Shopify
The dominant e-commerce platform: using it well, leaving it cleanly.
Shopify has become the e-commerce standard for most SMBs: fast deployment, huge app ecosystem, integrated payment, transparent hosting. For most stores under €100k revenue, it's the right choice. But Shopify also has a hidden cost that becomes visible as your revenue grows, and one day, the 'stay or leave' question comes up.
My take on Shopify: it's the tool I recommend as long as your catalog stays simple and your revenue moderate.
You gain fast deployment, a clean editorial admin and an app ecosystem covering most standard needs. But as soon as you stack 5+ paid monthly apps, your business logic hits platform limits (B2B with negotiated pricing, configurators, complex subscriptions), or your revenue exceeds €1M, commissions and constraints become a real drag on your margin.
At that point, Next.js + Stripe + PostgreSQL hands you back full control at managed cost. Migrating later costs more: better to plan the exit before it becomes urgent.
- →Simple to moderate e-commerce: 1 to 500 products, basic cart
- →Non-technical team that must be able to manage the catalog
- →Fast launch desired: online in 1 to 2 weeks
- →Revenue up to €500k-€1M depending on complexity
- ×More than €100/month in cumulative Shopify apps
- ×Complex business logic stuck within platform limits
- ×Specific catalog: B2B, configurators, complex subscriptions
- ×Need to regain full control over data and SEO
- →Next.js + Stripe + PostgreSQLFull control, no platform limitationsView page
- →MedusaOpen-source headless commerce: modern Shopify alternativeView page
- →Shopify HydrogenStay on Shopify back-office and rebuild a fast custom front
- →WooCommerceIf you already run WordPress and simplicity mattersView page
- 01
Audit of actual needs: is Shopify enough for the next 2-3 years?
- 02
Clean configuration: customized Liquid templates rather than a plugin stack
- 03
When migrating: full catalog and order history export, rebuild on Next.js + Stripe + PostgreSQL
- 04
Transitional sync possible: Shopify kept in parallel during migration
When does Shopify become too limiting?
When you accumulate 5+ monthly paid apps, when your business logic (configurators, B2B with negotiated pricing, complex subscriptions) bumps into platform limits, or when revenue exceeds €1M and Shopify commissions weigh seriously on margin. At that point, a custom stack becomes more economical.How much does it cost to migrate from Shopify to a custom stack?
For a store with a medium catalog (100-500 products), expect €8,000 to €20,000 to rebuild on Next.js + Stripe + PostgreSQL. ROI is measured on avoided Shopify app savings (often €200-500/month) and freedom from platform limitations.Will my data and order history survive the migration?
Yes. Shopify exposes its API to fully export catalog, orders, customers and history. Data is imported into the new database with rigorous mapping. No loss of customer base or transaction history. That's precisely the goal of a properly done migration.How do I migrate without losing sales during transition?
Shopify stays live during the build of the new platform. Once the new version is tested and validated, DNS cutover on a weekend, with 301 redirects on all old URLs. No visible interruption for visitors, and sync possible for a few weeks if needed.What if I want to stay on Shopify but optimize it?
Totally valid. Many Shopify stores are weighed down by redundant third-party apps or poorly optimized themes. An audit plus clean Liquid theme refactor, removal of unnecessary apps, image and technical SEO optimization can often restore the store to a correct performance level without changing platform.
A project involving Shopify?
Describe your context: I'll suggest the right level of investment.
First callLet's talk aboutyour project.
Describe your need in a few lines. Reply within 24h to plan next steps, detailed quote within 48h.
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