StoreStudio vs Shopify
A WhatsApp-first Shopify alternative for Indian small businesses
Shopify is a powerful global checkout platform built for brands running ads, inventory and shipping at scale. StoreStudio is built for the shop owner in Kochi, Kozhikode or Coimbatore who wants a beautiful product catalog customers can order from on WhatsApp — without learning a website builder.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | StoreStudio | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | ₹199/month (₹1,999/year) | From ₹1,499/month billed yearly (Basic); higher on monthly billing |
| Free trial | 30 days, no card needed | Short trial, then a low-cost intro period |
| Commission on sales | 0% — customers pay you directly | Up to 2% when using a third-party payment gateway |
| WhatsApp ordering | Built in on every product | Through third-party apps |
| Setup time | About 2 minutes | Hours — themes, apps, payments, shipping |
| Your own shop link | storestudio.in/business/your-shop | yourshop.myshopify.com or a paid domain |
| Products included | Up to 100 (₹50/year per 10 extra) | Unlimited |
| Online checkout & shipping | No — you take payment by UPI, cash or bank transfer | Yes, full cart and checkout |
Shopify details are based on publicly listed information as of October 2026 and may change — check Shopify's website for current pricing.
Choose StoreStudio if…
- You sell mostly through WhatsApp, Instagram or walk-in customers
- You want a shareable catalog live today, not a website project
- You prefer UPI / cash on delivery and don't want a payment gateway cut
- A ₹1,500+ monthly bill is hard to justify for your order volume
Choose Shopify if…
- You need a full shopping cart with online card payments
- You ship nationally at high volume and need inventory and shipping integrations
- You need a large app ecosystem (email marketing, subscriptions, reviews)
Frequently asked questions
Is StoreStudio a good Shopify alternative in India?
For small and local businesses that sell through WhatsApp, yes. StoreStudio costs ₹199/month (₹1,999/year) with 0% commission, versus Shopify's Basic plan from about ₹1,499/month billed yearly. If you need online checkout and shipping integrations, Shopify is the better fit.
Does StoreStudio take a commission like Shopify?
No. StoreStudio charges 0% commission. Customers contact you on WhatsApp or phone and pay you directly by UPI, cash or bank transfer.
Can I move from Shopify to StoreStudio?
Yes. Create a free StoreStudio shop, add your products (up to 100 on any plan) and share your new storestudio.in link. The 30-day free trial needs no credit card.