I’ve been thinking about starting a new project, and I’m wondering if it’s still smart to build on top of existing platforms. You know, like using Airtable or Shopify as a base.
I can see some pros, like not having to start from scratch and maybe getting to market faster. But I’m also worried about being too dependent on these platforms. What if they change their rules or fees?
Has anyone here had experience with this? Did you find it helpful or limiting? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether it’s worth it or if I should just build everything from the ground up.
I’ve been in your shoes, and I can tell you from experience that building on established platforms can be a double-edged sword. When I launched my first e-commerce venture, I went with Shopify. It was a godsend for getting off the ground quickly - I was live within weeks instead of months.
But as we grew, we started hitting limitations. Customization became a headache, and some features we desperately needed weren’t available. We ended up investing heavily in custom development on top of Shopify, which somewhat defeated the purpose of using a platform.
That said, for certain businesses, these platforms are perfect. It really depends on your long-term vision and how unique your needs are. If you’re testing a concept or need to move fast, they’re great. Just be prepared for potential growing pains down the line.
My advice? Start with a platform if it fits your immediate needs, but always have an exit strategy. And keep a close eye on your dependency - you don’t want to be caught off guard by sudden changes.
i’ve used airtable for a couple projects. it’s great for getting stuff up quick, but yeah, there’s downsides. you’re kinda stuck with their limitations. but if ur project fits well with what they offer, go for it. just keep an eye on their pricing changes n be ready to pivot if needed. good luck!
I’ve worked on projects using both custom-built solutions and established platforms like Shopify. In my experience, the decision largely depends on your specific needs and resources. Established platforms can indeed accelerate development and provide a solid foundation, especially for e-commerce ventures. They handle many complex backend processes, allowing you to focus on your unique value proposition.
However, you’re right to be cautious about platform dependency. I’ve seen businesses struggle when platforms made significant changes. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate the platform’s stability, pricing structure, and long-term viability before committing. Also, consider your scalability needs - will the platform support your growth?
Ultimately, if the platform aligns well with your business model and you’re comfortable with the trade-offs, it can be a smart choice. Just ensure you have a contingency plan and regularly reassess your technology stack.