Lightspeed or Shopify?
- by Michelle Brouwers
- 5 min reading time
So, you've decided to take the plunge into the world of e-commerce. Congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: choosing the right platform to build your online store. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. But fear not! We're here to shed some light on the differences between two popular platforms we've worked with for over 10 years: Lightspeed and Shopify.
What's the Deal with Subscription Plans?
Let's start with the basics. Both Lightspeed and Shopify offer a range of subscription plans to suit different business needs. Lightspeed offers three main plans: Basic, Advanced, and Pro. The Basic plan starts at $69 per month, while the Advanced and Pro plans come in at $129 and $229 per month, respectively. On the other hand, Shopify offers for plans: Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify, Shopify Plus. Prices range from $29 per month for Basic Shopify to $2000 per month for Shopify Plus. (Phew, that's a lot of options!)
What's the Damage to Your Wallet?
Now, let's talk about costs. Lightspeed charges a transaction fee of 2.6% + 10¢ for online credit card payments, while Shopify's transaction fees range from 2.9% + 30¢ to 2.4% + 30¢, depending on the plan. Both platforms also offer additional features and add-ons at an extra cost. So, make sure to consider these factors when calculating your budget.
What's Going on Behind the Scenes?
When it comes to the back end, Lightspeed and Shopify have their own unique features. Lightspeed is known for its robust inventory management system, making it a great choice for businesses with complex inventory needs. On the other hand, Shopify shines in its user-friendly interface and extensive app store, allowing you to customize your store with ease. It's like having a personal stylist for your online business!
5 Famous Brands that Trust Lightspeed and Shopify
Still not sure which platform is right for you? Let's take a look at some famous brand stores that have built their online presence using Lightspeed and Shopify:
Lightspeed:
- Ammehoela - Trendy fashion for kids
- Bath & Living - A wise collection of bath and living products
- Phone Factory - One of the most popular phone stores in the Netherlands
Shopify:
- Kylie Cosmetics - Makeup that will make you feel like a boss babe.
- Gymshark - Activewear that will make you want to hit the gym (or the couch).
As you can see, both platforms have attracted some big names in the e-commerce world. So, no matter which one you choose, you'll be in good company!
BUT! There must be something with these platforms? A couple of years ago we've promoted Lightspeed A LOT. Shopify wasn't ready for the 'big players' yet, but that was a couple of years ago. Now times have changed..
What's the Scoop on Lightspeed?
Okay, let's start with Lightspeed. Now, don't get me wrong, Lightspeed is a solid platform. It's been around for a while, and it's got some loyal fans. But here's the deal: Lightspeed is like that old cassette player you found in your parents' basement. It's reliable, but it's not exactly cutting-edge.
Shopify: The Ultimate Trendsetter
Now, let's talk about Shopify. This platform is like the cool kid on the block. It's always up-to-date with the latest trends and technology. While Lightspeed is stuck in the past, Shopify is constantly evolving and improving. It's like having your own personal stylist who keeps you looking fresh and fly.
Updates Galore!
One of the biggest reasons to choose Shopify over Lightspeed is the updates. Lightspeed has decided to stop investing in updates for their C series platform. That's like saying, "Hey, we're done here. No more cool stuff for you!" But Shopify? Oh boy, they're all about the updates. They're like that friend who's always sending you funny memes and the latest gossip. They keep things interesting and make sure you never get bored.
Shopify: The Life of the Party
Another reason to choose Shopify is the vibrant community. It's like a never-ending party where everyone is invited. Shopify has a huge network of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs who are always ready to help you out. It's like having a squad of experts at your fingertips. Lightspeed, on the other hand, is more like a quiet dinner party where everyone politely sips their tea. It's nice, but it's not exactly exciting.
It's All About the Apps
Now, let's talk about apps. Shopify has an app store that's bursting at the seams with all kinds of goodies. It's like a candy store for entrepreneurs. Need help with marketing? There's an app for that. Want to improve your customer service? There's an app for that too. Lightspeed, on the other hand, has a more limited selection. It's like going to a convenience store and finding only a few sad-looking snacks on the shelves.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it... Shopify looks like the winner in the battle of the e-commerce platforms. Of course not for EVERY store or merchant.. but it's like the cool kid who's always ahead of the game, while other platforms seem to be the reliable but slightly outdated friend. If you want to stay on top of the latest trends and have a platform that's constantly improving, Shopify is the way to go. Trust us, you won't be disappointed!