When it comes to choosing an e-commerce platform for your business, Square and Shopify Payments are two popular options. Both platforms offer comprehensive solutions for businesses of all sizes, but there are key differences to consider.
While both Square and Shopify offer a range of tools to help you manage your business, Shopify is primarily focused on e-commerce sales and offers more advanced features for online selling. Square, on the other hand, offers more flexibility for businesses that also sell in-person, with features like inventory management and appointment scheduling.
Shopify: Pros and Cons
When it comes to e-commerce platforms, Shopify is one of the most popular options available, but is it the right choice for your business? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using Shopify.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it easy for even the least tech-savvy users to set up and manage an online store.
- Customizable Design: With a wide range of customizable templates and themes, Shopify allows you to create a unique and professional-looking online storefront that reflects your brand.
- Scalability: Whether you’re just starting out or have a large and growing customer base, Shopify can accommodate your needs with its flexible pricing plans and ability to handle high volumes of traffic.
- App Integration: Shopify’s app store offers a wide range of third-party integrations and add-ons, allowing you to easily expand the functionality of your online store.
- Security: Shopify takes security seriously, offering SSL encryption and PCI compliance to ensure that your customers’ sensitive information is protected.
Cons:
- Cost: While Shopify offers a variety of pricing plans to fit different budgets, it can be more expensive than some other e-commerce platforms, particularly for smaller businesses.
- Transaction Fees: In addition to its monthly subscription fees, Shopify charges transaction fees for each sale made through its platform, which can add up over time.
- Limited Customization: While Shopify’s templates and themes are highly customizable, there are some limitations to what you can do with them, particularly if you’re not familiar with coding.
Overall, Shopify is a powerful and flexible e-commerce platform that can work well for businesses of all sizes, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Square: Pros and Cons
When it comes to Square, there are both pros and cons to consider. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
Pros
- Free POS app: Unlike Shopify, Square’s POS app is free to use. This can be a big plus for businesses that want to keep costs down.
- No hidden fees: With Square, you just pay processing fees at one rate of 2.6% + 10¢ for every tap, dip, or swipe. There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts to worry about.
- Easy to use: Square’s POS system is known for being user-friendly and intuitive. This can make it a great option for businesses that don’t have a lot of technical expertise.
- Customizable: Square offers a range of add-ons and integrations that can be used to customize the system to meet your specific needs. This can be a big advantage for businesses that need a high degree of flexibility.
Cons
- Limited eCommerce features: While Square does offer some eCommerce functionality, it’s not as robust as what you’ll find with Shopify. This can make it a less-than-ideal choice for businesses that rely heavily on online sales.
- Higher fees for add-ons: While Square’s basic POS app is free, you’ll need to pay for add-ons like loyalty programs and email marketing. These fees can add up quickly, making Square a more expensive option than it might seem at first.
- Limited customer support: While Square does offer customer support, it’s not available 24/7. This can be a drawback for businesses that need help outside of regular business hours.
Shopify vs Square: Features Comparison
When it comes to choosing between two payment processing solutions like Shopify and Square, it’s essential to understand their features. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the main features of both platforms and compare them side-by-side.
Point of Sale (PoS)
Shopify offers both hardware and software solutions for point-of-sale systems. The Shopify POS app is available for iOS and Android devices, and the company also offers a range of hardware, including card readers, cash drawers, and receipt printers. Square offers a similar point-of-sale system, with the Square POS app available for iOS and Android devices, and a range of hardware options, including card readers, cash registers, and barcode scanners.
Both Shopify and Square offer a range of features for their point-of-sale systems, including inventory management, customer management, and sales reporting. However, Shopify’s point-of-sale system is more geared towards eCommerce, while Square’s system is more focused on brick-and-mortar businesses.
Online Marketplace
Shopify is primarily an eCommerce platform, and as such, it offers a range of features to help merchants sell online. The platform includes a customizable online store, with a range of themes and templates available. Shopify also offers a range of marketing tools, including email marketing, social media integration, and SEO optimization.
Square, on the other hand, is more focused on in-person transactions, but it does offer an online marketplace called Square Online. The platform allows merchants to create an online store and sell products online. However, Square’s online marketplace is not as comprehensive as Shopify’s, and it lacks some of the advanced features offered by Shopify.
Email Marketing
Both Shopify and Square offer email marketing tools to help merchants reach out to their customers. Shopify’s email marketing tool is integrated into the platform, allowing merchants to create and send email campaigns directly from their Shopify account. The platform also includes a range of email templates and automation tools.
Square’s email marketing tool is available as part of its Square Marketing platform. The tool allows merchants to create and send email campaigns, as well as track their performance. However, Square’s email marketing tool is not as comprehensive as Shopify’s, and it lacks some of the advanced features offered by Shopify.
Payroll Management
Shopify and Square both offer payroll management tools to help merchants manage their employees’ pay and benefits. Shopify’s payroll management tool is integrated into the platform, allowing merchants to manage their payroll directly from their Shopify account. The platform also includes a range of features, including tax calculations and direct deposit.
Square’s payroll management tool is available as part of its Square Payroll platform. The tool allows merchants to manage their payroll, including tax calculations and direct deposit. However, Square’s payroll management tool is not as comprehensive as Shopify’s, and it lacks some of the advanced features offered by Shopify.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, both Shopify and Square have their own strengths.
Square is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it a great option for small business owners who may not have a lot of experience with technology. The Square POS app is free to use, and with processing fees at a consistent rate of 2.6% + 10¢ for every tap, dip or swipe, there are no hidden fees or long-term contracts to worry about.
Shopify, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive platform with a wider range of features and customization options. While this can make it more complex to navigate, it also means that businesses can tailor their online store to their specific needs and preferences. Shopify also offers a range of plans to suit different budgets and needs, from the basic Shopify plan at $29 per month to the advanced Shopify plan at $299 per month.
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, both Shopify and Square offer competitive options for businesses of all sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing plans for each platform:
Shopify
Shopify offers three main pricing plans: Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify. Here’s what each plan includes:
- Basic Shopify: $29/month
- Online store with unlimited products
- 2 staff accounts
- 24/7 support
- Sales channels
- Discount codes
- Free SSL certificate
- Shopify: $79/month
- All Basic Shopify features
- 5 staff accounts
- Gift cards
- Professional reports
- Advanced report builder
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month
- All Shopify features
- 15 staff accounts
- Advanced report builder
- Third-party calculated shipping rates
- Customized checkout
Square
Square offers a variety of pricing plans, including:
- Square Online Starter: Free
- Online store with unlimited products
- 2 staff accounts
- 24/7 support
- Square Online Checkout
- Square Online Performance: $29/month
- All Square Online Starter features
- Custom domain
- No Square branding
- Abandoned cart emails
- Square Online Professional: $79/month
- All Square Online Performance features
- Advanced shipping features
- Customized checkout
- Curbside pickup and local delivery
It’s important to note that Square charges a processing fee for each transaction, which varies depending on the type of transaction and the payment method used.
Overall, both Shopify and Square offer a range of pricing options to fit the needs and budget of any business. It’s important to carefully consider the features and fees of each plan before making a decision.
Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, Shopify offers a range of options to help merchants get the assistance they need. They provide 24/7 phone, email, and live chat support, as well as a help center with articles, tutorials, and guides. Additionally, Shopify has a community forum where merchants can connect with each other and share tips and advice.
In comparison, Square’s customer support is not as comprehensive as Shopify’s. They offer phone and email support, but only during limited hours. Square also has a support center with articles and guides, but it is not as extensive as Shopify’s. However, Square has been investing in improving its customer support, and they have been receiving positive feedback from merchants.
Integration Capabilities
When it comes to integration capabilities, both Shopify and Square offer a wide range of options to connect with other apps and services.
Shopify
Shopify has a vast app store with over 6,000 integrations available. These integrations cover everything from accounting and analytics to marketing and shipping. Some of the most popular integrations include:
- QuickBooks
- Mailchimp
- Google Analytics
- ShipStation
- Oberlo
In addition to third-party integrations, Shopify also has its own set of tools and features to help businesses streamline their operations. For example, Shopify POS can be integrated with the Shopify online store, allowing businesses to manage their inventory and sales from a single location.
Square
Square also has a range of integrations available, although its app store is not as extensive as Shopify’s. Some of the most popular integrations include:
- QuickBooks
- Mailchimp
- Xero
- WooCommerce
- Bigcommerce
Square also offers its own set of tools and features to help businesses manage their operations. For example, Square POS can be integrated with Square Online Store, allowing businesses to manage their inventory and sales across multiple channels.
User Reviews
When it comes to choosing between Shopify and Square, user reviews can be a valuable source of information. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and hearing from other business owners who have used them can help you make an informed decision.
Looking at user reviews for both Shopify and Square, we found that both platforms have a mix of positive and negative feedback. Here are some common themes we noticed:
Shopify User Reviews
- Many users praised Shopify’s ease of use and intuitive interface, especially for those who are new to ecommerce.
- Some users mentioned that Shopify’s customer support was helpful and responsive.
- However, some users expressed frustration with Shopify’s reliance on third-party apps for certain features, which can add to the overall cost of using the platform.
- Others mentioned that Shopify’s transaction fees can add up, especially for businesses with high sales volumes.
Square User Reviews
- Many users praised Square’s payment processing capabilities and the ability to accept payments in person and online.
- Some users mentioned that Square’s pricing was transparent and easy to understand.
- However, some users expressed frustration with Square’s customer support, citing long wait times and unhelpful responses.
- Others mentioned that Square’s hardware can be expensive, especially for businesses just starting out.
Overall, it’s important to consider both the positive and negative feedback when choosing between Shopify and Square. While both platforms have their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to what features and capabilities are most important for your business.
Conclusion
After comparing the features, pricing, and overall usability of Shopify and Square, we can confidently say that both platforms offer unique benefits to business owners.
Shopify is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a comprehensive e-commerce platform with a wide range of features and customization options. On the other hand, Square is an ideal option for small businesses and those who are just starting out. It offers a free basic POS system, making it an affordable choice for those on a tight budget.
Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and Square will depend on your specific business needs. We recommend carefully considering your budget, business size, and long-term goals before making a decision. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose the platform that will best support your business growth and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is better for dropshipping, Shopify or Square?
Both Shopify and Square have features that can be useful for dropshipping businesses. However, Shopify has more extensive features for dropshipping, including integrations with popular dropshipping apps and platforms. Additionally, Shopify has a wider range of product management tools and better shipping and fulfillment options.
What are the differences in fees between Shopify and Square?
Shopify charges a monthly fee for their services, with additional transaction fees for credit card processing. Square, on the other hand, charges a lower transaction fee but has higher fees for hardware and additional services. It is important to compare the fees of each platform based on your specific business needs.
Is Square POS better than Shopify POS?
Square POS and Shopify POS both offer similar features for point-of-sale transactions. However, Square POS is better suited for businesses with a high volume of in-person transactions, while Shopify POS is more focused on e-commerce and online sales.
What are the benefits of switching from Square to Shopify?
Switching from Square to Shopify can offer a wider range of features and integrations for e-commerce businesses, as well as better shipping and fulfillment options. Additionally, Shopify offers more extensive marketing and sales tools, such as abandoned cart recovery and discount codes.
Which platform is easier to use, Shopify or Square?
Both Shopify and Square offer user-friendly interfaces and are relatively easy to use. However, Shopify has more extensive documentation and support resources available, making it easier for new users to get started. Additionally, Shopify has a wider range of integrations and apps available, allowing businesses to customize their platform to their specific needs.
