I need to build an online store but I’m not a developer. I want something that’s easy to use and doesn’t cost a fortune in monthly fees. I’ve been checking out different platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. My main goal is selling physical items online. I need payment options built in and want room to grow my business later. Since I don’t know how to code, I’m looking for the most user-friendly option. What should I be careful about when it comes to extra costs or features that might be limited on these platforms?
squarespace is probably your best option if you’re okay spending extra. i used it for my jewelry store and checkout runs way smoother than wix. shopify felt overly complicated when i tested it last year, but that might just be me being lazy lol. just watch out for transaction fees in the fine print - they add up fast.
Started my store on Wix two years ago and it’s pretty solid for physical products. Way easier to learn than Shopify, which was overwhelming at first. But Wix hits walls when you scale - abandoned cart recovery and decent analytics need pricier plans. Transaction fees pile up fast on the cheaper tiers too. Tried Squarespace and loved the templates, but customizing checkout was a nightmare. I’d say start with Wix since it’s simple, but plan to switch to Shopify if you’re serious about growth. People don’t realize how much those monthly costs explode once you add apps and premium stuff.
All three platforms you mentioned lock you into monthly fees with zero customization. I’ve watched too many businesses slam into walls with these cookie-cutter solutions.
The real game changer? Automate your entire store setup. Skip Shopify’s $30+ monthly fee plus transaction costs and build something actually flexible.
Just helped a friend launch his electronics store using automated workflows. Handles inventory sync, order processing, everything. No monthly platform fees - you pay for actual usage. The automation pulls product data, manages stock, processes Stripe payments, and sends customer emails.
Best part? You own everything. No platform can randomly change terms or jack up prices. The automation scales with your business instead of forcing expensive upgrades.
Setup takes a few hours but saves thousands yearly versus subscription platforms. Better performance, customize whatever you want.
Check out how to build automated stores: https://latenode.com
From my experience with these platforms, go with Shopify if you’re serious about e-commerce. It’s built for online stores and has great inventory/shipping tools, but expect higher costs. Wix works well for beginners - the drag-and-drop interface is super easy, though you’ll miss some advanced features. Squarespace has gorgeous designs but limits how much you can customize. Watch out for payment processing fees since they vary a lot between platforms. Think about growth too - switching later is a pain. Try their free trials to see what clicks for you.