Shopify vs PrestaShop, or SaaS vs open-source
Is it possible to compare Shopify with PrestaShop since the former is a SaaS application and the latter is an open-source platform? Our answer: why not? We intend to assess which application will allow us to get started faster, allow us to manage the store more easily and help us scale sales.
Shopify vs PrestaShop pricing
Starting a PrestaShop store requires our own hosting and domain, and the use of the software is free. And after installing the software on the server, you become the owner. In the case of Shopify, our store is based on a web application. After creating and activating the account, we can use our own domain (but we don’t have to). Hosting – like security, maintenance and updating of the store – is on the provider’s side and is included in the price of the monthly subscription. The cost depends on the plan we choose after a 14-day trial period.
In other words, when deciding on PrestaShop, get ready to buy hosting and domains, as well as paid integration with payment and shipping systems (although some are free, e.g. connecting Royal Mail), as well as additional modules.
The price of both platforms should not be a challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises from the lifestyle, beauty and fashion industries, the most common stores based on both Shopify and PrestaShop. What about customizing the template and adding new functionalities?
PrestaShop vs Shopify personalization
Shopify provides you with a variety of templates that display properly on desktop and mobile devices. You can design your own template from scratch if you want, but that requires knowledge of Liquid, or you can customize an existing template. You can edit any view except the checkout page (for security reasons). Ready-made templates enjoy a well-developed user path and efficiency.
PrestaShop users also don’t have to complain about the choice of templates. Unfortunately, editing the appearance of stores is not the easiest thing and it is best to ask an experienced programmer for help. Since it is open source, you can edit any page without exceptions. In Shopify, this is only possible in the enterprise version – Shopify Plus.
Personalization isn’t just about templates. It is also the management of functionalities that support the sale and marketing of products, and thus business development.
Scaling up sales
Both solutions have their pros and cons. Shopify allows us to get started quickly ( with this platform you can start your store in just one day ). PrestaShop does not stand out in this aspect at all. After installing on the server, creating the database and some other basic steps, we’re ready to fire up the sale, but here we have to be careful. Incorrect installation, inept update management, or poor quality of development work can significantly reduce the efficiency of our store.
Standard Shopify functionalities include running a blog, selling multichannel (integration with the store on Instagram and Facebook ), running advertising campaigns from the shop panel and setting promotions. PrestaShop offers similar functionalities. In the case of a blog, we need to add it as a module to the store. When it comes to discounts, coupons, and free shipping, these functions can be found right after installation. And more advanced sales support functionalities can be easily found in the marketplace, be it Presty or the Shopify App Store.
The connection of payment and shipping systems is similar. They appear as additional modules or integrations that we need to connect to the online store.
Shopify vs PrestaShop, which platform will you choose?
We hope this short comparison has encouraged you to take a closer look at both platforms. If you are familiar with programming and maintenance is not a problem for you, then Presta may be a good choice. Many of our customers migrated to Shopify because they wanted an intuitive and flexible e-commerce engine. Shopify is just that – it lets you focus on selling and growing your business.
