Shopify review: is it right for your business?
The ecommerce platform we recommend to most product brands: reliable, secure and easy for a small team to run day to day.
Our verdict
For most UK product brands, Shopify is the safest place to run an online shop. Hosting, security, checkout and updates are handled for you, the admin is easy for non-technical staff, and the app store covers almost any feature. It costs more per month than a self-hosted shop and you work within Shopify's rules, but for most businesses that trade-off is worth it.
Best for: Product brands and retailers that want a reliable shop their own team can run, from a first store to a large catalogue.
Shopify: the good and the not so good.
Pros
- Hosting, security, SSL and updates are all handled by Shopify
- Fast, trusted checkout with Shop Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Easy admin your own team can use without a developer
- Huge app store and theme ecosystem
- Scales from a first store to large catalogues and multiple markets
Cons
- Monthly plan fees plus app costs add up over time
- Less control over code and checkout than a self-hosted shop
- Some features need paid apps
- Moving away later takes planning
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a hosted ecommerce platform: you pay a monthly fee and Shopify runs the servers, security, checkout and software updates, while you manage products, orders and customers in a web admin. It powers millions of stores worldwide, from small UK shops to large brands.
Shopify vs WooCommerce
Shopify is easier to run and harder to break; WooCommerce, which runs on WordPress, gives more control and lower platform fees but leaves hosting, security and updates to you. We recommend Shopify for most product brands and WooCommerce for content-heavy shops or businesses already on WordPress. Our Shopify vs WooCommerce guide goes deeper.
Working with a Shopify Partner
Devute is a Registered Shopify Partner. We build and look after stores on Shopify, and can set up and hand over a new store so you own it from day one. Ask for a free audit and we will recommend the right plan, theme and apps for your catalogue before you spend anything.
How much does Shopify cost?
Shopify charges a monthly plan fee, card processing fees through Shopify Payments, and the cost of any paid apps or themes. Plans and fees change, so check shopify.com/uk/pricing for current UK prices. Devute's Shopify store builds start from £3,800, with a fixed quote after a free audit.
How Devute works with Shopify
We design and build Shopify stores and custom themes, set up payments, shipping and tax, connect stock, fulfilment and accounting systems, migrate stores from WooCommerce and other platforms, and run stores afterwards through our eCommerce Management plans.
Is Shopify good for small UK businesses?
Yes, for most product businesses. It is quick to launch, reliable, and your team can run it without a developer. The main cost to watch is apps on top of the monthly plan.
How much does a Shopify store cost to build?
A theme-based Shopify store from Devute starts at £3,800, and custom-designed stores with integrations cost more. You get a fixed quote after a free audit. Shopify's own plan fees are separate and paid to Shopify.
Can you move my shop to Shopify?
Yes. We migrate products, customers and orders from WooCommerce and other platforms, keep your Google rankings with 301 redirects, and launch outside your busiest period.
Is Devute a Shopify Partner?
Yes. Devute is a Registered Shopify Partner, building and managing Shopify stores for UK and international brands.
Get Shopify set up properly.
Questions about Shopify? Ask us.
A senior person replies within one working day with a plan and a fixed price. No sales script, no obligation.
- Free audit of what you have now
- Fixed quote before any work starts
- You own the code, content and accounts
Tell us the goal. We’ll tell you the price.
A free audit, a fixed scope and a number — usually within two working days. No obligation, no sales theatre.