Shopify vs Amazon: Which one to choose in 2025?

Choosing between Shopify vs Amazon is one of the most important decisions for entrepreneurs looking to launch their online business. Both platforms are market leaders, but offer very different solutions .

If you are considering starting your online business or migrating your current store, it is crucial to understand which one best suits your goals . Migraciones.io is an excellent option for those looking to make this transition hassle-free.

Learn the main differences between Shopify vs Amazon

While both platforms make it easy to sell online , they have different approaches . Shopify is great for creating a custom store , while Amazon offers access to a massive audience . Let’s take a deeper look at what each option offers.

What is Shopify and how does it work?

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to create their own online store . It offers an intuitive interface, customization options, marketing tools, and inventory management . It's perfect for those who want to have complete control over their brand and store .

With Shopify, you can design your online store using customizable templates or develop a design from scratch with the help of developers. Plus, the platform includes options to integrate multiple payment gateways, SEO tools, and apps to automate tasks. For example, you can sync your sales with tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Ads.

What is Amazon and how does it work?

Amazon is a global marketplace where sellers can list their products alongside millions of items from third parties . With its Fulfillment by Amazon ( FBA ) program, sellers can use Amazon's logistics infrastructure to manage shipping and returns. However, this comes with certain limitations in terms of brand control.

Amazon FBA allows sellers to delegate logistics, including warehousing, shipping, and customer service. This greatly simplifies the process, but it also means giving up some control and paying significant commissions. Additionally, Amazon takes care of positioning your products on its platform, although you will also be competing directly with other sellers offering similar products.

Advantages and disadvantages of selling on Shopify

Benefits of selling on Shopify

  • Complete control over your store : From design to marketing strategies, you can manage every aspect of your business. This allows you to build a unique and recognizable brand.
  • No direct competition : Your customers will not see products from competitors on your page. This is ideal for building customer loyalty.
  • Scalability : Shopify supports businesses of any size, from startups to large enterprises. Shopify Plus is a solution for businesses with high demands.
  • Advanced Integrations : You can connect tools like Mailchimp, Zapier or Klaviyo to automate marketing processes and increase your sales.

Disadvantages of selling on Shopify

  • Promotion on your own : There is no existing audience like in a marketplace. This means investing time and money in customer acquisition strategies.
  • Additional costs : You need to invest in apps or plugins to customize your store. Some advanced features have a monthly cost.
  • Learning Curve : While easy to use, setting up a fully optimized store may require some technical expertise.

Advantages and disadvantages of selling on Amazon

Benefits of selling on Amazon

  • Access to millions of potential customers : Visibility on Amazon is unmatched. You can benefit from the massive traffic the platform already has.
  • Efficient logistics : With Amazon FBA , you can delegate shipping and returns, reducing the operational burden on your business.
  • Instant credibility : Buyers trust Amazon as a marketplace, making conversions easy.
  • Internal advertising tools : Amazon Ads allows you to highlight your products to gain visibility against other sellers.

Disadvantages of selling on Amazon

  • High commissions : Depending on the category, fees can be significant and reduce your profit margin.
  • Lack of customization : You can't build a strong brand in a shared environment where Amazon controls the design of product listings.
  • Intense competition : You may be competing directly with other sellers or Amazon. This can lead to price wars.

Comparison between Shopify and Amazon

Prices and commissions

Fees for selling on Shopify

Shopify has monthly plans ranging from €29 for small businesses to €2,300 for larger, more demanding stores. Transaction fees apply if you don't use Shopify Payments. App and add-on costs can also add up.

Amazon FBA Fees

Amazon charges a subscription fee (€39.99/month for professional accounts) and a commission for each sale, which can vary between 6% and 45% depending on the product category. In addition, storage and logistics costs must also be taken into account.

Ease of use

How to use Shopify?

Shopify stands out for its simplicity. Anyone, even without technical experience, can create a functional store in a matter of hours. The interface is intuitive, and the platform has tutorials and guides that make the process easy.

Amazon Usability

While listing products on Amazon is relatively easy, inventory management, pricing, and positioning strategies may require more experience. It's a platform with a lot of rules, which can make the learning curve more complicated.

Shipping and delivery options

Logistics management in Shopify

Shopify allows you to integrate shipping providers and manage everything from a centralized dashboard . This offers complete flexibility . For example, you can work with companies like DHL, FedEx, or local shipping depending on your needs.

Shipping and Fulfillment on Amazon FBA

With FBA, Amazon handles storage, shipping, and customer service. While it simplifies operations, it reduces seller control. It's a great option for those looking to save time, but you must be willing to pay the associated fees.

Support and customer service

Customer Service at Shopify

Shopify offers 24/7 support and an active community of users. They also provide educational resources, such as forums and tutorials, to help resolve common questions.

Customer Service on Amazon

Amazon does have support for sellers, but responses may be slower due to the volume of users. Sellers must adapt to their strict service policies.

Is it possible to use Shopify and Amazon at the same time?

Of course! Many businesses use both platforms. For example, you can use Shopify as your main store and list some products on Amazon to attract new customers . This strategy allows you to diversify your sales channels and increase your revenue.

Shopify vs Amazon: Success stories and practical examples

A notable example is brands like Gymshark, which uses Shopify for its main store and custom marketing strategies. Additionally, small businesses have achieved huge sales on Amazon thanks to the FBA program. These stories prove that both platforms can be effective depending on your goals .

If you're considering migrating your store to Shopify, we invite you to explore our Shopify migration services. Take advantage of the complete control that this platform offers to take your business to the next level.