Honest Comparison
Shopify vs Custom E-commerce MVP
Shopify is popular, but is it right for your e-commerce MVP?
6
Webscension Wins
2
Shopify Wins
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Feature
Webscension
Shopify
Initial Cost
$2,997
$29-299/month + apps
Transaction Fees
Stripe only (~2.9%)
0.5-2% + payment processor
Customization
100% custom
Theme/app limited
Monthly Costs (12 mo)
Hosting only (~$20/mo)
$348-3,588+ (apps add up)
Unique Features
Build anything
Need apps or custom dev
Setup Time
2 weeks
Days to weeks
Built-in Features
Custom to your needs
Lots included
Scalability
Unlimited
Shopify Plus needed at scale
Vendor Lock-in
None
High, hard to migrate
Why Choose Webscension
- No ongoing platform fees
- Lower transaction fees
- Complete customization
- No app subscription creep
- Better margins at scale
- Unique shopping experiences
Why Choose Shopify
- Quick to set up
- Large app ecosystem
- Proven platform
- Built-in features
- Easy content management
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Webscension if:
E-commerce businesses needing custom features, marketplaces, subscription boxes, or any model that doesn't fit standard templates.
Choose Shopify if:
Simple product catalogs, dropshipping, or founders who need to launch a basic store immediately.
Our Verdict
Shopify is great for simple stores that fit the template. But if you need custom features, unique checkout flows, or want to avoid platform fees eating your margins, custom development wins long-term. For an e-commerce MVP with specific requirements, Webscension delivers a custom solution at competitive cost with no ongoing platform fees.
Ready to Build Your MVP?
Get your MVP built in 2 weeks for $2,997. First paying customer within 90 days, or full refund.