For a small business starting to sell online, the choice usually comes down to two platforms — WooCommerce and Shopify. Both work well, but take a different approach to cost, control and local integrations. Here's an honest comparison for the Bulgarian market.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | WooCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | None (hosting only) | $25 – $300/month |
| Transaction fee | None (only payment processor fee) | Up to 2% without Shopify Payments |
| Data ownership | Full — your own hosting | Data lives on Shopify |
| Local couriers (Speedy, Econt) | Direct API integration | Usually via a paid app |
| Launch speed | Average | Fast |
| Flexibility for custom needs | High | Limited outside the template |
When Shopify is the right pick
Shopify suits you if you want the fastest possible launch with no technical knowledge, sell mainly outside Bulgaria (international audience, USD/EUR pricing), and don't want to think about hosting or updates at all.
When WooCommerce wins for the Bulgarian market
- Lower long-term cost — no monthly subscription, just hosting (€10–€20/mo).
- Easier Speedy/Econt integration — direct API plugins, no monthly app fees.
- Local payment methods — cash on delivery, ePay, bank transfer fit more naturally.
- Full ownership — your site and customer database are yours, not tied to a third-party platform's policy.
- Better flexibility if you have business processes beyond a standard catalogue.
See real WooCommerce pricing tiers in our store pricing article, and how to launch on a tight budget in starting a store under €1,000.
Recommendation
For over 80% of small businesses selling mainly in Bulgaria, WooCommerce works out cheaper long-term and integrates more naturally with local couriers and payment methods. Shopify makes sense mainly for international sales without local integration needs.
Not sure which platform fits your business? Get in touch for a free consultation.
