Forbes : Online stores WooCommerce Vs. Ecwid (2024 Comparison)
Adding e-commerce capabilities to your existing website is possible with both Ecwid and WooCommerce. These platforms will allow you to sell products online, accept payments and facilitate shipments. One provider has monthly plans and charges no transaction fees, while the other is free but charges per transaction.
There are some limitations to each tool, and the e-commerce platform best suited for you depends on your existing setup and goals. Find out which option is best for your needs and budget in our comprehensive WooCommerce vs. Ecwid comparison.
WooCommerce vs. Ecwid at a Glance
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that allows you to sell your products from your site. WooCommerce plugins have integrations that enable you to sell on most major shopping carts and marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay and Facebook. Using the plugin, you can create your store easily in minutes and sell anything from digital downloads to clothing and physical goods.
Ecwid (by Lightspeed) is an e-commerce platform that functions as a widget, app or custom integration that makes it easy for you to sell products and services online. The name is a portmanteau of "e-commerce widget." This widget works seamlessly with your existing website and provides a simple way to set up an online store, handle orders and payments, and add products. You're not limited to WordPress with Ecwid; it works with platforms, such as Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Joomla, Blogger and Tumblr.
Pricing and Fees
WooCommerce charges no monthly fee for its service, but you will pay per transaction. This is 2.9% plus 30 cents for each transaction. Ecwid differs because it charges a monthly fee and no transaction fees. Four plans are available with Ecwid, ranging in cost from $0 to $99 per month. Most people don't choose the Free plan because of its limited features. The first paid plan is available for $15 per month. Neither provider requires contracts.
If you run a nonprofit organization, you can take part in Ecwid's Venture plan for free for six months. To qualify, you must apply and provide your 501(c)(3) document, as well as more information about the products you sell and what your organization does.
One major benefit that sets WooCommerce apart from Ecwid is the ability to get paid in as little as 30 minutes using Instant Deposits. There's a fee of 1.5% of the transaction for this service. The timing of payments from Ecwid depends on which payment processor you use. Your customers can also pay with cryptocurrency using either e-commerce provider, but this requires a third-party integration.
To use Instant Deposits with WooCommerce, your account must be based in the United States, be over 90 days old and have processed more than $1,000 in transactions in the last 90 days. You must have less than 1% of disputed transactions, and a debit card as the payout method. The minimum required for Instant Deposits is $50, and the maximum is $1,000 per day. Note there are nearly 6,000 banks supporting Instant Deposits, but some of the larger banks don't.
To use WooCommerce, you must have a WordPress site because it's a plugin, which is what WordPress uses to integrate third-party apps. Ecwid works with WordPress, as well as all major platforms, such as Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Joomla, Blogger and Tumblr. You must use Ecwid with an existing website. Each service provides free themes to customize the look and feel of your store.
Shipping and FulfillmentWhen you buy shipping labels through WooCommerce, you get a discount through DHL and USPS. Ecwid doesn't have shipping discounts, but if you ship a high volume of packages, you can negotiate directly with carriers and integrate your own shipping account to take advantage of any discounts.
WooCommerce allows you to set up a shopping app for your store using a third-party connection. However, Ecwid has a native shopping app option for $590, provided you have a paid plan.
Bottom LineBoth WooCommerce and Ecwid provide a way for you to sell to your customers online. Ecwid works with existing websites, and WooCommerce only works with WordPress sites. Use Ecwid if you want a shopping app for your own store. If your business is a nonprofit, take advantage of Ecwid's Venture plan for free for six months. If you have WordPress, WooCommerce is an excellent fit because it's specifically designed for that platform.
Original Text: Forbes
WooCommerce Vs Ecwid (2024 Comparison) – Forbes Advisor
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