SHOPIFY: THE UNDISPUTED E-COMMERCE LEADER OVER NEWCOMER NETO

Online shopping is ubiquitous, yet choosing the right e-commerce platform remains challenging due to the fast-evolving nature of technology. We've examined various new e-commerce platforms over time, and today we’re comparing the latest entrant, Neto, with the current frontrunner, Shopify.

Before diving into Neto, we always recommend auditing your business needs first. This ensures you choose software that fits your business, enhances revenue, and offers the flexibility and scalability needed for online success.

NETO

Neto is an Australian-hosted e-commerce platform tailored for business owners. It offers a complete B2B and multi-channel solution with features like order and inventory management and point-of-sale integration. Neto aims to centralize business operations in one hub, making it easier for multi-channel vendors to scale and automate back-end processes.

Cloud-based, Neto ensures that stock records, contact lists, and inventory data are updated in real-time. It’s reasonably priced and easy to configure, making it a notable player in the e-commerce market. However, it’s relatively new and still gaining traction.

SHOPIFY: A REFRESHER

Shopify, the globally dominant e-commerce platform, has been the choice of over one million stores since its 2004 launch. Shopify is ideal for beginners, requiring no coding or web design experience. Its drag-and-drop website builder and numerous themes allow you to launch an online store quickly. Shopify’s extensive range of third-party plugins enhances sales performance and content marketing.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING AN E-COMMERCE PLATFORM

When choosing an e-commerce platform, consider the following:

• Overall business operations (shipping, purchasing, etc.)
• Finance
• Customer profile/needs/marketing
• Future business pathways/targets
• Costs

NETO VS. SHOPIFY

Here’s a summary of the key differences between Neto and Shopify:

• Costs: Shopify’s basic plan is A$50 cheaper at A$29 per month. Neto, though comprehensive, incurs extra fees for Amazon business.
• Size: Shopify serves over one million businesses, showcasing significant expertise. Neto, being newer, serves around 3,000 businesses.
• Functionality: Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface, while Neto’s system can be more complex.
• Shipping: Shopify supports vendors in about 175 countries, far surpassing Neto’s limited reach.
• Payment options: Shopify offers 100 payment providers compared to Neto’s 10.
• Order management: Neto allows order changes through its main platform, whereas Shopify requires an app integration.
• Themes: Shopify offers over 100 themes, while Neto provides around 40.
• Customissation: Shopify allows HTML editing of source code themes, making it easier for those without extensive tech knowledge. Neto requires more advanced tech skills.
• Apps: Shopify has thousands of apps compared to Neto’s 90.
• Customer support: Shopify offers 24/7 support, whereas Neto’s support is limited to email and phone.

WHICH IS BETTER FOR DIFFERENT-SIZED BUSINESSES?

Smaller Brands

For smaller brands aiming to grow, Shopify’s multi-channel capacity and global reach are advantageous. Its ability to handle significant traffic during peak times like Black Friday ensures business continuity. The Basic Shopify plan at $29, even with additional apps, offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to Neto’s plans.

Medium-to-Larger Businesses

Shopify excels with features like Shopify Scripts and over 1,000 third-party solutions, allowing for extensive customisation and business process optimization. Neto, with fewer apps, can’t match Shopify’s versatility.

Mega Large Businesses

For large businesses expecting significant growth, Shopify’s expertise, serving over one million stores, is unmatched. It handles heavy traffic seamlessly, making it ideal for businesses during peak periods. Shopify Plus serves major brands like Koala Furniture and Nude By Nature, emphasizing its reliability.

THE VERDICT

Both Neto and Shopify are excellent e-commerce platforms. However, Shopify stands out with its extensive features, flexibility, and robust customer support. Its proven track record with globally trusted brands makes it the superior choice for businesses aiming for rapid growth. Neto, though promising, still has room to grow. We’ll revisit this comparison in a few years to see how the landscape evolves, but for now, Shopify remains the clear winner.