-commerce platforms available in each of these countries. It’s important to do your research and compare the features and pricing of each platform before making a decision.

FAQ’s : 

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create an online store to sell their products or services. It offers a range of features, including website design templates, payment processing, inventory management, and shipping options. With Shopify, businesses can easily set up and manage their online store without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Certainly! There are options available that are free alternatives to Shopify, such as WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress that is free to use. However, it requires self-hosting, meaning you will need to pay for hosting your site on WordPress. If you're seeking a less expensive alternative that provides similar features to Shopify, consider trying Apptmart

Yes, Apptmart can help you to Launch your e-commerce store with no technical knowledge!

Start your free trial with Apptmart and see how our features can help you reach your business goals! No obligation and no credit card required.

If you are looking for an alternative to Shopify, there are several options available depending on your needs and budget. BigCommerce, Apptmart, WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and Volusion are some of the most popular alternatives to Shopify. Each platform has its unique features and pricing plans that cater to different business needs.

Apptmart is  cheaper alternatives to Shopify. Apptmart plans are Basic (500/- per month), Advanced (1500/- per month), and  Premium (9500/- month). Apptmart  also offers a free 30 days trial. To sign up for free visit : https://merchant.apptmart.com/freetrial 

  1. There are several key features that businesses should consider when looking for a Shopify alternative:
  • Ease of use
  • Customizability
  • Scalability
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Customer support
  • Integration with third-party apps and services
  • Security

By considering these key features when evaluating alternative e-commerce platforms to Shopify, businesses can choose a platform that meets their specific needs and helps them achieve their growth and expansion goals.