Having an online shop built in 2026: Shopify, WooCommerce or custom?
You want to sell online? I explain the differences between the most common shop systems and help you make the right decision.
Online retail is growing, but which platform is the right one?
Shopping online has long been part of everyday life for most people in Germany. For many companies an online shop is no longer an option but a necessity. But which system suits you?
The three big options compared
Shopify
Shopify is the most popular e-commerce platform in the world, and for good reason.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost over 3 years: shop setup plus about €900 to €10,800 in fees
WooCommerce (WordPress)
WooCommerce is a plugin that turns WordPress into a shop.
Pros:
Cons:
For whom: companies with their own developer or strong technical know-how
Custom shop (Next.js + Stripe)
A tailor-made shop solution without dependencies.
Pros:
Cons:
For whom: companies with a clear growth strategy and more than 50 to 100 products
Total cost over 3 years compared
| System | One-off | Monthly | 3-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | €799 | about €49 | about €2,565 |
| WooCommerce | about €1,500 | about €20 | about €2,220 |
| Custom shop | €2,499 | about €8 | about €2,787 |
Surprise: over 3 years the custom shop is not more expensive than Shopify, and you own everything.
Which system I recommend
For a fast start with few products: Shopify set up by me, online in 3 to 5 days, professionally configured.
For maximum control and growth: a custom shop, no fees, no limits, 100% yours.
I do not actively recommend WooCommerce: too much maintenance, too many security risks.
Your next step
Book a free initial call. In 15 minutes we find the best solution for your business together.