Choosing an e-commerce platform is one of the biggest decisions when you start selling online. For most New Zealand businesses it comes down to two options: Shopify and WooCommerce. Both are good. They suit different businesses.
The short answer
- Choose Shopify if you want a reliable store that’s easy to run, without managing hosting, security or plugin updates.
- Choose WooCommerce if you already run WordPress, need unusual customisation, or want your store hosted on a New Zealand server.
Side-by-side comparison
| Shopify | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hosted e-commerce platform | Plugin for WordPress |
| Hosting | Included | You arrange it (NZ hosting possible) |
| Security and updates | Handled for you | Your responsibility |
| Ease of use | Very easy day to day | More to learn and maintain |
| Monthly cost | Plan fee plus apps | Hosting plus paid plugins |
| Customisation | Wide, within Shopify’s structure | Almost unlimited |
| Payments | Shopify Payments and others | Many gateways via plugins |
Running costs
Shopify charges a monthly plan fee, and many stores add paid apps. WooCommerce itself is free, but you pay for hosting, premium plugins and someone to keep everything updated. Compare total yearly cost including your time, not just the headline subscription.
Maintenance and security
This is where the two differ most. Shopify handles hosting, security and platform updates. With WooCommerce you (or your developer) keep WordPress, themes and plugins up to date. Outdated plugins are a common way sites get compromised.
GST and selling to Australia
Both platforms can be set up for:
- 15% NZ GST, with GST-inclusive pricing.
- Zero-rated exports for overseas orders.
- Australian customers, with shipping zones and the right currency.
Getting these settings right matters for your accounts. If you use Xero, read how to connect Shopify to Xero and get GST right.
Our recommendation for most NZ retailers
For a small or growing retailer without a developer on staff, Shopify is usually the lower-effort choice. It lets you focus on products and customers rather than servers and plugins. WooCommerce remains a strong option when you need the flexibility.
Whichever you choose, a store succeeds on the same basics: fast pages on mobile, clear product information, simple checkout, and orders that flow straight into your accounts.
Planning an online store? We set up and configure Shopify stores properly, including payments, shipping, GST and Xero. See our online store development service, or read how much a website costs in NZ.
