Square vs. Shopify: Oikean verkkokauppa-alustan valinta vuonna 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Square
3. Shopify
4. Conclusion
5. Sources

Introduction

In today's highly competitive e-commerce landscape, choosing the right platform is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Square and Shopify are two renowned e-commerce platforms that offer comprehensive solutions. This report aims to provide a detailed comparison of Square and Shopify, focusing on their ease of use, pricing, features, and reporting tools. By examining the key differences and advantages of each platform, businesses can make an informed decision about which one best suits their individual needs.

Square

Pricing

Square offers a range of pricing options depending on the specific hardware and software requirements. Their pricing includes the cost of hardware, and all systems come with free POS software. Here are some of the pricing options:

• Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount: $149 (iPad not included)
• Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer: $299
• Square Register two-screen system: $799

Features

Square provides a variety of features to cater to different business needs. Some of the key features include:

• Reader for magstripe: This reader connects to a smartphone via headphone jack or Lightning port and swipes magstripe credit cards.
• Reader for contactless and chip: This reader accepts chipped credit cards, contactless payments, and digital wallets.
• Square Stand: This system allows businesses to accept all types of credit cards, scan QR codes with the Square Cash App, and swivel the screen for customer use.
• Square Terminal: This handheld device accepts all credit cards and digital wallets, prints receipts, and can connect to a tablet for a second screen.
• Square Register: This two-screen system accepts all payment types, including QR codes with the Cash App.

Comparison

Square is ideal for businesses that require robust POS features and multiple credit card reader options, with less emphasis on building an online store. The pricing is based on individual hardware options, and businesses have the flexibility to choose the system that suits their requirements. However, Square's offerings may not be as suitable for businesses that prioritize e-commerce sales and seek scalability.

Shopify

Pricing

Shopify offers a range of pricing plans, each with different features and capabilities. Here are some of the pricing options:

• Shopify Basic: $29 per month
• Regular Shopify: $79 per month
• Shopify Advanced: $299 per month
• Shopify Plus: $2,000 per month

Features

Shopify provides comprehensive e-commerce solutions with a focus on online selling. Some of the key features include:

• Shopify POS Lite: This base plan allows businesses to add the "Buy" button to their website, accept credit card and digital wallet payments in person and on the go, create invoices, view financial reports, manage limited inventory for orders and products, issue gift cards, split customer bills, and create customer discounts.
• Higher-priced plans offer additional features such as scheduling local pickup and delivery, creating purchase orders, receiving low stock alerts, running inventory analysis and detailed reports, requiring manager approvals, creating custom-printed receipts, and running daily sales reports.

Comparison

Shopify is recommended for businesses that prioritize e-commerce sales and seek scalability. The platform's pricing includes both e-commerce and POS features, making it suitable for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. Shopify offers more advanced features for online stores, inventory management, and marketing compared to Square. However, businesses that do not require extensive e-commerce capabilities may find the pricing structure less favorable.

Conclusion

Both Square and Shopify are industry-leading e-commerce platforms, each with its own strengths and features. Square is well-suited for businesses that require a comprehensive POS solution with multiple credit card reader options. Their pricing is based on individual hardware options, providing flexibility for businesses. On the other hand, Shopify excels in providing a comprehensive e-commerce solution and offers scalability for businesses that prioritize online sales. Their pricing includes e-commerce and POS features, making it an all-in-one solution. Factors such as pricing, ease of use, transaction fees, and integration capabilities should be carefully considered when making a decision. Entrepreneurs should assess their specific business needs to choose the platform that aligns best with their goals and requirements.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is based on available sources and represents the information at the time of writing. Readers are advised to conduct further research and consult with Square and Shopify directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Sources

Merchant Maverick. (n.d.). Shopify vs. Square: Which Is Better for Your Business? Merchant Maverick. Retrieved from https://www.merchantmaverick.com/shopify-vs-square/

NerdWallet. (n.d.). Square vs. Shopify: Which Is Right for Your Business? NerdWallet. Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/square-vs-shopify-which-is-right-for-your-business

Forbes. (n.d.). A Comprehensive Look at Square vs. Shopify: Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform in 2023. Forbes Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/square-vs-shopify/