Shopify vs Amazon: Where Should You Start Your Online Store? 

The eCommerce world gives new business owners plenty of choices. Two names stand out—Shopify and Amazon. Picking the right platform is one of the most important steps when starting an online business. Each has its strengths, and each works well for different goals.

This blog will compare these two leading eCommerce platforms and help you decide if selling on Shopify vs Amazon matches your business plan. You’ll find out how both options work, what it costs to get started, and which is the best platform for your online store. If you’re thinking about shopify shopping online or want to reach millions through Amazon, this guide will help you make a smart move.

Shopify: Key Features and How It Works

Shopify is a website builder made for online stores. You create your online store, pick a design, and add products. Shopify shopping online puts you in charge of everything from design to marketing. You get full control of your brand, product listings, and customer experience.

It gives you the tools to add products, manage inventory, accept payments, and customize your website’s look. With Shopify, you don’t need technical skills to launch your store.

Key Features of Shopify

• Simple Store Setup: Choose a theme, customize, and go live quickly.
• Product Management: Add unlimited products, manage stock, and organize categories.
• Secure Payments: Accept credit cards, PayPal, and more with built-in security.
• Mobile Ready: Stores look good on any device.
• Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO, discounts, and social media integrations.
• Shipping & Orders: Set rates, print labels, and track orders easily.
• App Store: Add features with thousands of apps.

Shopify gives you everything you need to build, manage, and grow an online store. Whether you’re selling one product or thousands, Shopify makes running an eCommerce business easier and more efficient.

Amazon: Key Features and How It Works

Amazon, on the other hand, is a marketplace. You list products on a site that millions visit daily. When you sell on Amazon, you join a massive group of sellers, but you have less control over how your store looks. Shoppers visit Amazon for the wide range of options and trusted service.

Key Features of Amazon

• Large Customer Base: Access to millions of shoppers searching for products every day.
• Easy Product Listing: Add products with details, images, and pricing in a few steps.
• Fulfillment Options: Choose to ship orders yourself or use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), where Amazon handles storage, packing, shipping, and customer service.
• Secure Payments: Amazon manages payments and pays sellers regularly.
• Advertising Tools: Boost sales with options like Sponsored Products and Lightning Deals.
• Prime Eligibility: Products sent through FBA can become Prime-eligible, attracting more buyers.
• Mobile Access: Manage your store and orders from any device.

Amazon makes it simple to reach more customers and grow your business by providing strong tools for selling, shipping, and getting paid—all in one place.

Also Read: How To Sell On Amazon Using Your Shopify Store?

When it comes to eCommerce platform comparisons, Shopify gives you a branded store, while Amazon connects you to a large audience fast. Let’s see what that means for your business.

Choosing Between Shopify vs Amazon: Which Is Best for Your Online Store?

When it comes to selling products online, both Shopify and Amazon have strong points. The best choice depends on your business goals, brand needs, and how you want to reach customers. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Shopify vs Amazon to help you decide:

Feature	Shopify	Amazon
Ownership & Branding	Full control over store design and branding	Follows Amazon’s design; limited customization
Customer Reach	You drive traffic through marketing and SEO	Access to millions of active Amazon shoppers
Store Setup	Create a custom website for your products	List products in Amazon’s marketplace
Fees & Costs	Monthly plans, payment fees, and app costs	Per sale fees, monthly subscription for Pro
Product Listing	Unlimited products, flexible categories	List by Amazon’s rules, possible restrictions
Marketing Tools	SEO, email marketing, and social integrations	Amazon Ads, limited direct marketing
Fulfillment Options	Ship orders yourself, use third-party logistics, or the Shopify Fulfillment Network	Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or handle shipping yourself
Customer Data	Full access to customer emails and info	Limited access, Amazon controls data
Dropshipping	Easy to connect with dropshipping suppliers	Strict dropshipping rules
Support	24/7 support from Shopify	Support from Amazon Seller Central
Ideal For	Building a unique brand, long-term growth	Fast sales, big audience, less focus on brand

When to choose Shopify for selling online products?

Shopify stands out for sellers who want control, flexibility, and brand growth. Here’s when you should consider Shopify for selling online products:

• You want a custom website with your branding and design.
• Building a unique identity matters for your business.
• Direct relationships with your customers are important.
• You want full control over product listings, pricing, and content.
• Managing your shipping or working with third-party fulfillment partners suits your needs.
• You plan to use dropshipping or connect with different suppliers.
• You need a platform that grows with your business, from small to large scale.
• Access to customer data and marketing tools is a priority.
• You’re looking for a wide range of apps and integrations for extra features.

Shopify fits best if you’re focused on building your brand, customizing your store, and growing your business for the long term.

When Does Selling on Amazon Make the Most Sense for Your Business?

Amazon is ideal for sellers who want speed, reach, and simplicity. Consider Amazon for selling online products if:

• You want fast access to a huge group of potential buyers.
• Selling large volumes of products is your main goal.
• You don’t want to manage your website or handle site design.
• Using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to take care of storage, shipping, and returns sounds appealing.
• You prefer to let Amazon handle payment processing and customer support.
• Building your brand is less important than making sales.
• Competing on price and product selection works for your business model.
• You want your products to be eligible for Amazon Prime.
• Managing marketing, SEO, and driving traffic is not your priority.
• Reaching international buyers through an established platform is important.

Amazon is the right fit if your focus is on quick sales, large audiences, and simplified logistics, rather than running a custom store or building a unique brand identity.

Also Read: How to Build a Website Like Amazon: Steps, Features, and Costs

Shopify vs. Amazon: Pricing Structure Comparison

Comparing Shopify vs Amazon pricing reveals important differences in how each platform charges sellers. Understanding these costs helps you choose the best option for your online store’s needs and budget.

Feature	Shopify	Amazon
Subscription Plans	– Starter: $5/month – Basic: $39/month – Shopify: $105/month – Advanced: $399/month – Plus: Custom pricing, starting at $2,500/month	– Individual Plan: $0/month + $0.99 per item sold – Professional Plan: $39.99/month
Transaction Fees	– Online Credit Card Rates:- Basic: 2.9% + 30¢ – Shopify: 2.7% + 30¢ – Advanced: 2.5% + 30¢ – Additional fees apply if not using Shopify Payments	– Referral Fees: Vary by category, typically 8% to 15% per item sold
Fulfillment Fees	Varies based on shipping methods and third-party logistics providers	Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Fees based on size and weight of the product; for example, standard-size items range from $2.29 to $5.85 per unit
Storage Fees	Dependent on the third-party storage solutions used	Monthly storage fees: $0.78 per cubic foot for standard-size items (non-peak months)
Additional Fees	Costs for premium themes, apps, and POS hardware	Possible fees for high return rates, low inventory levels, and optional advertising services

When choosing between Shopify vs Amazon, consider your business goals, desired level of control over the customer experience, and how fees will affect your profitability.

Shopify vs Amazon Dropshipping: Do Both Platforms Support This Model?

Dropshipping has become a popular way to run an online business with low risk and no need for warehouse space. Both Shopify and Amazon let you run a dropshipping store, but the process and rules are not the same. 

Dropshipping with Shopify

Shopify is often the first choice for many dropshipping businesses. It supports dropshipping out of the box and connects easily with major dropshipping apps like DSers, Spocket, and Oberlo. You can add products from these suppliers to your store in just a few clicks.

Also Read: How to Add Product on Shopify for Dropshipping: Step-By-Step Guide

Dropshipping with Amazon

Amazon allows dropshipping, but with strict requirements. Sellers must be listed as the seller of record on all packing slips and invoices. Do not ship orders with third-party branding or supplier information. Be responsible for returns and customer service.

Consider your business goals, your need for flexibility, and how much you want to manage branding. This will help you pick the best platform, Shopify vs Amazon, for your dropshipping business.

How CartCoders Helps You Succeed with Shopify Development

CartCoders offers expert Shopify development services to help your business grow faster and stand out in a crowded market. Our team works closely with you to design custom themes, develop unique features, and set up smooth integrations with payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing tools.

Whether you are starting a new store or looking to upgrade your current site, CartCoders delivers solutions tailored to your needs. Our developers stay up-to-date with the latest trends and follow best practices to improve your store’s performance, speed, and user experience.

Conclusion

Choosing between Shopify and Amazon comes down to your business goals and how you want to grow online. Shopify offers flexibility, branding, and room for long-term growth, while Amazon gives you instant access to a huge customer base and simple selling tools. Think about your priorities—control, speed, or audience reach—before you pick the best platform for your online store. No matter which path you take, success starts with the right strategy and a strong commitment to your customers.

If you decide to build your store on Shopify, CartCoders can help you get started or take your site to the next level. With the right support and a clear strategy, you can turn your online business idea into real results. Reach out to us to start building or improving your online store today.